Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[missdaredevil]

This sofa is rather *the* worse for wear, but it will have to* do* until we can afford a new one.
Sorry, I have two questions here.
1. Is that *the* necessary?

2. Does the *do* mean *work*?

Thanks

[Hayde]

I think the "the" is necessary, but I am not sure. I would never say it without the "the".

On the other hand, I am sure of this answer...
the "do" is not "work". "XXX will have to do" means that "XXX is the only thing you have and you cannot get another so you have to use it because you have no other choice."

Examples:
1) My new employee is really lazy, but we can't find a new one until January, so he will have to do.
2) My car is really old, but I have no money. It will have to do until I save enough money.
3) This hat will have to do. I know it is not very warm, but it is the only one I have.

I hope this helps.
_________________
I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.
Albert Einstein