which is to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"which is to be" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to indicate that something is going to happen in the future or is planned to happen. For example: We will be deciding the fate of the project, which is to be determined by the end of the week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

None of which is to be discounted or forgotten.

The Guardian

So which is to be? Brecht or Stanislavsky?

The Guardian

Jayne does not respond, which is to be expected.

The New Yorker

Royale, which is to be reconstituted for the museum.

The New York Times

from "Annie," which is to be revived in the fall.

The New York Times

The designer mouse, which is to be released later this summer, will cost $35.

The New York Times - Tech

"It undermines the whole purpose of the Safe Schools coalition which is to be inclusive".

The Guardian

"The question," Humpty Dumpty replies, "is which is to be master, that's all".

The New Yorker

In other words, I was rejecting the human condition, which is to be trapped by circumstances".

The New York Times - Books

"The question is," said Humpty Dumpty, "which is to be master -- that's all".

The New York Times

The museum will remain open during the work, which is to be completed in July 2001.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is to be" to introduce a defining characteristic or planned action related to a preceding noun or clause. It adds a formal tone and clarifies the intended outcome or purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "that is to be" in non-restrictive clauses where "which is to be" is more appropriate. "Which" introduces additional, non-essential information, while "that" is used for essential information. For instance, "The project, which is to be completed by Friday, is on schedule" is correct, whereas using "that" would imply the completion by Friday is what defines the project.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is to be" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by providing additional information or specifying a future state or action. This usage is supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which is to be" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause that adds non-essential, clarifying information, often with a focus on future actions or plans. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. While versatile, it is most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, imparting a neutral to slightly formal tone. For alternatives, consider options like "that will be" or "that is going to be" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. When writing, remember that "which is to be" is suitable for non-restrictive clauses, adding extra details rather than defining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is going to be

Emphasizes the future aspect, focusing on what will happen.

that will be

Directly indicates a future state or condition.

that shall be

A more formal and emphatic way to express future occurrence.

that is intended to be

Highlights the intention or plan behind something.

that is scheduled to be

Specifically refers to something that is planned or timetabled.

that is meant to be

Implies a sense of destiny or predetermination.

which will become

Focuses on the transformation or evolution into something else.

that is supposed to be

Indicates an expectation or requirement.

that is destined to be

Strongly suggests a predetermined future event.

that is planned to be

Highlights the deliberate planning of a future event.

FAQs

How do I use "which is to be" in a sentence?

Use "which is to be" to introduce non-essential information about a noun or clause, often indicating a future action or state. For example, "The revised plan, which is to be implemented next quarter, addresses all major concerns."

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

Alternatives include "that will be", "that is going to be", or "that is intended to be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "which is to be" or "that is to be"?

"Which is to be" is generally used in non-restrictive clauses (adding extra information), while "that is to be" is used in restrictive clauses (essential to the meaning). Choose based on whether the clause is essential to the sentence's meaning.

Can "which is to be" be replaced with a simpler phrase?

Yes, in many cases you can replace "which is to be" with simpler phrases like "which will be" or "which is going to be" for clarity and conciseness, especially in informal contexts.