are to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are to start" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a scheduled or planned action that is expected to begin in the future. Example: "The new classes are to start next Monday, and students should be prepared with their materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Deliveries are to start in 2015.

The New York Times

More laws are to start afterward.

The New York Times

Deliveries are to start later this year.

The New York Times

Sales are to start this fall.

The New York Times

Performances are to start in October.

The New York Times

Prices are to start at $250,000.

The New York Times

Volunteers are to start work there in March.

The New York Times

Prices are to start in the mid-£500,000 range.

The New York Times

The ads are to start appearing in the fall.

The New York Times - Tech

The ads are to start nationally in July, he added.

The New York Times

They tell me we are to start walking tomorrow.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is important, use "are to start" to convey the certainty of a planned commencement.

Common error

Avoid using "are to start" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "will start" or "are going to start" sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are to start" functions as a modal construction indicating a future event that is planned or scheduled. It combines the auxiliary verb "are" with the infinitive "to start", expressing intention or arrangement. As supported by Ludwig AI, it is generally correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are to start" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to indicate scheduled or planned future events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility across various contexts. While "are to start" is versatile, it is particularly well-suited for formal announcements and official communications. To enhance clarity, avoid overuse in informal settings where alternatives like "will start" may be more appropriate. According to the Ludwig examples, the expression finds frequent application in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" domains. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively communicate future plans and schedules with precision and confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are scheduled to begin

Emphasizes a formal arrangement or timetable.

are slated to commence

Implies an official or predetermined starting time.

are due to initiate

Suggests an obligation or expectation to begin.

will be starting

Uses the future continuous tense to indicate an ongoing action in the future.

are going to start

A more informal way of expressing a future intention.

are about to start

Indicates that something will begin very soon.

are on the verge of starting

Highlights the imminence of the commencement.

are programmed to launch

Conveys a technologically or systematically planned beginning.

are set to get underway

Emphasizes the initiation or progression of an event or activity.

are intending to begin

Highlights the intention or plan to initiate something.

FAQs

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

You can use "are to start" to indicate a scheduled or planned commencement, as in "The meetings "are to start" next week".

What are some alternatives to "are to start"?

Alternatives include "are scheduled to begin", "are set to commence", or "will start" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "are to start" or "will start"?

"Are to start" implies a formal arrangement or schedule, while "will start" is a more general expression of future action. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "are to start" and "are about to start"?

"Are to start" indicates a future plan or schedule, while "are about to start" suggests something will begin very soon. The latter implies greater imminence.