what will that be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'what will that be' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to inquire about what someone is choosing or about to choose. For example, "I'd like to order a fish sandwich and a side salad. What will that be?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

And what will that be?

The New York Times

What will that be?

The Guardian - Sport

What will that be I wonder?

The Guardian - Books

The question is, what will that be?" One spot of certainty is that the commission will soon have new leadership.

The New York Times

And what will that be like, that stupid standing there, just a man and a woman and the wind, and nobody knowing what nobody is meaning?

The New Yorker

What will that be like?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

What'll that be, do you reckon?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What kind of inauguration will that be?

The New Yorker

What will that purpose be?

The Guardian - Opinion

What will that legacy be?

The New York Times - Sports

But what will that change be?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what will that be" to inquire about future plans, choices, or consequences in a conversational or informal setting. This is especially effective when seeking clarification or elaboration on a previous statement.

Common error

Avoid using "what will that be" in highly formal or technical contexts where more precise or detailed inquiries are expected. Instead, opt for more specific questions depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "what will that be" is to form an interrogative clause, specifically a question. It seeks information about a future event, decision, or state. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what will that be" serves as an interrogative expression used to seek clarification about a future event or decision. Grammatically sound, it's commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as in more informal settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. To enhance clarity in formal scenarios, consider alternatives such as "what are the details" or "can you elaborate". This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage, context, and appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is that going to be

This alternative adds "going to", emphasizing future intention or prediction.

what is that likely to be

This alternative introduces a sense of probability or likelihood.

what could that be

This alternative suggests a possibility or speculation.

what is the nature of that

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the inherent characteristics of something.

can you elaborate on that

This alternative asks for more detail and explanation about a specific topic.

what does that entail

This alternative focuses on the implications and consequences of something.

what does that involve

This alternative seeks to understand the components or activities involved in something.

what will it consist of

This alternative focuses on the composition of something.

what are the details

This alternative asks for specific information and facts.

can you specify that

This alternative is a direct request for clarification or precise information.

FAQs

How can I use "what will that be" in a sentence?

Use "what will that be" to ask for more information about something that has been mentioned. For example, "I'm planning a surprise. "What will that be"?"

Is "what will that be" formal or informal?

"What will that be" is generally considered informal and conversational. For formal situations, use more precise inquiries such as, "Could you please elaborate?" or "What are the specific details?"

What are some alternatives to "what will that be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "what does that entail", "what are the details", or "can you specify that".

When is it appropriate to use "what will that be"?

It's appropriate to use "what will that be" in casual conversations, informal settings, or when you want to express curiosity about future events or plans. Avoid using it in highly professional or academic environments where detailed and precise language is expected.