it is to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is to be" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate a future inevitability or a situation that is predetermined. For example: "It is to be expected that prices will continue to rise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is to be savoured".

Independent

"It is to be like an octopus".

The New Yorker

It is to be available Nov. 4.

The New York Times - Tech

It is to be presidential, not parliamentary.

The Economist

It is to be dedicated next month.

The New York Times - Sports

It is to be realistic.

The Guardian

It is to be finished in late 2016.

The New York Times

It is to be civilized.

The New York Times

Some of it is to be expected.

The Guardian

How good it is to be British.

The Guardian

It is to be called Palin's Pacific.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, ensure that the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to. Ambiguity can arise if the subject is not explicitly stated or easily inferred from the surrounding text.

Common error

Avoid using "it is to be" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "it will be" or "it's going to be" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it is to be" is to introduce a statement about a future event, plan, or condition. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used to express expectations or scheduled arrangements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is to be" is a versatile expression used to indicate future plans, arrangements, or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal settings. While the phrase conveys a sense of certainty or predetermination, it's important to consider the level of formality suitable for your writing and avoid overuse in casual contexts. Alternatives like "it will be" or "it is going to be" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will be

Indicates a future event with a high degree of certainty, similar to "it is to be" but more direct.

it shall be

A more formal and emphatic way of stating a future event or rule, offering a stronger sense of obligation or inevitability.

it is going to be

A more colloquial expression indicating a future event, carrying a slightly less formal tone.

it must be

Expresses necessity or logical conclusion, implying something is required or highly probable.

it should be

Suggests an expectation or recommendation for a future event, indicating a desired outcome.

it is required to be

Highlights a formal requirement or obligation, emphasizing the necessity of a specific action or state.

it needs to be

Indicates a necessity or requirement, focusing on the need for something to happen or exist.

it is destined to be

Suggests a predetermined future, implying fate or inevitability in a more dramatic or literary way.

it is slated to be

Indicates that something is officially scheduled or planned for the future.

it is intended to be

Emphasizes the planned or desired purpose of something, focusing on its intended outcome or function.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is to be" to express future arrangements, plans, or necessities. For example, "It is to be expected that there will be delays" or "The meeting is to be held next week".

What are some alternatives to "it is to be"?

Alternatives include "it will be", "it shall be", or "it is going to be", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it is to be" instead of "it will be"?

"It is to be" is more formal and suggests a planned or arranged event, while "it will be" is a more general statement about the future. Use "it is to be" when describing official plans or expectations.

Is "it is to be" always interchangeable with "it has to be"?

No, "it is to be" indicates a future arrangement or inevitability, whereas "it has to be" expresses a necessity or requirement. While there may be overlapping contexts, they are not always interchangeable.