to-do

IPA/tə ˈduː/
KK[tˌudˈu]IPA/tə ˈduː/

to-do — noun

1. used before words like 'list' to describe tasks a person needs to do

1.名詞A2
釋義

used before words like 'list' to describe tasks a person needs to do

例句

Mira wrote a to-do list that included restocking the fridge and cleaning before her shift.

collocation: 'to-do list'

The manager posted a team to-do list on the board near the coffee machine.

compound noun: 'team to-do list'

同義詞
  • task

    a single piece of work; can be used independently without 'list'

  • item

    one entry on a list of things to be done

文法句型

to-do + [noun]

[possessive] + to-do list

用法筆記

This sense almost always appears in the compound noun 'to-do list' or similar constructions like 'to-do item'. Outside of such compounds, 'to-do' by itself is not used this way.

常見錯誤

❌Put milk on your to-do.
✅Put milk on your to-do list.
💡The word 'list' is needed when referring to a set of tasks.

2. a state of noisy or excited activity in which people react to something with mor

2.名詞B2
釋義

a state of noisy or excited activity in which people react to something with more emotion or concern than the situation truly calls for

例句

There was a huge to-do at the airport when passengers shouted at the ticket desk after flights were cancelled.

fixed phrase: 'a huge to-do' for emphasis

Ayesha made such a to-do about the missing library book that the librarian offered to help search.

pattern: 'make + a to-do + about'

同義詞
  • fuss

    more common and slightly broader; can apply to any unnecessary worry or activity

  • commotion

    focuses on noise and confused movement; more neutral in register

  • stir

    milder than to-do; suggests excitement or interest rather than anger

  • uproar

    stronger than to-do; implies loud protest or outcry

反義詞
  • calm

    the opposite state: peace and quiet without excitement or anger

文法句型

make + a to-do + about + [something]

such + a to-do

用法筆記

Frequently used in the fixed expressions 'make a to-do about/over something' or 'a big/huge/terrible to-do'. This sense is too informal for academic or official writing.

常見錯誤

❌The committee meeting created a to-do about the budget cuts.
✅The committee meeting sparked a heated debate about the budget cuts.
💡'to-do' is too informal for formal or professional contexts.
❌I have a long to-do about moving house.
✅I have a long to-do list for moving house.
💡'to-do' alone means fuss or commotion; use 'to-do list' for a list of tasks.