will do the trick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will do the trick" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when referring to a plan, task, or item that will be successful in achieving a desired result. For example, "The new software I purchased will do the trick and improve our productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ah, that will do the trick.

The New Yorker

"I think this will do the trick".

The New York Times

I think that will do the trick".

The New York Times

Hoping this will do the trick.

The Guardian - Books

A storage container will do the trick.

The Washington Post

Perhaps the beer will do the trick.

The New York Times - Arts

A simple questionnaire will do the trick.

The Guardian

These 8 recipes will do the trick.

The Washington Post

Funny memes will do the trick, too.

The New York Times

Officials hope improved suburban housing offers will do the trick.

The New York Times

Others hope policy easing will do the trick.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will do the trick" when you want to convey that a particular action, item, or method is expected to successfully achieve a specific purpose or solve a problem. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "will do the trick" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language to maintain a professional tone. Alternatives such as "will suffice" or "will be effective" might be more appropriate in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will do the trick" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a particular action, item, or method is expected to successfully achieve a specific purpose or solve a problem. Ludwig AI confirms its general use across multiple contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

44%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "will do the trick" is a versatile and commonly used idiom that conveys the idea of something being effective in achieving a desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts. While appropriate for general use, it's essential to consider the level of formality required by the writing context. In more formal or academic settings, alternative phrases such as "will suffice" or "will be effective" may be more suitable. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating its accessibility and widespread understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will get the job done

Similar in meaning, but more focused on completing a task than solving a problem.

will resolve the issue

Specifically targets problem-solving, unlike the broader applicability of "will do the trick".

will provide the solution

Directly states that a solution will be provided, emphasizing problem-solving.

will suffice

Implies that something is just adequate or enough to meet the requirement, whereas "will do the trick" suggests a more effective solution.

will have the desired effect

Focuses on the intended outcome or consequence, which may be more specific than "will do the trick".

will serve its purpose

Focuses on the intended function being fulfilled, which may be narrower than "will do the trick".

will be sufficient

Indicates that something is enough, but may not be the ideal or best solution.

will be effective

A more general statement about effectiveness, without the idiomatic feel of "will do the trick".

will be adequate

Indicates something is satisfactory or acceptable, possibly with some reservations.

will work

A simple and direct statement of functionality or effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "will do the trick" in a sentence?

You can use "will do the trick" to indicate that something will be effective or successful in achieving a desired result. For example, "A simple questionnaire "will do the trick" to get feedback."

What's a more formal alternative to "will do the trick"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "will suffice", "will be sufficient", or "will be effective" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "will do the trick" appropriate for academic writing?

While "will do the trick" is widely understood, it may sound too informal for certain academic contexts. Assess your audience and the overall tone of your paper. In some cases, a more precise term might be better suited. For example, "This method "will resolve the issue"."

What does "will do the trick" mean?

"Will do the trick" means that something is capable of achieving the desired result or solving the problem at hand. For instance, "A little mustard "will do the trick" on a hot dog."