10 Synonyms for “To Do So”

This article lists ten alternatives to the phrase “to do so,” perfect for professional settings. Each option is explained, showing how it compares to the original phrase and when it’s best used, along with a short email example.

Is It Professional to Say “To Do So”?

Yes, using the phrase “to do so” is considered professional, formal, and polite. It’s a versatile phrase that allows you to refer back to something mentioned earlier without repeating yourself.

We recommend it for use with colleagues, clients, and in professional correspondence. It works across various communication channels, including emails, letters, and in-person discussions.

Email example:

Hi Richard,

I need you to approve the updated budget before we can proceed with the project. To do so, please review the latest figures I sent earlier and let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Catherine

Pros:

• It keeps the message clear and concise.
• Enhances the professionalism of your communication.
• Prevents repetition by elegantly referring back to a previous point.

Cons:

• May sound too formal in casual conversations or communications.
• Can be vague if the reference point isn’t clear to the recipient.

While “to do so” is broadly acceptable and useful, you might consider an alternative phrase to add variety to your writing or to make your language more specific in certain contexts.

10 Other Ways to Say “To Do So”

Here are ten alternative phrases synonymous with “to do so” that are perfect for professional emails and workplace environments:

1. To accomplish this

Compared to “to do so”, “to accomplish this” brings a sense of achievement and finality. It suggests that an action will not just be attempted but completed successfully. This alternative is especially professional and formal, making it great for workplace emails where you want to underline the importance of not just starting, but completing a task.

If you are setting tasks or goals in a professional email, we recommend using “to accomplish this”. It is perfect for communicating with colleagues or clients about completing tasks or projects. This phrase works well in emails and professional reports.

Example:

Dear Rachel,

Please review the attached report by tomorrow. To accomplish this, you may need to prioritize it over other tasks.

Kind regards,
Mark

2. To achieve this

“To achieve this” is similar to “to do so” in its function but carries an emphasis on success and achieving specific goals. It has a motivational tone, which makes it less formal but still very professional and polite. This phrase is well-suited for messages that aim to inspire action or convey the importance of reaching a goal.

This option is better for communications where you wish to emphasize the achievement of goals or objectives. It’s perfect for emails to team members or project collaborators, especially when motivating them towards a common goal.

Example:

Dear Team,

As we push towards our quarterly targets, to achieve this, everyone's effort is needed more than ever.

Best,
Jennifer

3. To make it happen

“To make it happen” is an alternative to “to do so” that brings an informal yet highly motivational tone. It suggests taking whatever measures necessary to achieve a goal, making it less formal but still suitable for professional use in the right context. It’s best used when you want to inspire action and commitment.

We recommend this phrase for internal communications, especially when encouraging your team or department to overcome challenges. It’s best suited for emails, messages, or in team meeting scenarios.

Example:

Hello David,

We need to finalize the event schedule by tomorrow. To make it happen, please confirm the speaker lineup and send me the updated list by end of day.

Thanks,
Rebecca

4. To proceed

This synonym of “to do so” carries a formal and professional nuance. It simply instructs to move forward with a particular action or task. “To proceed” is excellent for instructions or steps that need to be followed in a methodical manner.

It is particularly effective in emails or documents that provide instructions or next steps. It suits communications with colleagues or clients where clear direction is required.

Example:

Hi Sarah,

We need your approval on the latest project plan by Friday. To proceed, please review the attached documents and let me know if everything looks good.

Best regards,
Peter

5. To carry this out

Compared to “to do so”, “to carry this out” emphasizes the action of performing or executing a task. It is both formal and professional, suitable for workplace emails where specific tasks need to be highlighted.

This phrase is ideal for instruction-based messages or when delegating tasks. It’s perfect for emails to subordinates, project updates, or in any professional setting where tasks are assigned.

Example:

Hi Karen,

We need to update the customer database with the latest information. To carry this out, please coordinate with the IT team and ensure the backup is complete before making any changes.

Thanks,
Edward

6. To implement this

“To implement this” is a professional and formal alternative to “to do so” that suggests putting plans, decisions, or policies into effect. It is particularly useful in contexts where strategies or changes are being discussed.

When laying out plans that need to be actualized, especially in strategic meetings or planning sessions, we recommend using this phrase. It’s suited for emails, memos, and business proposals.

Example:

Dear Helen,

We've decided to upgrade our software system next month. To implement this, we need to start training sessions soon.

Regards,
Tom

7. To execute this

“To execute this” closely matches “to do so” in its call to action but carries a stronger connotation of performing a task with precision and authority. It is both professional and formal, suited for communications that discuss executing plans or strategies crisply.

This phrase is optimal for use in contexts where there’s a need to stress the importance of carrying out actions effectively and efficiently. It’s ideal for formal reports, strategic emails, and project plans.

Example:

Dear Team,

The marketing campaign launches next week. To execute this, we need to finalize all materials by this Friday.

Warm regards,
Lisa

8. To take this action

“To take this action” is a straightforward and professional way of indicating that a specific action needs to be taken. It’s slightly more formal and direct, making it suitable for professional settings.

It’s particularly useful in directive communications, where explicit instructions are given. Great for use in managerial emails, formal requests, or when outlining steps that need to be taken in a project or procedure.

Example:

Hi Jason,

We're updating our compliance policies, and we need you to review the latest guidelines. To take this action, please check the attached document and let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Laura

9. To move forward

“To move forward” is an alternative that emphasizes progression or continuation from the current point. It is less formal but remains professional and polite, making it versatile for various professional communications.

This phrase is especially fitting for messages or emails that aim to progress a project, discussion, or decision. It encourages progression and is fitting for use with colleagues or clients to transition to the next steps or stages.

Example:

Dear Team,

We've received positive feedback on our proposal. To move forward, let's prepare a detailed project plan.

Regards,
Olivia

10. To undertake this

“To undertake this” is a professional and formal synonym of “to do so” that suggests a commitment to beginning and carrying out a task or project. It conveys a sense of responsibility and dedication.

This alternative is best for communications that are intended to instigate the start of a significant project or task. It’s ideal for formal announcements, project kick-off emails, or in proposal documents.

Example:

Hello Christine,

We're planning to reorganize the office layout to improve efficiency. To undertake this, we'll need you to coordinate with the facilities team and ensure the new design meets safety regulations.

Thanks for your help,
Patrick

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right words in professional emails can make a big difference. The ten alternatives to “to do so” we’ve explored offer various ways to convey your message clearly and effectively. By understanding how and when to use these alternatives, you can communicate more precisely.