is to borrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is to borrow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the purpose or intention behind an action, particularly in contexts involving borrowing something. Example: "The main goal of this project is to borrow ideas from various sources to create a unique solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is, to borrow a word from Ellie, crackers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

My advice is to borrow a few bucks from this guy.

The New York Times

Maybe the solution is to borrow one good idea from Republicans.

The New York Times

Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods is, to borrow from football commentary, a play of two halves.

Independent

It is, to borrow Mr. Braga's description, a postmodern-science-fiction-western-family-adventure series.

The New York Times - Arts

But theirs is, to borrow E. O. Wilson's term, a bloody, bloody biophilia.

The New Yorker

It is, to borrow from the Platform itself, something of an exercise in naming absurdity.

The New York Times - Arts

But his latest suggestion is to borrow one from the US.

The Guardian

A better option from a risk mitigation standpoint is to borrow against the policy.

The New York Times

It seems he is, to borrow Sean Kelly's immortal phrase, "making the calculation".

The Guardian - Sport

Anyway it is, to borrow a phrase they use often, fucking good fun.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is to borrow", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being borrowed and from where. For instance, specify "is to borrow ideas from classic literature" rather than just "is to borrow".

Common error

Avoid using "is to borrow" without clearly stating what is being borrowed. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Always provide a clear antecedent for the borrowing action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is to borrow" functions as an infinitive phrase, indicating a purpose or intention. It is commonly used to describe the intended action of acquiring something temporarily. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

30%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is to borrow" functions as an infinitive phrase, primarily used to articulate plans, strategies, or methods. It is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While it appears most commonly in News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral register suitable for professional and informative communication. When using "is to borrow", clarity is crucial. Always specify what is being borrowed and from where to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aims to borrow

Focuses on the intent or goal of borrowing.

seeks to borrow

Emphasizes the attempt or effort to borrow.

intends to borrow

Highlights the planned action of borrowing.

plans to borrow

Similar to intends, but suggests a more concrete arrangement.

needs to borrow

Indicates a necessity to borrow.

wants to borrow

Expresses a desire to borrow.

is going to borrow

Indicates a future action of borrowing.

will borrow

A simpler, direct way to state the future borrowing.

can borrow

Indicates the ability or possibility of borrowing.

should borrow

Suggests that borrowing is a good idea or a recommended action.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is to borrow" is used to express an intention or plan to acquire something temporarily. For example, "The project's main strategy is to borrow ideas from other successful campaigns".

What can I say instead of "is to borrow"?

You can use alternatives like "aims to borrow", "seeks to borrow", or "intends to borrow" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "is to borrow" or "is borrowing"?

"Is to borrow" indicates a plan or intention, whereas "is borrowing" describes an action currently in progress. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "is to borrow" and "needs to borrow"?

"Is to borrow" suggests a planned action, while "needs to borrow" implies a necessity. "The approach is to borrow best practices" indicates a strategy, whereas "He needs to borrow money" indicates a requirement.