are to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"are to be" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about an action or condition that is expected to happen in the future. For example, "The new regulations are to be implemented by the end of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are to be vanquished.

The New York Times

These are to be tightened.

The Economist

Factories are to be shut.

The Economist

They are to be envied.

The New York Times

Hospitals are to be reorganised.

The Economist

Thousands are to be rescreened.

The New York Times

Fluctuations are to be expected.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The posters are to be removed today.

The New York Times

Agents, whose activities are to be "transparent".

The Guardian - Sport

Leadership structures, too, are to be changed.

The New York Times

The proposals are to be welcomed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are to be" when you want to express a formal obligation, arrangement, or plan that is expected to occur in the future. It often implies a degree of authority or official endorsement.

Common error

Avoid using "are to be" when a simple future tense ("will be") is sufficient. "Are to be" adds a layer of formality and expectation that might not always be necessary or appropriate. Using "will be" can keep your writing more concise and direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are to be" functions as an auxiliary verb construction used to express future actions or states with a sense of obligation, arrangement, or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It's often used to indicate plans or requirements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are to be" is a grammatically sound construction used to express future actions with a degree of obligation, arrangement, or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used. It leans towards a neutral or formal register and is frequently found in news, business, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "will be" exist, "are to be" specifically emphasizes a plan or requirement. By understanding its nuances and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively use "are to be" to convey precise meaning in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be

Indicates obligation or advisability, similar to "are to be" but with a slightly weaker sense of imperative.

must be

Emphasizes a stronger obligation or necessity compared to "are to be".

will be

Indicates a future action or state, often without the sense of obligation implied by "are to be".

need to be

Indicates a requirement or necessity, focusing on the action needing to occur.

have to be

Similar to "must be" and "need to be", expressing a strong obligation or necessity.

supposed to be

Implies an expectation or plan, which might not always be fulfilled, unlike the more definitive "are to be".

expected to be

Focuses on the expectation of a future state or action, rather than an obligation.

scheduled to be

Highlights that an event or action is part of a plan or schedule.

designated to be

Emphasizes that something has been officially chosen or appointed for a specific purpose.

intended to be

Focuses on the purpose or aim behind an action or plan.

FAQs

How can I use "are to be" in a sentence?

The phrase "are to be" is used to indicate a future action or state that is planned, expected, or officially arranged. For example, "The new regulations "are to be implemented" next month" or "The packages "are to be delivered" tomorrow".

What's a more informal way to say "are to be"?

While "are to be" suggests formality, alternatives like "will be", "going to be", or "should be" can convey similar meanings in a more casual context, depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is "are to be" interchangeable with "will be"?

While they both refer to the future, "are to be" often carries a stronger sense of obligation, arrangement, or official plan than "will be". "The meeting will be held" simply states a future event, while "The meeting "are to be held"" suggests it's been officially scheduled.

When is it most appropriate to use "are to be"?

Use "are to be" when you want to emphasize that something is officially scheduled, expected, or required to happen, especially in formal writing or when conveying a sense of authority or planning. It's common in news reports, official announcements, and formal instructions.