we are to begin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are to begin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a certain action or event is scheduled to start or is expected to start. Example: "After much preparation, we are to begin the presentation at 10 AM sharp."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

If we are to begin a cull not very nice people, there will be a lot of empty statue plinths and a lot of returned, or spurned, bequests.

The Guardian

To be the buffer between the market system we operate in and the non-market place that must be created if we are to begin to dream a new more equitable way for us to be as a society?

The Guardian

Time is on the side of increased rationality: the longer that genetic-modification technologies are in use, the more likely we are to begin to incorporate them into our sense of the familiar.

The New Yorker

If we are to begin to help patients actually heal from schizophrenia, however, we must begin to fund treatment centers where the environmental causes of schizophrenia might be uncovered and addressed through practical therapeutic interventions.

The New York Times

What has made news so far is that in his interview with us, the new minister says the headline aim should be, over the next 20 years, that land equivalent to a third of that we currently occupy across the country must be released - if we are to begin to address this country's chronic housing shortage.

BBC

However, if we are to begin to deal with these types of deep-rooted issues, we must implement bold, comprehensive measures.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"He was doing 'The Dead,' and it closed moments before we were to begin shooting.

The New York Times

Which leaves us back where we were to begin with.

Vice

"We are delighted to begin our HD journey with Sky".

The Guardian

"We are ready to begin providing Diflucan immediately".

The New York Times

"We are delighted to begin our relationship with AIG.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are to begin" when you want to indicate a formal or scheduled commencement of an activity or process. It implies a sense of duty or obligation.

Common error

Avoid using "we are to begin" in very casual contexts. Opt for simpler phrases like "we're starting" or "we'll begin" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are to begin" functions as an infinitive phrase, indicating a future action that is planned or scheduled. This construction often implies a sense of obligation or duty to commence something. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are to begin" is a grammatically sound construction used to denote the scheduled or intended start of an activity, often with a sense of obligation. According to Ludwig, its usage is common in news, media, and scientific contexts. While generally formal, "we are to begin" can be adapted to various situations, keeping in mind the level of formality required. Alternatives such as "we are about to start" or "we intend to commence" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in tone. Remember to consider simpler alternatives in very casual situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are about to start

Uses "about to start" to convey immediacy.

we are scheduled to start

Emphasizes that the start is part of a schedule.

we intend to commence

More formal, using "intend" and "commence".

we are planning to initiate

Highlights the planning stage before beginning.

we are on the verge of starting

Indicates that the start is imminent.

we are poised to launch

Suggests readiness and anticipation.

we are setting out to begin

Highlights the act of setting out or preparing.

we are ready to get underway

Informal, using "get underway".

we will initiate proceedings

More formal and specific to starting an official process.

we will get going

Informal and direct way to convey that they will begin.

FAQs

How to use "we are to begin" in a sentence?

"We are to begin" is used to indicate a scheduled or intended start of something, often with a sense of obligation. For example: "We are to begin the meeting promptly at 9 AM."

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

Alternatives include "we are about to start", "we intend to commence", or "we are planning to initiate", depending on the context and level of formality.

Which is correct, "we are to begin" or "we will begin"?

Both are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "We are to begin" suggests a plan or arrangement, while "we will begin" simply states a future action.

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

"We are to begin" implies a future action that is scheduled or intended. "We are beginning", on the other hand, indicates an action that is happening now or in the immediate present.