'What to do' and 'what do to' are phrases that often confuse English learners, but they serve distinct purposes in communication. The phrase 'what to do' is a common expression used when someone seeks guidance or is uncertain about their next steps. For instance, if you're faced with a tough decision—like whether to accept a job offer—you might find yourself pondering, "What to do?" This structure employs the interrogative pronoun 'what,' which acts as the object of the verb 'do.' It's straightforward and complete on its own.
On the other hand, you may encounter the incorrect form ‘what do to.’ This phrase arises from confusion between different grammatical structures. In fact, it’s likely an error stemming from mixing up two concepts: using ‘do’ as an auxiliary verb in questions versus employing it within an infinitive construction like ‘to do.’ A correct example would be saying something like, “You’re sitting there thinking what to do next,” where everything flows naturally.
To clarify further:
- ‘What to do’ can function as both a subject and an object in sentences without needing additional components after it because it's already self-contained.
- ‘How to do’, conversely, requires more context since ‘how’ serves as an adverb indicating manner; thus we say things like “how to make it” rather than just “how.”
This distinction highlights how understanding these nuances can enhance your grasp of English grammar and improve your conversational skills significantly. So next time you’re unsure about what action should follow or how best to express your thoughts on doing something—remember this simple rule: use ‘what to do’ for clarity and correctness.