grammar · formal

be to + base verb

Band 7+task2speaking

'Be to + base verb' expresses formal arrangements, official plans, instructions, or destiny (in certain contexts).

Examples

“The delegation is to sign the agreement tomorrow.”

“You are to report to the manager at nine o'clock.”

“He was to become a leading scientist, though he died young.”

Band 8 sentence

“Under the new policy, all applicants are to submit their documentation electronically by the end of the month.”

Collocations

  • is/are to + V (formal plan)
  • was/were to + V (past arrangement or destiny)
  • is to be + V3 (passive formal)

Common mistakes

The president will to visit the factory next Monday.→The president is to visit the factory next Monday.

He is to be finished the report by Friday.→He is to have the report finished by Friday. / The report is to be finished by Friday.

Say it for a higher band

5will + V→6be going to + V→7+be to + base verb

Synonyms

be due to + V

Easily confused

be going to + base verb

“She is going to visit Beijing next month.”

Related words

have / has + past participlesubject + V(s) (simple present)be about to + base verbbe + V-ingso + adjective/adverb + that + clauseIf + present perfect, will + base verbNot only + clause, but also + clausewill have been + V-ing

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In Tenses

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