- English Grammar B2 Level - https://open.books4languages.com/english-b2-grammar -

To Be to + Infinitive

Introduction

To be to + infinitive is used to discuss official arrangements, orders or official instructions.

This structure has both active and  passive form.

Form

To be to + infinitive is used to discuss official arrangements, orders or official instructions.

This structure has both active and  passive form.

Its form is:
Subject + to be to + infinitive + …

Example

  • He is to cancel his flight for tomorrow, because he is sick.
  • Passengers are to have their seat belts fastened.
  • We are to travel by car from Ankara to Budapest.
  • Students are to take the red flag and bring it here.
  • The soldiers are to cross the border.

Use

We use to be to + infinitive in:

  • sentences that contain definite plans;
  • sentences that contain formal plans.

NOTE: We use this structure in formal sentences.

Summary

We find to be to + infinitive to discuss official arrangements, orders or official instructions. Its structure has both active and  passive form. We use it in sentences that contain definite plans or formal plans.

Its structure is: we start with the subject of the sentence followed by the structure to be to and the infinitive form of a verb.

For example:
— “He is to take the exam in a week.” = We are talking about an official arrangement, which is the exam.
— “We are to present our work first in today’s class.” = We are talking about an order, which is to be the first group to present in today’s class.
“We will present our work first in today’s class.” = If we use the future simple we are talking about a future intention that is not so formal or an order from someone (for example, the professor).

NOTE: We use this structure in formal sentences.

Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.