what are you going to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what are you going to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone about their future plans or intentions. Example: "After the meeting, I want to know what are you going to do next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"But what are you going to do?

The New York Times - Sports

"Realistically, what are you going to do?

The New York Times

"What are you going to do?

The New York Times

What are you going to do differently?

Columbia University

Now what are you going to do?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So, what are you going to do?

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"What are you guys going to do?

The New Yorker

What are we going to do now?

The New Yorker

What are they going to do?

The New York Times

But what are we going to do?

The Guardian

What are we going to do instead?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what are you going to do", ensure the context is clear regarding the situation or problem to which the question refers. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the person understands what you're asking about.

Common error

Avoid using "what are you going to do" in highly formal settings. While generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound too casual. Opt for phrases like "what course of action will you take?" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what are you going to do" functions as an interrogative clause, used to solicit information about someone's future intentions or actions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what are you going to do" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for inquiring about someone's future actions or plans. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct. While suitable for most everyday situations, it might be less appropriate in highly formal settings. Consider using alternative phrases like "what will you do" or "what is your plan" in such contexts. With a high expert rating and frequent usage in News & Media and Academia, understanding the nuances of this phrase can enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What will you do?

This alternative uses a simpler future tense construction.

What's your plan?

This is a more concise way of asking about someone's intentions.

What are your intentions?

This is a more formal way of asking about someone's plans.

What course of action will you take?

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the action being taken.

How will you proceed?

This alternative focuses on the manner in which someone will act.

What steps will you take?

This alternative emphasizes the individual actions involved.

What's your next move?

This alternative is more informal and often used in strategic contexts.

Where do you go from here?

This phrase implies a transition point or decision-making moment.

What shall you do?

This is an older or more literary way of asking about future actions.

How are you going to handle this?

This alternative focuses on the method or approach to a specific situation.

FAQs

How can I use "what are you going to do" in a sentence?

You can use "what are you going to do" to ask someone about their future plans or intentions in response to a particular situation. For example, "The project failed, so what are you going to do now?"

What is a more formal alternative to "what are you going to do"?

A more formal alternative is "what course of action will you take". This phrasing is suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "what are you going to do"?

While generally acceptable, using "what are you going to do" may be inappropriate in highly formal contexts, where a more professional tone is expected. Consider the audience and situation before using this phrase.

What's the difference between "what are you going to do" and "what will you do"?

Both phrases ask about future actions, but "what are you going to do" often implies a more immediate or planned action, whereas "what will you do" is a more general inquiry about future actions. The difference is subtle and often context-dependent.