would not do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would not do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is unacceptable or insufficient in a given context. Example: "This solution would not do for our project, as we need something more comprehensive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That would not do.

The Economist

It would not do.

The Economist

Jelena would not do that.

The New Yorker

I would not do that".

The New York Times - Arts

A tie would not do.

The New York Times

Which he would not do.

The New Yorker

Our reject would not do the trick.

The New York Times

"I would not do well in prison".

The New Yorker

"I just would not do it".

The New Yorker

Temporary defunding probably would not do much.

The New York Times

I would not do it publically".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "would not do" to express that a proposed action or solution is unsuitable or unacceptable in a given context. For instance: "Using outdated software for this project "would not do", we need the latest version."

Common error

Avoid using "would not do" when a stronger or more direct refusal is needed. For example, instead of "He "would not do" it," consider "He refused to do it" to convey a firmer stance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would not do" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing that something is unsuitable, unacceptable, or insufficient for a particular purpose or situation. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which provides many examples from reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "would not do" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate that something is unsuitable, unacceptable, or insufficient. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources, confirms that it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "would not do" can be used in both formal and informal settings, it's essential to be aware of its nuances and consider more direct alternatives like "is unacceptable" or "is inadequate" when greater clarity or a stronger tone is required. Overall, "would not do" is a reliable phrase that effectively communicates disapproval or inadequacy in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unacceptable

Replaces the modal verb construction with a direct adjective phrase emphasizing unacceptability.

is insufficient

Indicates that something doesn't meet the required standard or is inadequate.

is inadequate

Highlights that something is not good enough or of sufficient quality.

is not feasible

Highlights the impracticality or impossibility of something.

is impermissible

Indicates that something is not allowed or permitted.

is not permissible

Synonymous with “is impermissible”, emphasizing lack of permission.

is out of the question

Emphasizes that something is completely impossible or not worth considering.

cannot be tolerated

Suggests that something is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue.

is not an option

Suggests that something is not a viable choice or alternative.

refuses to

Emphasizes a deliberate refusal to perform an action.

FAQs

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

The phrase "would not do" indicates that something is unsuitable or unacceptable. For example, "That solution "would not do" because it doesn't address the core problem."

What's a more formal alternative to "would not do"?

In a more formal setting, consider using phrases like "is unacceptable", "is insufficient", or "is inadequate" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is "would not do" grammatically correct?

Yes, "would not do" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples from reliable sources.

What's the difference between "would not do" and "cannot do"?

"Would not do" often implies a judgment of suitability, while "cannot do" suggests an inability or impossibility. For example, "This small amount "would not do" for the project" (unsuitable), versus "I "cannot do" that because I lack the skills" (impossible).