be to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a future obligation or arrangement, often in formal contexts. Example: "You are to submit your report by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Praise be to God.

The New York Times

"It will be to Jerusalem".

The New York Times

Worse may be to come.

The New York Times

It would be to Kent.

The New Yorker

That would be to fail twice over.

The Economist

The modern diet may be to blame.

The New Yorker

PRAISE be to the Indian legal system!

The Economist

Various factors may be to blame.

The Economist

My advice would be to trust him.

Independent

"Praise be to God," said another.

Independent

Asia would be to its south.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be to" when indicating a formal arrangement or obligation. It is suitable for official announcements, contracts, or instructions where clarity and a degree of formality are desired.

Common error

Avoid using "be to" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "have to", "need to", or "should" are more appropriate. Using it in the wrong context can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be to" functions primarily as a modal construction expressing obligation, arrangement, or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, reinforcing its role in conveying future actions or requirements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be to" is a versatile construction used to express future obligations, arrangements, or intentions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its prevalence in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. While grammatically sound, "be to" is most appropriate in formal settings. For informal communication, consider alternatives like "are required to", "are supposed to", or "must". The key is to align the formality of the phrase with the context of your writing, ensuring clarity and precision in your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are required to

Emphasizes a requirement or obligation, often in a formal context.

are supposed to

Indicates an expectation or plan, suggesting a less strict obligation.

are expected to

Highlights an anticipated action or behavior, often in professional settings.

have to

Conveys necessity or compulsion, typically in a more direct and informal manner.

must

Expresses a strong obligation or requirement, often with a sense of authority.

need to

Indicates a necessity or requirement, focusing on what is needed or essential.

should

Suggests a recommendation or advisable action, often in a gentler tone.

are going to

Indicates a future intention or plan, often expressing a degree of certainty.

will

Expresses a future action or event, often with a sense of determination or inevitability.

are bound to

Indicates a high likelihood or certainty of something occurring.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be to" is often used to indicate a formal future arrangement or obligation. For example, "The meeting is to be held next week" or "You are to submit your report by Friday."

What are some alternatives to "be to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are required to", "are supposed to", or "must" to express similar meanings.

When is it appropriate to use "be to"?

It's appropriate to use "be to" in formal contexts, official announcements, or when outlining specific obligations. It provides a sense of clarity and authority. However, simpler alternatives may be better suited for informal communication.

Is "be to" formal or informal?

The phrase "be to" is generally considered more formal. Using "have to" or "need to" is preferable for informal contexts.