Be To: Plans, Instructions and Necessary Conditions
By the end: I can distinguish an official arrangement, an instruction and a condition for a goal.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Choose a short recording.
An arranged event
Be to plus a base verb can present a formal arrangement or scheduled action. It does not guarantee the event will occur.
The panel is to meet on Friday.
The visitors are to arrive at noon.
An instruction
Context can give be to a directive meaning. A negative can prohibit an action in the stated setting.
You are to wait here until called.
Visitors are not to enter this room.
Use the context to identify a directive
Wait here; the until-clause supplies the stated time limit.
The negative prohibits entry in this setting.
A condition needed for a goal
If we are to succeed means if success is to be achieved. The main clause names something necessary, not a prediction that success is guaranteed.
If we are to finish today, we need help.
If the plan is to work, everyone must understand it.
Guided practice
Say or write your answer first. Compare form and meaning with the model.
1. Complete: The team ___ to meet tomorrow.
Compare a model and explanation
is
Team is treated as singular in this target sentence; regional plural agreement may also occur with collective meaning.
2. Complete: The guests are to ___. Use arrive.
Compare a model and explanation
arrive
Use a base verb after to.
3. Interpret: You are not to open this door. The speaker gives a rule.
Compare a model and explanation
Opening is prohibited.
The context selects a directive meaning.
4. Interpret: The group is to meet next week. Does this prove it will happen?
Compare a model and explanation
No. It states an arrangement.
Plans can change.
5. Rewrite a necessary-condition statement with if we are to: To finish on time, we need more staff.
Compare a model and explanation
If we are to finish on time, we need more staff.
The main clause states a requirement for the goal.
6. Does If we are to succeed, we must practise mean practice guarantees success?
Compare a model and explanation
No.
Necessity is not sufficiency.
7. Make the instruction less formal: You are to wait here.
Compare a model and explanation
Please wait here.
The action remains the same.
8. Give one arrangement and one instruction using be to.
Compare a model and explanation
The visitors are to arrive at ten. They are to report to reception.
Context distinguishes schedule and directive.
A short conversation
Listen first, then open the transcript when useful.
Open the conversation transcript
A: The group is to arrive at ten, according to the schedule.
B: And where are they to wait?
A: They are to wait in the main hall. If we’re to start on time, reception needs the list now.
B: I’ll send it, but the arrival could still be delayed.
Listening checks
Listen to each extract or open its transcript. These three questions have a separate score.
Mastery quiz
Choose the best answer for each situation. The score is out of eight.
Use it in your own words
Speaking 1
State two formal arrangements for an invented event.
Reveal a possible response
The speakers are to arrive at nine. The session is to begin at ten.
Success check: Do not guarantee the plans will occur.
Speaking 2
Give two formal instructions and one friendlier equivalent.
Reveal a possible response
Visitors are to sign in. They are not to enter the studio. More simply: Please sign in here.
Success check: Match tone to setting.
Put it all together
Brief a colleague on an event using an arrangement, a directive and a necessary condition.
Reveal a possible response
The group is to arrive at ten. Visitors are to wait in reception. If we’re to start on time, we need the room ready by nine thirty.
Success check: Keep the three functions distinct.
Take it with you
I can distinguish an official arrangement, an instruction and a condition for a goal.