Which Is Correct: 'What to Do' or 'What Do to Do'?

Introduction:

Many native English speakers often find themselves asking the question:

What English sentence is correct: “What to do” or “What do to do”?

Upon careful analysis, the correct phrase is "What to do."

The phrase "What to do" is often used to ask for advice or guidance on a situation, while "What do to do" is not grammatically correct.

Common Phrases:

Here are some common variations of "What to do":

What to do what to do in this situation What do we do, what should we do What do I do, what will we do, what will I do What do you do in this situation

Local Variations:

It’s interesting to note that speakers from certain regions in the United States, such as Northeast Iowa, sometimes use phrases like "do to do to do" with various meanings similar to "and so on and so forth." This can sometimes be shortened to "do to do."

For example, a speaker might say:

"This and that, and I dont know what do to do…"

But if you had that phrase in mind, it’s highly unlikely as its usage is quite regional. If you are from or know someone from Dubuque or Maquoketa, or somewhere else where such language is common, you might have encountered this variation.

Common Misconceptions:

Many people might think:

“What do to” is correct with an inflection at the end to suggest a question. “What do to do” makes no sense and is incorrect.

However, "What to do" can be correct if used with an inflection at the end, suggesting a question.

For example:

"What to do?" (spoken with a questioning tone)

It's important to understand that "What to do" is the correct phrase, while adding a second "do" to the phrase makes it incorrect.

Tips for Localization:

If you're trying to convey a local or regional meaning, consider:

Using the correct phrase: "What to do." Explaining the context if you are not using the standard phrase.

If you are a non-native English speaker and want to translate your thoughts, consider:

Translating your thoughts into your native language first. Then ask someone for a proper translation to English.

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