this will do

USAGE SUMMARY

"this will do" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that the speaker or writer is content with the current situation, or have chosen an appropriate resolution. For example, "I'm having trouble deciding between these two shirts. This one looks nice, but this one is a little cheaper. I think this will do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"This will do it".

The New York Times

"This will do fine".

The New Yorker

"I think this will do the trick".

The New York Times

None of this will do.

The Guardian - Opinion

This will do, I thought.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hoping this will do the trick.

The Guardian - Books

But this will do little to ease Greece's debt.

The New York Times

This will do nothing to protect Cambodia's children.

The Economist

Operations like this will do little to assuage their fears.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This it will do.

The New Yorker

This we will do.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this will do" when you want to convey acceptance or satisfaction with a choice or situation, particularly when it's adequate but not necessarily perfect. It's useful in both informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "this will do" in highly formal or professional communications where a more precise or sophisticated expression of acceptance or satisfaction is expected. Opt for phrases like "this is sufficient" or "this meets the requirements" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this will do" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating acceptance or satisfaction. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use to express that something is sufficient, even if not perfect. This can apply to objects, solutions, or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

22%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this will do" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something is sufficient or acceptable. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase functions idiomatically and serves to communicate adequacy or agreement across a range of contexts. While mainly appearing in news, media, and wiki sources, its informal tone suggests it's best reserved for casual communications rather than strictly formal or scientific writing. When more formality is needed, consider using alternatives such as "that should suffice". Overall, "this will do" is a versatile and practical phrase for expressing contentment with a current solution or option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That should suffice

Replaces the informal "this" with the more formal "that", and uses the verb "suffice" to convey adequacy.

That ought to be enough

Uses "ought to be" to suggest a slightly weaker degree of certainty about the sufficiency of something.

It's adequate

Offers a more direct and concise assessment of something being satisfactory for a particular purpose.

It's sufficient

Employs the formal term "sufficient" to highlight the availability of the needed or desired amount.

That's acceptable

Emphasizes a degree of consent and agreement of something being satisfactory without necessarily being perfect.

That's good enough

Suggests a pragmatic acceptance of something that meets the minimum requirements.

That fits the bill

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate that something is exactly what is needed or suitable.

That's just what I needed

Highlights that something fulfills a particular need or requirement.

This is what I'm looking for

Emphasizes that the current item aligns with prior expectations and specifications.

This meets the requirements

Focuses on the fulfillment of specified conditions or criteria.

FAQs

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

You can use "this will do" to express acceptance or satisfaction with something, implying it's adequate for the purpose. For example, "I don't have the exact color, but this shade of blue "this will do"."

What are some alternatives to "this will do"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that should suffice", "it's adequate", or "that's acceptable", depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey. For something that perfectly meets requirements, you could also say "that fits the bill".

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

"This will do" is suitable in situations where something is good enough or meets the necessary requirements, even if it's not ideal. It's common in everyday conversation and less formal writing. Avoid it in extremely formal contexts.

Is "this will do" grammatically correct?

Yes, "this will do" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. However, consider the context and audience to ensure it's appropriate for the specific situation.