we are to

USAGE SUMMARY

"we are to" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate a plan or intention. Example: We are to meet at the office at 9 am tomorrow for the team meeting. In this sentence, "we are to" indicates that it is the plan or expectation for us to meet at the office at 9 am for the team meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

WE are to blame.

HuffPost

Is it AR technology that we are to fear?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We are to unpredictable.

The New Yorker

We are to blame.

The Guardian

We are to listen.

MIT Technology Review

We are to be wed.

The Guardian - Books

We are to dress neatly.

The New York Times - Books

But we are to blame.

The New York Times - Magazine

We are to pay attention.

MIT Technology Review

That we are to die is inevitable.

The New York Times

So, we are to be expelled.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When conveying a strong sense of necessity or moral imperative, consider alternatives like "we must" or "we should" for greater impact.

Common error

Avoid using "we are to" in informal conversation or casual writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in contexts where simpler expressions like "we will" or "we're going to" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are to" functions primarily as a modal verb construction, indicating obligation, intention, or a predetermined plan. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness and use in indicating plans or intentions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are to" is a grammatically sound construction frequently used to express obligation, intention, or scheduled events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the real-world examples demonstrate its presence across news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal communication. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey – "we must" for stronger obligation, or "we intend to" for a clear plan. Be mindful of overusing "we are to" in casual contexts, where simpler expressions may be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we must

Emphasizes a stronger sense of obligation or necessity compared to "we are to".

we should

Suggests a recommendation or weaker obligation than "we are to".

we need to

Highlights the necessity of an action, similar to a strong interpretation of "we are to".

we have to

Indicates a requirement or obligation, often imposed by an external force, much like some usages of "we are to".

we are required to

Formally states an obligation or requirement, mirroring the more formal uses of "we are to".

we intend to

Expresses a clear intention or plan, overlapping with the intentional aspect of "we are to".

it is our duty to

Highlights a moral or ethical obligation, a specific nuance found in some contexts of "we are to".

we are expected to

Indicates an expectation or anticipated action, comparable to certain usages of "we are to".

we plan to

Signifies a planned future action, a potential meaning of "we are to".

we shall

Formally indicates future action or determination, similar to the formal usage of "we are to".

FAQs

How can I use "we are to" in a sentence?

"We are to" is used to express obligations, intentions, or scheduled events. For example, "We are to meet at 9 AM" indicates a scheduled meeting.

What's the difference between "we are to" and "we have to"?

"We are to" often implies a formal arrangement or external instruction, while "we have to" suggests a more general obligation or necessity. Consider alternatives like "we must" or "we should".

What can I say instead of "we are to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "we must", "we should", "we need to", or "we are required to".

Is "we are to" formal or informal?

"We are to" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, phrases like "we will" or "we're going to" may be more suitable.