is to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"is to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an obligation, expectation, or to introduce a purpose. For example: "The room is to be used only for storage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She is to be applauded.

The New York Times - Magazine

That is to be welcomed.

The Economist

That is to be applauded.

The New York Times

This is to be commended.

Independent

Milly is to be pitied.

The Economist

It is to be savoured".

Independent

Casting is to be announced.

The New York Times

Consistency is to be valued.

The New York Times

"Samutsevich is to be released".

The New York Times

The penthouse is to be delivered vacant.

The New York Times

That, however, is to be expected.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is to be" to express formal obligations, scheduled events, or instructions. For example, "The meeting is to be held next Tuesday."

Common error

Avoid using "is to be" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "will be" or "is going to be" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is to be" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase used to express future actions, arrangements, obligations, or plans. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes expectations or introduces a purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is to be" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express future actions, obligations, or intended purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful phrase in written English. It is commonly found in news and media, as well as in scientific writing. When choosing to use "is to be", consider the context and desired level of formality. While appropriate for formal writing and instructions, simpler alternatives may be more suitable for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be

Simple future tense, focusing on a future state or event.

shall be

More formal future tense, often indicating a rule or regulation.

is going to be

Indicates a planned or predicted future event.

must be

Expresses necessity or strong obligation.

has to be

Indicates obligation or requirement.

needs to be

Highlights a requirement or necessity.

should be

Indicates a recommendation or expectation.

ought to be

Similar to 'should be', but slightly more formal.

is required to be

Emphasizes a mandatory condition or action.

is intended to be

Focuses on the purpose or planned outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "is to be" to indicate a plan, arrangement, or obligation. For instance, "The report "is to be" submitted by Friday" implies a formal requirement.

What's the difference between "is to be" and "will be"?

"Is to be" often suggests a formal arrangement or obligation, while "will be" is a more general statement about the future. For example, "The new policy "is to be" implemented next month" conveys a planned action, whereas "The weather "will be" sunny tomorrow" is a simple prediction.

When is it appropriate to use "is to be"?

It's appropriate in formal writing, instructions, or when emphasizing a scheduled event or obligation. Using it in casual conversation might sound unnatural.

What alternatives can I use instead of "is to be"?

You can use alternatives like ""will be"", "is going to be", or "should be" depending on the nuance you want to convey.