it be done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it be done" is not correct in standard written English.
It is an incorrect form and does not convey a clear meaning in contemporary usage. Example: "Once the project is approved, it be done by the end of the week."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can it be done?

The Economist

How could it be done?

The Economist

Will it be done?

The Guardian

Can it be done without them?

The Economist

I demand that it be done now".

The New Yorker

Why should it be done?

The New York Times - Books

"Can it be done?" he asked rhetorically.

The New York Times

And when should it be done?

The New York Times

The question is, can it be done?

The Guardian - Tech

Plus, could it be done in secret?

The New Yorker

"How will it be done?" he continued.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "it be done" in modern English writing. Opt for clearer alternatives such as "it will be done" or "it shall be done" for future actions, or "it is done" for completed actions.

Common error

Do not use "it be done" in contemporary contexts. This phrasing sounds archaic and can confuse readers. Instead, use modern verb tenses and constructions to convey your intended meaning effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it be done" functions as a declarative statement expressing a desired outcome or acceptance of a situation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not considered correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while examples of the phrase "it be done" exist in various sources, Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect in modern standard English. Its function is to express acceptance or determination, but its archaic tone makes it unsuitable for contemporary writing. Alternatives such as "it will be done" or "so be it" are generally preferred for clarity and correctness. The phrase occurs mostly in News & Media sources, but its infrequent usage suggests caution. Therefore, writers should consider more common and grammatically sound alternatives for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it shall be done

Emphasizes a future action with a sense of inevitability or decree.

it will be done

Expresses a future action or completion without the archaic tone.

let it be so

Expresses acceptance or resignation to a situation or outcome.

so be it

Similar to "let it be so", indicating acceptance or agreement, often with a sense of finality.

may it be so

Expresses a wish or hope for a particular outcome to occur.

thy will be done

A religious expression indicating submission to a higher power's plan.

it is to be done

Highlights the necessity or obligation of completing an action.

it must be done

Emphasizes the necessity or requirement for an action to be completed.

it is completed

Indicates the action is finished and finalized.

it is finished

Implies the action has come to an end.

FAQs

What does "it be done" mean?

The phrase "it be done" is an archaic construction that is rarely used in modern English. It generally conveys a sense of acceptance or inevitability, similar to saying "so be it" or "let it be".

How can I use "it be done" in a sentence correctly?

In modern English, it's generally best to avoid using "it be done". Instead, opt for clearer alternatives like "it will be done" or "it shall be done" depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "it be done"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "it be done" include "it is done", "it will be done", "so be it", or "let it be". Each alternative conveys a slightly different nuance.

Is "it be done" grammatically correct?

While not grammatically correct in modern standard English, the phrase "it be done" may be encountered in older texts or specific dialects. In contemporary writing, it is generally considered incorrect.