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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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But it should do

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "But it should do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is sufficient or acceptable, even if it may not be perfect. Example: "The presentation isn't exactly what I envisioned, but it should do for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But it should do more than that.

News & Media

The Guardian

But it should do two things.

But it should do the same for Early Head Start and home visiting programs.

News & Media

The New York Times

But it should do just fine with a little more mollycoddling.

News & Media

The New York Times

But it should do so in a systemic fashion that truly eliminates the act's retroactive provisions.

News & Media

The New York Times

But it should do so because that is the responsibility of the Senate, not as a concession to an irresponsible threat made by the House.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Coffee came with the cutest petits fours, but then, so it should do at that price.

But that's what it should do.

News & Media

The Guardian

That principle is rather ugly, but it does what it should do.

Science

SEP

Much more research needs to be done, but it should be done quickly.

News & Media

Huffington Post

"This has primarily been done for institutional clients, but it should be done more for individual clients," says Grunfeld.

News & Media

Forbes
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using ""But it should do"", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable, ""But it should do"" can sound informal in certain contexts. In formal writing, consider stronger, more precise alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase ""But it should do"" functions as a transitional conjunction phrase, introducing a contrast or qualification to a preceding statement. It suggests that while something might not be perfect or ideal, it is still adequate or sufficient for the intended purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, ""But it should do"" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for expressing that something is sufficient, even if not ideal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the real-world Examples illustrate its application across various contexts, including news and media, science, and formal business. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the audience and context, opting for more formal alternatives in certain professional or academic settings. Remember to avoid overuse and ensure clarity by clearly defining 'it' in your sentences.

FAQs

How can I use "But it should do" in a sentence?

Use ""But it should do"" to express that something is adequate or sufficient for a specific purpose, even if it's not ideal. For instance: "The makeshift tool isn't perfect, but it should do for this task."

What can I say instead of "But it should do"?

You can use alternatives like "it will suffice", "it should be adequate", or "it will be enough" depending on the context.

Is "But it should do" grammatically correct?

Yes, ""But it should do"" is grammatically correct. It uses 'but' as a conjunction to introduce a contrast, 'it' as a pronoun referring to something previously mentioned, 'should' as an auxiliary verb indicating expectation or suitability, and 'do' as a verb implying performance or action.

What's the difference between "But it should do" and "But it should be done"?

""But it should do"" implies that something, as it is, will suffice or perform adequately. ""But it should be done"" emphasizes that an action needs to be completed. The former focuses on current capability, while the latter stresses the necessity of completion.

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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: