Dictionary

be to en · VERB

Meanings

1. (abbreviation, alt-of, ellipsis) Ellipsis of be going to; will; would or should in past tense.
   alt of be going to
   • If you were to find a wallet on the street, would you take it?
   • If we are to make it, we'd better get a taxi.
   • Were the government to ban zoos, it would put breeding programs at risk.
   • Strange things were to occur all over the country.
2. Especially, to be expected to (do something).
   • You are to hand in your essay by Friday.
   • The CEO is to announce the new company strategy tomorrow.
   • How am I to reach the top shelf without a ladder?
   • What is he to do in such a difficult situation?
   • The other players are cheaters and not to be trusted.