Be to
The construction "be to" (e.g., "am to," "is to," "are to," "was to," "were to") functions as a semi-modal verb in English. It is used to express pre-arranged plans, instructions/orders, obligation, possibility (especially in formal contexts), or destiny/fate.
Unlike true modal verbs, "be to" changes form according to the subject and tense (e.g., "I am to," "she is to," "they were to"). It is always followed by the base form of the main verb.
Формы Be to
The "be to" construction is formed by conjugating the verb "to be" according to the subject and tense, and then adding "to" followed by the base form of the main verb.
| Время | Структура | Пример (Утвердительная) | Пример (Отрицательная) | Пример (Вопросительная) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Present Simple | Подлежащее + am/is/are + to + Базовый глагол | I am to meet him. She is to arrive soon. They are to finish today. |
I am not to meet him. She is not to arrive soon. |
Am I to meet him? Is she to arrive soon? |
| Past Simple (Простое прошедшее) | Подлежащее + was/were + to + Базовый глагол | He was to speak at the conference. We were to leave at noon. |
He was not to speak. We were not to leave. |
Was he to speak? Were you to leave? |
| Present Perfect (Настоящее совершенное) | Подлежащее + have/has been + to + Базовый глагол | I have been to see the doctor. (Менее распространено для функции 'be to', чаще для совершенного времени глагола 'go') | Не типично. | Не типично. |
| Пассивный залог | Subject + form of "be to" + be + Past Participle | The work is to be completed by Friday. The problem was to be discussed. |
The work is not to be completed. | Is the work to be completed? |
Использование Be to
The "be to" construction is primarily used in formal or semi-formal contexts to convey pre-arranged plans, instructions, obligations, or destiny.
1. Выражение заранее оговоренных планов или запланированных событий
Это одно из наиболее распространенных применений, указывающее на договоренность, план или официальное расписание на будущее.
- Пример: The President is to visit Russia next month. (Официальное расписание/договоренность)
- Пример: We are to meet at 10 AM sharp. (Заранее оговоренная встреча)
- Пример: The train is to arrive at 5 o'clock. (Запланированное событие)
- Пример: They were to get married last year, but they postponed it. (Прошлый невыполненный план)
2. Отдача инструкций или приказов
Он может передавать команду или инструкцию, часто подразумевая, что инструкция исходит от властей или соглашения.
- Пример: You are to report to the manager immediately. (Приказ/Инструкция)
- Пример: No one is to leave the room before the bell. (Запрет/Инструкция)
- Пример: This form is to be filled out completely. (Инструкция в пассивном залоге)
3. Выражение обязанности или необходимости
Similar to "must" or "have to," but often implies a duty or a moral obligation rather than a strict external rule.
- Пример: You are to respect your elders. (Моральное обязательство/долг)
- Пример: She is to ensure that all tasks are completed. (Долг/Ответственность)
- Пример: What am I to do now? (Выражение дилеммы или потребности в инструкции)
4. Expressing Possibility (especially with "never" or in questions)
In formal contexts, particularly with negative constructions or in questions, "be to" can indicate possibility or something that can/cannot happen.
- Пример: No solution is to be found. (Невозможно найти решение)
- Пример: He was nowhere to be seen. (Его нельзя было увидеть)
- Пример: The ruins are to be seen from the road. (Их можно увидеть)
5. Выражение судьбы или рока
Используется для разговора о событиях, которым суждено или предначертано случиться, часто с ощущением неизбежности или трагедии.
- Пример: They were to meet again many years later. (Судьбоносная встреча)
- Пример: He was to become a great leader. (Судьба)
- Пример: She was to die young. (Трагический рок)