to do about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to do about" is not correct in standard written English.
It is often used incorrectly; a more appropriate phrase would be "to do something about" when discussing actions to address a situation. Example: "We need to figure out what to do about the ongoing issues in the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mother knew what to do about that.

The New Yorker

Stall in what to do about steroids.

The New York Times - Sports

A8 Again, What to Do About Lenin?

The New York Times

What To Do About Microsoft.

Forbes

(See: What To Do About Microsoft).

Forbes

Related: What to Do About Bowe Bergdahl?

Vice

But what to do about overheating.

WikiHow

What to do about Moss?

The New York Times

What to do about them?

The New Yorker

What to do about that?

Independent

But what to do about Heinz?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a course of action regarding a problem, replace "to do about" with more grammatically correct alternatives such as "to do regarding", "how to address", or "how to handle" for improved clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "to do about" in formal writing. Although it may appear in some contexts, it is not considered standard English. Always opt for grammatically sound alternatives to maintain credibility and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to do about" functions as part of a prepositional phrase, often used to inquire about or suggest a course of action regarding a particular issue. As Ludwig AI points out, this usage is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. Instead, more precise and grammatically accepted alternatives are recommended.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "to do about" appears in some contexts, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect in standard written English. Its function is to express a need for action or solutions, but its informal register makes it unsuitable for formal writing. Instances can be found across news, wiki, and scientific sources, though authoritative style guides advise against its usage. Instead, opt for alternatives like "what to do regarding", "how to address", or "how to handle" to maintain clarity and professionalism. By avoiding "to do about", you ensure your writing remains grammatically sound and credible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what to do regarding

Replaces "about" with "regarding" for a more formal and grammatically sound construction.

how to address

Focuses on the act of addressing or dealing with a problem.

how to handle

Suggests a method of managing or dealing with a situation.

what steps to take concerning

Emphasizes the actions needed in relation to a specific matter.

what measures to implement for

Highlights the implementation of specific measures.

what solutions exist for

Shifts the focus to finding resolutions or answers.

how to resolve

Focuses on resolving or settling a problem or situation.

what to do with respect to

A more formal and precise way of indicating relation or reference.

how to deal with

A common and versatile way of expressing how to manage something.

what actions to consider for

Emphasizes the thought process before acting on something.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "what to do about"?

Instead of "what to do about", consider using phrases like "what to do regarding", "how to address", or "how to handle". These alternatives provide grammatical correctness and maintain clarity in your writing.

Is the phrase "to do about" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "to do about" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's best to use more precise and accepted alternatives.

How can I use "what to do" in a sentence correctly?

Ensure that you follow "what to do" with a preposition like "regarding", "about", or "with", or restructure the sentence to use phrases like "how to address" or "how to handle" for better grammatical accuracy. For example, you could say "What to do "regarding" this issue?"

What are some professional alternatives to "to do about"?

In professional settings, use alternatives such as "how to address", "what measures to implement for", or "what to do with respect to". These phrases convey a more formal and precise tone than "to do about".