are to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a future obligation or requirement, often in formal contexts. Example: "The students are to do their homework by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some are to do with family breakdown.

The Economist

Other reasons are to do with electoral mechanics.

The Economist

Some are to do with real dramatic tension.

The Guardian - Sport

They are to do with the singular, internal and contemplative.

The Guardian - Arts

But most cases are to do with divorce.

The Guardian

And so the less likely you are to do it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We are to do so for three reasons.

The Guardian

They are to do with the self-creation of identity.

The Guardian - Arts

There are two exceptions, and both are to do with aeroplanes.

Independent

As in family businesses the world over, the most important dramas are to do with succession.

The Economist

The most politically salient objections to the third runway are to do with noise.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are to do" when you want to express a formal obligation, instruction, or planned action. It's often used in official announcements or directives.

Common error

Avoid using "are to do" in casual conversation. Opt for more informal alternatives like "have to" or "need to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are to do" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase indicating obligation, requirement, or a future action that is planned or expected. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are to do" is a grammatically sound auxiliary verb phrase used to express obligation, instruction, or a planned action. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correctness and frequent usage across various sources make it a reliable option for formal writing. While it's most commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, it's important to consider the level of formality when choosing this phrase. Alternatives such as "must do" or "need to do" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

required to do

This is a more formal way of expressing obligation, emphasizing an external requirement.

obliged to do

Similar to "required to do" but with a stronger emphasis on a formal or legal obligation.

must do

This alternative conveys a stronger sense of obligation or necessity than the original phrase.

need to do

This indicates a requirement or necessity, similar to "are to do", but with a slightly less formal tone.

have to do

Similar to "must do" but often used in more informal contexts to express obligation.

expected to do

This suggests an anticipation or expectation rather than a strict obligation.

should do

This suggests a recommendation or advice, making it less forceful than "are to do".

supposed to do

This often implies a duty or expectation that may not always be strictly enforced.

intend to do

This indicates a plan or intention to perform an action, rather than an obligation.

plan to do

Expresses a decided course of action or strategy to do something.

FAQs

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

You can use "are to do" to indicate a formal obligation or planned action. For example: "The students "are to do" their homework by Friday" or "We "are to do" everything possible to help."

What can I say instead of "are to do"?

You can use alternatives like "must do", "should do", or "need to do" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are to do" or "have to do"?

Both phrases are correct, but "are to do" is more formal than "have to do". Use "are to do" in formal writing and announcements, and "have to do" in more casual settings.

What's the difference between "are to do" and "going to do"?

"Are to do" implies a formal obligation or instruction, while "going to do" indicates a plan or intention. For example, "The soldiers "are to do" as they're commanded" (obligation) versus "I'm "going to do" my homework later" (intention).