to-do: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal (as a fuss) / Neutral (as a task list)
Quick answer
What does “to-do” mean?
A state of commotion, fuss, or excitement, often over something relatively minor.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A state of commotion, fuss, or excitement, often over something relatively minor; also a list of tasks.
Refers to a situation causing agitation, discussion, or activity, or an organized list of pending items.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both meanings are understood and used in both varieties. The 'fuss' sense may be perceived as slightly more British in flavor. The 'task list' sense is universally used in digital/app contexts.
Connotations
In the 'fuss' sense, it often carries a mildly dismissive or humorous tone, suggesting the reaction is disproportionate. The 'task list' sense is purely functional.
Frequency
The 'task list' sense is likely more frequent globally due to technology. The 'fuss' sense is common in spoken, informal English.
Grammar
How to Use “to-do” in a Sentence
There was a [ADJ] to-do about the missing cake.Let me check my to-do for today.She made a big to-do over a tiny mistake.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “to-do” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A - not used as a standalone adjective. Only in the compound 'to-do list'.
American English
- N/A - not used as a standalone adjective. Only in the compound 'to-do list'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"Please review the project to-do before our meeting." (task list)
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing. May appear in informal project planning.
Everyday
"There was a real to-do at the supermarket when the sale started." (fuss) / "I have a long to-do for the weekend." (list)
Technical
Primarily in software/UX design for task management features (e.g., 'to-do widget').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “to-do”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I need to to-do this task' - INCORRECT). Confusing the spelling with 'tutu'. Forgetting the hyphen, though 'todo' is common in digital contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the meaning of 'a fuss' is informal. The meaning of 'a task list' is neutral and acceptable in most contexts, including professional emails.
No, 'to-do' is only a noun. The verb is simply 'do' (e.g., 'I need to do the laundry').
The plural is 'to-dos' (e.g., 'I have three main to-dos today'). Some style guides accept 'to-do's', but the apostrophe is often considered unnecessary.
A 'to-do' is simply a list of items that need to be done, without specific times. A 'schedule' typically assigns those tasks or events to specific times or dates.
A state of commotion, fuss, or excitement, often over something relatively minor.
To-do: in British English it is pronounced /təˈduː/, and in American English it is pronounced /təˈduː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Much ado about nothing (similar semantic field for the 'fuss' sense)”
- “Make a mountain out of a molehill”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone shouting "TO DO!" in a panicked voice about a small problem, creating a fuss. Or picture a list with the heading 'TO DO'.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGITATION IS NOISE/ACTIVITY (for the fuss sense). TASKS ARE OBJECTS ON A LIST (for the list sense).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'to-do' used to mean a list of tasks?