when will it be done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when will it be done" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when inquiring about the completion of a task. For example: "I'm just wondering, when will it be done?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And, of course, When will it be done?

The New York Times

"When will it be done?" you ask gingerly, desperately trying to conceal the anger thickening in your throat.

Independent

"When will it be done?" they ask, and receive a rambling, incoherent request for the definition of "done".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I will when it's done and dusted.

The Guardian - Sport

You'll know when it's done when you jiggle it and the center doesn't wiggle.

WikiHow

(The pasta will float when it's done).

The New York Times - Magazine

Set the bricks or the stone on the stick, like how it will be when it is done.

WikiHow

Listen closely to your popcorn -- it will tell you when it is done when the kernels no longer audibly pop.

WikiHow

"It will be done when it's done".

The Guardian - Books

And where will he be when it's done?

The Guardian - Music

Id famously promised no shipping date until last month, telling anxious gamers and the press for months that "it will be done when it's done".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase “"when will it be done"”, be specific about what "it" refers to in the context to avoid ambiguity. For example, “When will the report be done?” is clearer than a standalone “When will it be done?”.

Common error

Avoid using “"when will it be done"” without having previously established a clear understanding of expectations. Always clarify deadlines upfront rather than assuming everyone is on the same page, which can lead to missed deadlines and misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “"when will it be done"” functions primarily as an interrogative clause. It is used to solicit information regarding the expected completion time of a task, project, or activity. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves a clear communicative purpose.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “"when will it be done"” is a grammatically correct interrogative clause used to inquire about completion times. Ludwig confirms its validity and notes its neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, although consideration should be given to the audience and situation. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources. For more formal scenarios, alternatives like "what is the completion date?" may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when is it expected to be finished

Changes the phrasing to emphasize expectation rather than a direct question of completion.

what is the completion date

Rephrases the question to focus on a specific date, making it more formal.

when is the target completion date

Highlights the 'target' or planned completion date.

what's the timeline for completion

Focuses on the overall timeline instead of a single point in time.

what's the final delivery date

Focuses on the final delivery, suitable when something is being delivered.

by what date will it be completed

A more formal and slightly indirect way of asking about the deadline.

when do you anticipate it being ready

Shifts the focus to the anticipation of readiness, making it more polite.

when are we expecting it to wrap up

An informal way of asking when something will conclude or finish.

what's the ETA

Uses a common abbreviation (Estimated Time of Arrival) for a quicker, informal query.

what's the expected turnaround time

Emphasizes the time it takes to complete the task, often used in business contexts.

FAQs

How do I politely ask "when will it be done"?

You can use phrases like "when is it expected to be finished", or "when do you anticipate it being ready" to be more courteous. The context matters, so choose based on your relationship with the person you're asking.

What's a formal alternative to "when will it be done"?

For a formal setting, consider using "what is the completion date" or "by what date will it be completed". These phrases sound more professional and are suitable for business or academic contexts.

Is "when will it be done" appropriate for all situations?

While grammatically correct, “"when will it be done"” might sound too direct in some situations. Consider the recipient and adjust your phrasing accordingly. Using a more indirect or polite question may be preferable in certain contexts.

What are some informal ways to ask "when will it be done"?

Informally, you could ask "what's the ETA" or "when are we expecting it to wrap up". Be mindful of the audience and situation; these phrases are more casual and best suited for relaxed environments.