things to be done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things to be done" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to duties, tasks, or obligations that are needed to be taken care of. For example, "The company had a long list of things to be done in order to complete the project before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Some other things to be done?

The New York Times - Books

There were other things to be done.

The Guardian

We still have left some things to be done.

Yale University

"There's a lot of things to be done.

The New Yorker

"But it requires other things to be done.

The New York Times

Or – no – expecting things to be done for you.

The Guardian - Music

I have ways that I want things to be done.

The Guardian - Sport

Well, and then there's lots of other things to be done.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So from that perspective, I think there are things to be done.

Cornell University

Nation-building and even peacekeeping were things to be done on the cheap.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They've more important things to be doing.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "things to be done", ensure the context clearly indicates who is responsible for performing the actions. This avoids ambiguity and ensures tasks are assigned effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "things to be done" excessively in contexts where active voice would be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The report has things to be done", try "The report requires action".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things to be done" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to tasks, duties, or obligations that require completion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "things to be done" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase widely used to refer to tasks, duties, or obligations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media, academic, and wiki contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for various communication needs. When using "things to be done", ensure clarity regarding responsibility and consider active voice alternatives for more direct engagement. With a high expert rating and multiple alternative phrasing options available, "things to be done" remains a practical and effective way to convey pending actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tasks to complete

Focuses on the completion aspect of tasks, slightly more specific.

obligations to fulfill

Emphasizes duties and responsibilities, adding a sense of necessity.

actions required

Highlights the necessity of performing certain actions, more formal.

matters to address

Suggests dealing with issues or problems, slightly more problem-oriented.

duties to perform

Focuses on assigned responsibilities, more formal than "things to be done".

items on the agenda

Implies a list of tasks within a structured meeting or plan.

chores to accomplish

Relates to routine or mundane tasks, less formal.

business to attend to

Implies dealing with specific matters, often in a professional context.

work to undertake

Emphasizes initiating and carrying out tasks, more formal.

projects to execute

Highlights the implementation of planned projects, more business-oriented.

FAQs

How can I use "things to be done" in a sentence?

You can use "things to be done" to refer to tasks or duties that need to be completed. For example, "Before leaving for vacation, I have a list of "things to be done"."

What are some alternatives to "things to be done"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tasks to complete", "actions required", or "matters to address".

Is it better to say "things to be done" or "things that need to be done"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "things to be done" is more concise. "Things that need to be done" can be used for emphasis, but generally, the shorter version is preferred for clarity.

What's the difference between "things to be done" and "things to do"?

"Things to be done" implies a sense of obligation or requirement, while "things to do" is more general. For example, "I have "things to do" for fun, but also "things to be done" for work."