The word "be" is correct and can be used in written English. You can use it as a linking verb, or as an auxiliary verb. Example sentence: "I will be there at 5 o'clock.".
That would be absurd.
I thought it was going to be easy.
But it was not to be.
They may be right.
That may be so.
"We're ready to be led — not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans.
It was not to be.
Being a terminologist, I care about word choice. Ludwig simply helps me pick the best words for any translation. Five stars!
Maria Pia Montoro
Terminologist and Q/A Analyst @ Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union