that will do

USAGE SUMMARY

"that will do" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used when someone wants to indicate that something is satisfactory or acceptable, or that a task is completed. For example: "I think two coats of paint should be enough - that will do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ah, that will do the trick.

The New Yorker

For me, that will do.

The Guardian - Opinion

A lot of good that will do!

Columbia University

I'll find a girl that will do what I want!

The New Yorker

a ConverterXXX object that will do the actual converting.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I'm proposing a jobs plan that will do that.

University of California, Berkeley

That's the only finale that will do here, too.

The New Yorker

Broncos 35-28 Chiefs And that will do it!

The Guardian - Sport

There is nothing that will do lasting damage.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What that will do to the coalition is anybody's guess.

The Guardian

This is the image that will do it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that will do" to indicate that something meets the necessary requirements or standards, especially when concluding a task or discussion.

Common error

While "that will do" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise or sophisticated language might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "that suffices" or "that is sufficient".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that will do" primarily functions as an interjection or statement expressing satisfaction, acceptance, or completion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to indicate that something is satisfactory or that a task is finished. Examples across various sources illustrate this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that will do" is a common and acceptable expression used to indicate satisfaction, completion, or acceptance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for neutral to informal situations, more formal settings might benefit from more precise alternatives. The phrase functions primarily as an interjection or statement of approval, signaling that a requirement has been met or an action is sufficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that suffices

Replaces 'will do' with a more formal term, indicating adequacy.

that's adequate

Uses an adjective to convey sufficient quality or quantity.

that's enough

Indicates a limit has been reached, suitable for a 'stopping point'.

that's acceptable

Emphasizes the permissibility or approval of something.

that's satisfactory

Highlights the fulfillment of a requirement or expectation.

that's sufficient

Similar to 'adequate', but can also imply fulfilling a need.

that fits the bill

Uses an idiom to suggest something meets the required criteria.

that works

Simple and direct, meaning something is effective or suitable.

that's all that's needed

Emphasizes that no more is required, focusing on completion.

that settles it

Indicates a final decision or resolution has been made.

FAQs

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

You can use "that will do" to express satisfaction with something, signal completion, or indicate acceptance. For example, "Two coats of paint should be enough; that will do."

What are some alternatives to "that will do"?

Alternatives include "that suffices", "that's adequate", or "that's enough", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "that will do"?

"That will do" is appropriate in informal and neutral contexts to indicate that something is sufficient or acceptable. Avoid it in highly formal or academic writing.

Is "that'll do" the same as "that will do"?

Yes, "that'll do" is a contraction of "that will do" and carries the same meaning. The choice between the two depends on the desired level of formality and the overall tone of the writing.