be to

Definitions

1. 1

   Used to express an official plan, arrangement, or scheduled event.

   • The CEO is to announce the new company strategy tomorrow.
2. 2

   Used in the past tense to indicate that something was supposed to happen or was destined…

   Used in the past tense to indicate that something was supposed to happen or was destined to happen.

   • Strange things were to happen all over the country.
3. 3

   Used after if to introduce a condition that must be met in order for something to happen…

   Used after if to introduce a condition that must be met in order for something to happen or succeed.

   • If we are to make it, we'd better get a taxi.
4. ›+ 4 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Used to give commands, instructions, or to state rules. In negative form, it expresses…

      Used to give commands, instructions, or to state rules. In negative form, it expresses prohibition.

      • You are to hand in your essay by Friday.
   2. 5

      Used to ask or state what someone should do.

      • What is he to do in such a difficult situation?
   3. 6

      Used to ask how something is possible or achievable

      • How am I to reach the top shelf without a ladder?
   4. 7

      Used after if or in inversion to describe hypothetical or imagined scenarios.

      • If you were to find a wallet on the street, would you take it?
      • Were the government to ban zoos, it would put breeding programs at risk.

The neighborhood