any will do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "any will do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that any option or choice is acceptable or sufficient. Example: "I don't have a preference for the flavor of ice cream; any will do as long as it's cold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

He doesn't have a pet mascara -- "any will do" -- but prefers comb applicators to wands.

The New York Times

12) Murdoch (any will do).

The Guardian

This is the coconut oil I favour, but any will do.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

First they must pick an enemy (any will do), but his cousin, the lanky king, is nearby and therefore convenient.

The New York Times - Books

We can't sing the praises of fresh herbs enough as they really lift dishes – and frankly any will do.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Just about any will do: the key is to decide how long you will yield to it, then to let it take over.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Any color will do… any color will do".

TechCrunch

Any season will do.

The New York Times - Arts

Any card will do.

The New York Times

Any crowd will do.

The New Yorker

Any goal will do".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "any will do" when you want to clearly communicate that the specific choice is unimportant and that any available option will satisfy the requirement. This avoids unnecessary deliberation or overthinking.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, avoid using "any will do" in highly formal or professional settings. Opt for more precise language that reflects careful consideration, such as "either option is suitable" or "any of the proposed solutions are acceptable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "any will do" functions as an elliptical clause or phrase, primarily serving as a predicate. It implies a sense of indifference or acceptance toward various options, suggesting that the choice is immaterial. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "any will do" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that any option is acceptable. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While its register leans towards neutral, it might not be the best fit for formal settings, as more specific language could be preferred. It functions primarily to express a lack of preference and simplify decision-making. When writing, consider alternatives like "any option is fine" or "either is okay" depending on the specific context. The most frequent contexts in which the phrase is found are news media and wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

any option is fine

Replaces "will do" with a more direct statement of acceptability.

any is acceptable

Shortens the phrase while retaining the same core meaning.

any suffices

Uses a more formal term ("suffices") to indicate adequacy.

either is okay

Specifically addresses a binary choice, implying both are acceptable.

it doesn't matter which

Highlights the lack of preference or importance in the choice.

the choice is immaterial

Emphasizes that the decision has no significant impact.

all are equally good

Suggests that there's no discernible difference in quality or suitability among the options.

anything is suitable

Indicates a broad range of acceptable choices.

whatever works

Focuses on functionality and effectiveness, rather than preference.

no preference

A concise expression indicating the absence of a favored option.

FAQs

How can I use "any will do" in a sentence?

You can use "any will do" when you want to express that any available option is suitable. For example, "I don't mind which dessert we order; "any will do"".

What are some alternatives to saying "any will do"?

Some alternatives to "any will do" include "any option is fine", "either is okay", or "no preference", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "any will do"?

While "any will do" is grammatically correct and commonly understood, it may not be suitable for formal or professional contexts where more precise language is expected. Consider your audience and the tone of the communication.

What does "any will do" imply?

"Any will do" implies that there is no significant difference between the available options, and that the speaker or writer does not have a preference. It suggests that the specific choice is unimportant and that any option will suffice.