willthat

Willthat is a term that has appeared in scattered online writings since the early 2020s. It has no standing in major dictionaries or encyclopedias, and there is no single, widely accepted definition. In most usages, willthat functions as a coined label rather than a recognized linguistic or technical category.

In linguistic and philosophical discussions, willthat has been proposed as a shorthand for a hypothetical construction that combines future modality with a that-clause. This usage is informal and nonstandard, and it is not part of established taxonomy. Because of its ad hoc nature, meanings vary by author and context, and there is no consensus on its precise scope or criteria.

In other contexts, particularly online branding or fiction, WillThat (capitalized) is used as a project name, brand, or fictional platform. The identity attached to the term depends entirely on the source, leading to confusion if the context is not specified.

As a neologism with no consensus, willthat requires contextual clarification when encountered. Readers should consult the surrounding text to determine whether it refers to a linguistic concept, a branding effort, or another usage.

See also: will, that-clause, intention, volition, future tense.