will we do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will we do" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to ask about future actions or plans, but it lacks clarity and proper structure. Example: "Will we do the presentation together next week?"

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

What will we do?

The Economist

Will we do it?

The New York Times - Sports

What will we do then?

The New York Times

"Will we do it again?

Independent

So what will we do?

The New York Times

"What will we do then?" he asked.

The New York Times

And what will we do without him?

The New Yorker

What will we do now?

The New York Times

How will we do this?

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

— What'll we do?

The New Yorker

We will do, we will do, we will do what it takes militarily to succeed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When posing a question about future actions, specify the context or subject clearly to avoid ambiguity. For example, "What will we do about the budget?"

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "will we do" as it is not grammatically correct in standard English. Instead, rephrase your question using auxiliary verbs such as "are" or "shall" to form grammatically sound questions like "What are we going to do?" or "What shall we do?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will we do" functions as an interrogative construction aimed at soliciting information about future actions or plans. However, according to Ludwig, this specific phrasing is grammatically incorrect. The intended function is to ask a question, but the structure deviates from standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will we do" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Although it appears in some sources, as noted by Ludwig, it's advisable to use more grammatically sound alternatives such as "what are we going to do" or "what shall we do" to ensure clarity and correctness. The contexts in which it appears are primarily in news and media, but its limited usage suggests that it is not a preferred phrasing. Always opt for grammatically correct alternatives to maintain clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what are we going to do

Replaces "will" with "are going to", indicating a future plan or intention.

what shall we do

Uses "shall" instead of "will", often implying a stronger sense of suggestion or offering.

what should we do

Substitutes "will" with "should", suggesting a need for advice or a moral imperative.

what do we intend to do

Replaces "will do" with "intend to do", emphasizing intention and purpose.

what course of action will we take

Replaces the simple question with a more formal and explicit inquiry about future actions.

how will we proceed

Focuses on the method or manner of future actions, rather than just the actions themselves.

what steps will we take

Specifies that the focus is on the individual actions that comprise a larger plan.

how do we plan to act

Highlights the planning aspect of future actions.

what's our next move

Uses a more colloquial expression to inquire about immediate future actions, often in a strategic context.

what are our plans

Broadly asks about future plans without specifying immediate actions.

FAQs

How can I correctly ask about future actions or plans?

Instead of "will we do", use phrases like "what are we going to do", "what shall we do", or "what should we do" to form grammatically correct questions.

What's the difference between "what shall we do" and "what will we do"?

"What shall we do" is a grammatically correct way to seek suggestions or express concern about future actions. "What will we do" is considered grammatically incorrect. Use "what shall we do" for a correct alternative.

Is "will we do" ever correct in English?

In standard English, "will we do" is generally considered grammatically incorrect as a standalone phrase. It's better to use phrases like "what are we going to do" or "how will we accomplish that" depending on the context.

Are there other ways to ask about future plans that sound more formal?

For more formal inquiries, consider using phrases like "what course of action will we take" or "how do we intend to proceed" instead of "will we do".