There isn't much to do vs There isn't much to be done

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'There isn't much to do' is used when referring to activities or things to occupy oneself with, while 'There isn't much to be done' is used when referring to a situation or problem that cannot be easily resolved.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 3882 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to activities or things to occupy oneself with.

"There isn't much to do "

This phrase is used when there are limited options for activities or things to engage in. It implies a lack of interesting or worthwhile things to do.

Examples:

I'm bored because there isn't much to do in this small town.
During the lockdown, there isn't much to do at home.
In this village, there isn't much to do except enjoy nature.
When it rains, there isn't much to do outside.
At the conference, there isn't much to do between sessions.

Show examples from the web [+]

There isn't much to do about it.
There isn't much to do in the winter.
In fact, there isn't much to do.
There isn't really much to do.
There isn't much you can do to ease that pain
- So... Paris, Marianne? - There isn't much to tell.
There isn't much to report.
But there isn't much to rap about in Stavanger.
There isn't much to say.
There isn't much to hide.
There isn't much to know.
There isn't much to see.
There isn't much to sell, but sure.
There isn't much to tell alright, smoking doobs and hitting on underage girls it gets old.
Well, there isn't much to hang around for.
If it is dark there isn't much to see.
This drawing isn't much to go on, sir.
One day a month isn't much to ask.
It isn't much, but there isn't much anywhere since everything turned gray.
Shinji-kun, there isn't much time.

Alternatives:

there isn't a lot to do
there isn't much to keep me occupied
there isn't much going on
there isn't much happening
there isn't much happening around here

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a situation or problem that cannot be easily resolved.

"There isn't much to be done "

This phrase is used when there are limited options for action or resolution in a particular situation. It implies a sense of helplessness or lack of effective solutions.

Examples:

The damage was already done, and there isn't much to be done about it now.
In times of crisis, there isn't much to be done but wait for help.
When faced with bureaucracy, there isn't much to be done except follow the rules.
The situation is out of our control, and there isn't much to be done.
The decision has been made, and there isn't much to be done to change it.

Show examples from the web [+]

Well, if you're trapped in the dungeon, there isn't much to be done now, is there?
So there isn't much that can be done.
However, there is still much to be done in this area.
Now there is much to be done.
There is much to be done during the winter.
There is still much to be done, however.
There is much to be done in Afghanistan.
Of course, there is still much to be done.
There is much to be done.
Despite positive results, there is still much to be done in relation to this problem.
There is still much to be done here, for example, visa liberalisation for the citizens.
There is still much to be done in this respect.
However, we know that there is still much to be done.
There is still much to be done.
There is much to be done, therefore, in terms of communication.
Since I met you, there isn't much you've done that I haven't been party to.
The asylum package is very much greater and, indeed, there is still much to be done.
Ladies and gentlemen, there is much to be done in the wake of the European Council.
There is still much to be done but now the work is off to a good start.
We have achieved a great deal, but there is still much to be done.

Alternatives:

there isn't much that can be done
there isn't much that can be accomplished
there isn't much that can be achieved
there isn't much that can be resolved
there isn't much that can be fixed

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There isn't much to do vs There isn't much to be done

"There isn't much to do "

"There isn't much to be done "

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