will not do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will not do" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It expresses refusal or rejection of something. Example: "I'm sorry, but your proposal will not do. We need a more detailed plan before we can consider it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It will not do".

The New York Times

I will not do that".

The New York Times

Half-measures will not do.

The New York Times

But that will not do.

The New York Times

Modest goals will not do.

The New York Times

This really will not do.

The New York Times

"I will not do it".

The New York Times - Magazine

This simply will not do.

The Guardian

This will not do.

Cornell University

Margarine will not do.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

#Botchedjob will not do.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will not do" to firmly reject a proposal, idea, or action that is unacceptable or inadequate. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being rejected and why. For example, instead of saying "That will not do", clarify with "That approach to the problem will not do; we need a more comprehensive strategy".

Common error

While "will not do" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in overly casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or even pompous. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "won't work" or "isn't going to cut it" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will not do" functions as a modal expression to indicate that something is unacceptable, insufficient, or unsuitable. It expresses a firm rejection or disapproval, as confirmed by Ludwig AI and its numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

28%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will not do" is a versatile expression used to convey that something is unacceptable or insufficient. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news, media, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral to formal in register, it's important to consider the audience and context to avoid sounding overly stiff. Alternatives such as "is unacceptable" or "is insufficient" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. Use "will not do" judiciously to firmly but appropriately reject ideas or actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is out of the question

Strongly emphasizes that something is not permissible or conceivable.

is unacceptable

Directly states that something is not allowed or tolerable.

is simply not good enough

Emphasizes a lack of quality or suitability, often with a critical tone.

is not an option

Conveys that something is not a possible or viable choice.

is insufficient

Indicates that something is not enough or adequate for a particular purpose.

is inadequate

Similar to 'insufficient', but can also imply a lack of quality.

does not suffice

Similar to 'is insufficient', but often used in more formal contexts.

is not permissible

Formally states that something is not allowed by rules or laws.

is not viable

Implies that something cannot realistically work or succeed.

fails to meet requirements

Specifically points out that something does not satisfy necessary criteria.

FAQs

How can I use "will not do" in a sentence?

Use "will not do" to express that something is unacceptable or inadequate. For example: "That excuse "will not do"; you need to provide a better explanation."

What does "will not do" mean?

"Will not do" signifies that something is insufficient, inappropriate, or unacceptable for a particular purpose or situation.

What can I say instead of "will not do"?

You can use alternatives like "is unacceptable", "is insufficient", or "is not an option", depending on the context.

Is "will not do" formal or informal?

"Will not do" leans towards the formal side but is versatile enough for many neutral contexts. However, avoid using it in very casual conversations; alternatives like "won't work" might be more suitable.