to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that is used to indicate a state of existence, identity, or a relationship between entities. For example, "I am a student who loves learning" or "My friend is brave and courageous".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To be cool is to be invisible.

The New York Times

Oh to be, To be a man.

The New York Times

To be full, to be satisfied.

The New York Times - Magazine

To be reasonable is to be right.

The Guardian - Opinion

But to be good.

Independent

To be thinking.

The New Yorker

Got to be Hitchcock.

The New Yorker

"Seconds to be noticed".

The New York Times

Needed to be wittier.

Independent

To be absolutely clear.

The Guardian

To be arrested!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be", ensure the verb tense and form agree with the subject of the sentence for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "to be" verbs (is, are, was, were, be, being, been) by replacing them with more active and descriptive verbs to make your writing more engaging and concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be" functions primarily as the infinitive form of the verb "be". It indicates a state of existence, identity, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

23%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be" is a fundamental element of English grammar, serving as the infinitive form of the verb "be". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and widely applicable in written English. Its primary function involves expressing a state of existence, identity, or condition. While prevalent across various contexts, including News & Media and Wiki sources, it's crucial to avoid overuse to maintain sentence clarity and engagement. Consider alternatives like "to become" or "to exist" when appropriate. Remembering to maintain verb tense agreement and avoiding excessive passive voice will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being

Focuses on the state of existence or the process of becoming, rather than the infinitive form.

to exist

Emphasizes the fact of existence, often in a philosophical or abstract context.

to become

Highlights the transition or process of changing into something.

to remain

Suggests a continuation of an existing state or condition.

to act as

Implies a functional role or representation.

to serve as

Highlights a specific function or purpose that something fulfills.

to represent

Focuses on symbolizing or standing in for something else.

to constitute

Indicates the elements or components that make up a whole.

to embody

Suggests the physical or tangible representation of an abstract concept.

to symbolize

Emphasizes the use of something as a symbol or representation of something else.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to be" functions as the infinitive form of the verb "be", indicating a state of existence, identity, or condition. For example, "The goal is "to be" successful" or "It is important "to be" honest".

What are some alternatives to "to be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to exist", "to become", or simply restructuring the sentence to use a more active verb.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "to be"?

Starting a sentence directly with "to be" is less common but can be grammatically correct in certain constructions, particularly in philosophical or abstract contexts. However, it's often better to rephrase for clarity.

How does the use of "to be" affect sentence clarity?

While grammatically sound, overuse of "to be" can lead to passive and less engaging writing. Opting for more active verbs improves sentence clarity and impact.