Meaning & use
to be
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
The infinitive form of the verb 'be', used after 'to' in sentences like 'I want to be happy.'
Grammar: Used after 'to' to form the infinitive; it can follow many verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
Patterns
- to be + adjective
- to be + noun
- to be + past participle
She wants to be a doctor.
It is important to be honest.
He seems to be tired.
adjectivebefore a noun
Used before a noun to describe something that is planned or expected to happen in the future.
Grammar: Always used before a noun, often with a hyphen: 'to-be bride'.
Patterns
- the to-be + noun
The to-be bride was trying on her wedding dress.
The to-be president will take office in January.
Common combinations
- to be honest
- To be honest, I don't like the idea.
- to be continued
- The story ended with 'to be continued'.
- to be sure
- To be sure, we need more evidence.
- to be precise
- To be precise, the meeting starts at 9:15.
Word family
Commonly confused: to be or too?
to be vs too
'Too' means 'also' or 'excessively', while 'to be' is the infinitive of the verb 'be'.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'to be' correctly?
Choose one answer.
After 'want', we use the infinitive 'to be'. 'Want be' is missing 'to'; 'too be' uses 'too' incorrectly; 'to being' is not the correct infinitive form.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “to be”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.