are to be devolved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are to be devolved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the transfer of authority or responsibilities from one entity to another, often in governmental or organizational settings. Example: "The responsibilities for local governance are to be devolved to the regional councils next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr Osborne will announce that decisions over trading hours are to be devolved to councils and elected mayors, enabling them to allow shops to open longer if they think it will benefit the local economy.

Independent

When it comes to the announcement in February by the coalition that £6bn of health budgets are to be devolved to Greater Manchester councils, she concludes: "Changing the way you channel the money isn't going to raise more funding".

The Guardian

So it was superficially attractive when [George] Osborne came up with his northern powerhouse stuff but in practical terms if the powers are to be devolved, again it would be an opportunity if you like to take on – they are not regions, they are sub-regions, city regions – in a way I think which better reflects the needs of people in the area.

The Guardian

This could be the opportunity to develop a smarter approach to localism for transport – one that recognises that the capability of local authorities on transport needs to be improved if powers are to be devolved and that the outcomes for passengers are more important than the purity of removing ringfencing from funding.

The Guardian

Some benefits, including Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Carer's Allowance, are to be devolved under the Smith proposals.

BBC

"We are particularly pleased to see that reserved tribunals, such as employment tribunals, are to be devolved.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In the intervening period, powers were to be devolved to the ABG.

The Economist

Under the terms of this accord, responsibility for most local matters was to be devolved to an elected assembly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In exchange for Greater Manchester arranging to have a directly elected mayor, who will work in partnership with the combined authority, a series of London-style powers is to be devolved, including some relating to transport, planning, housing, police and skills.

The Guardian

We still want to respond positively, but obviously if it were to be devolved there would be a loss in income from the block grant".

BBC

"So far as tax devolution is concerned, I am pleased that both landfill tax and stamp duty land tax are to be fully devolved.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are to be devolved" when describing a planned or scheduled transfer of powers or responsibilities, especially in formal or official contexts. It emphasizes a future action that has been decided upon.

Common error

Avoid using "are to be devolved" in informal conversations or casual writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "will be given" or "will be passed on" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are to be devolved" functions as a passive construction indicating a future action or planned event, specifically the transfer of power, responsibilities, or authority from one entity to another. Ludwig confirms the accuracy and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are to be devolved" is a grammatically correct and usable passive construction that indicates a future transfer of power, responsibility, or authority. According to Ludwig, its usage is accurate and appropriate, though not extremely common. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific sources, it maintains a neutral-to-formal register. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "will be transferred" or "will be delegated" to adapt to different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be devolved

Similar to the query, but uses "will" instead of "are to", changing the tense and immediacy.

are going to be devolved

Similar to the query, but uses "are going to be", changing the tense and immediacy.

will be delegated

Focuses on the act of delegating, implying a clear assignment of responsibility.

will be transferred

Emphasizes the movement of something from one entity to another, suitable for both tangible and intangible items.

will be assigned

Highlights the act of assigning a task or duty, suggesting a formal allocation.

will be handed over

Implies a more informal transfer of control or responsibility.

will be passed down

Suggests a transfer from a higher to a lower level, often within an organization or hierarchy.

will be entrusted

Emphasizes the trust placed in the recipient of the responsibility.

will be ceded

Implies a formal relinquishing of power or control.

will be conveyed

Focuses on the transmission of authority or information.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are to be devolved" is used to indicate that certain powers, responsibilities, or functions will be transferred from one entity to another. For example, "The new regulations stipulate that these responsibilities "are to be devolved" to local authorities next year."

What's a more straightforward alternative to "are to be devolved"?

For simpler alternatives, you could use phrases like "will be transferred", "will be delegated", or "will be handed over", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "are to be devolved" formal or informal?

"Are to be devolved" leans towards the formal side. It's often used in official documents, reports, or discussions concerning governance or organizational structure. In less formal contexts, simpler alternatives might be more suitable.

Which is correct, "are to be devolved" or "will be devolved"?

Both "are to be devolved" and "will be devolved" are grammatically correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Are to be devolved" suggests a planned or scheduled action, whereas "will be devolved" simply indicates a future event. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.