is to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used to indicate a specific purpose or goal. For example, "The goal of this experiment is to determine the effects of the treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

" 'Shkiaff' is to slap.

The New York Times

Who is to blame?

The New York Times

Laziness is to blame.

The New York Times - Food

It is to snooze.

The New Yorker

Worse is to come.

The Economist

Who is to decide?

The New York Times

Someone is to blame.

The New Yorker

SCAF is to blame.

The New Yorker

More is to come.

Independent

"It is to remain Rubio".

The New York Times

"Nobody is to get in".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is to" to clearly define the purpose or intention of an action or object. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the intended outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "is to" in situations where a simple present tense verb would suffice. Overusing "is to" can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted. For instance, instead of "The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget", consider "This meeting discusses the budget".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is to" primarily functions as a linking verb construction to express purpose, intention, or expected action. This construction, as Ludwig shows, helps clearly define the relationship between subjects and their intended outcomes or functions. It is commonly used to denote a planned or scheduled event, or a formal definition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is to" is a versatile construct used to express purpose, intention, or expected action. According to Ludwig, it functions primarily to clarify relationships between subjects and their intended outcomes. While grammatically correct and very common, it is important to avoid overuse in contexts where simpler verb forms would suffice. Predominantly found in news, formal writing, and professional communication, its usage ensures clarity and precision, making it a valuable tool in effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is intended to

Focuses on the planned or designed purpose.

aims to

Stresses the goal or objective.

is designed to

Emphasizes the intentional design for a specific purpose.

serves to

Emphasizes the function or role something has.

is utilized to

Focuses on how something is used to achieve a specific result.

functions as

Highlights the operational aspect or purpose.

is for the purpose of

Explicitly states the reason for something's existence or action.

is equivalent to

Highlights the equivalence or sameness in value or meaning.

amounts to

Suggests a total or result.

is defined as

Provides a formal definition or explanation.

FAQs

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

Use "is to" to express purpose, intention, or a future action that is planned or expected. For example, "The main goal "is to" improve customer satisfaction".

What are some alternatives to using "is to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "serves to", "aims to", or "is intended to". For instance, instead of "The function of this button "is to" submit the form", you could say "This button "serves to" submit the form".

When is it best to use "is to" in writing?

It's best to use "is to" when you want to clearly state the purpose or function of something. It's particularly useful in formal writing where clarity and precision are important.

Is there a difference between "is to" and "is going to"?

Yes, while both can refer to future actions, "is to" often implies a formal arrangement or plan, whereas "is going to" is more general. For example, "The president "is to" address the nation" suggests a scheduled event, while "The president "is going to" address the nation" simply states a future intention.