Be Expressions in English: 10 Useful Structures to Learn

Be expressions in English are very useful grammar structures that help you talk about permission, expectation, ability, probability, habits, and future plans.

At first glance, they may look similar because they all begin with the verb be, but each one has its own meaning and grammar pattern. Once you learn how they work, you will be able to express yourself much more clearly and naturally.

So, let’s go through these ten useful be expressions in English one by one.

1. Be allowed to

We use be allowed to to say that someone has permission to do something.

Structure:

be + allowed to + infinitive

It is often used as a more formal alternative to can or could when talking about permission.

Examples:

• The soldiers were allowed to take the evening off.
• Sarah is allowed to use her brother’s car as long as she pays for the petrol.
• Once you leave the country, you may not be allowed to come back.
• Animals are not allowed to enter the museum, except guide dogs.
• In many countries, drugs must be tested before they are allowed to be sold.

2. Be about to

We use be about to when something is going to happen very soon.

Structure:

be + about to + infinitive

This expression often suggests that the action is just on the point of happening.

Examples:

• I was just about to leave when the phone rang.
• Sean is about to begin a language course at college.
• They are about to move in together after a year of dating.
• I was about to speak to Mary when I remembered we had argued.
• The company is about to launch a new product.

3. Be to

We use be to + infinitive mainly in formal English, especially in news reports, announcements, instructions, and official plans.

Structure:

be + to + infinitive

It can express future arrangements, orders, or formal instructions.

Examples:

• The mayor is to announce the opening of a new swimming pool on Saturday.
• The presidents of the two countries are to meet in France next week.
• Nobody is to leave until I say so.
• You are not to smoke in this area under any circumstances.
• The ceremony is to begin at noon.

4. Be due to

We use be due to to talk about something that is scheduled, expected, or planned to happen at a particular time.

Structure:

be + due to + infinitive

Examples:

• The plane is due to arrive at 10.15.
• A new wildlife park is due to open by the end of the year.
• The tram line was due to open in March, but the project was delayed.
• Her contract is due to end next month.
• The train is due to leave in five minutes.

Note: Do not confuse this structure with due to meaning because of.

• The flight was cancelled due to bad weather.
• The flight is due to arrive at 10.15.

These are different uses.

5. Be supposed to

We use be supposed to to talk about what is expected, required, or generally believed to happen.

Structure:

be + supposed to + infinitive

Examples:

• Mark is supposed to start work at eight.
• You are not supposed to bring animals in here.
• How am I supposed to get experience if nobody will hire me?
• Aren’t you supposed to be at home revising for your test?
• I’m supposed to meet the head of department tomorrow.

This expression is very common in everyday English.

6. Be meant to

We use be meant to in a few different ways. It can mean that something is intended to happen, that something has a purpose, or that something seems to be destined.

Structure:

be + meant to + infinitive

Examples:

• This book is meant to help learners improve their writing.
• The lecture was meant to be educational and inspiring.
• Clair and Sean seem meant to be together.
• The film was meant to be a great success.
• These instructions are meant to make the process easier.

Note: Your original version focused mostly on the idea of destiny, but in everyday English be meant to is also very often used for intention or purpose.

7. Be likely to

We use be likely to to talk about probability — in other words, what will probably happen.

Structure:

be + likely to + infinitive

Examples:

• It is likely to rain this afternoon.
• She is likely to forget, so please remind her.
• Patients with a history of drug or alcohol use are more likely to misuse stimulants.
• You are not likely to make much money if you do not work hard.
• Government officials are unlikely to reveal such information to the public.

Opposite:

• likely to
• unlikely to

Both are very useful.

8. Be able to

We use be able to to express ability. It is often used instead of can, especially when can is not grammatically possible, for example after another modal or in some future forms.

Structure:

be + able to + infinitive

Examples:

• When everyone leaves, we’ll be able to talk in peace.
• I wasn’t able to think of a good title for the book.
• A good traveller should be able to blend in with local people.
• Some health problems can lead to not being able to get pregnant.
• Never shall I be able to repay your kindness.

9. Be used to

We use be used to to say that someone is familiar with something or accustomed to it.

Structure:

be + used to + noun / gerund

Examples:

• I am used to living in the countryside.
• She is used to working long hours.
• The children are not used to getting up so early.
• After ten years in Russia, Anna was used to cold winters.
• I didn’t like the new boss at first, but now I’m used to him.

Important: Do not confuse be used to with used to for past habits.

• I am used to getting up early.
• I used to get up early when I was a student.

Very different meaning — same old English trick, just to keep us humble.

10. Be going to

We use be going to to talk about future plans, intentions, and predictions based on present evidence.

Structure:

be + going to + infinitive

Examples:

• What are you going to do at the weekend?
• I think it’s going to rain later. Look at those clouds.
• My parents are going to buy me a new kitchen.
• I’m very tired, so I think I’m going to finish the report tomorrow.
• I’m going to stop smoking on Monday.

This is one of the most common future structures in English.

Quick summary of the 10 BE expressions in English

Here is a simple overview:

• be allowed to = have permission
• be about to = do something very soon
• be to = formal arrangement or instruction
• be due to = scheduled or expected
• be supposed to = expected or required
• be meant to = intended, designed, or destined
• be likely to = probably happen
• be able to = have the ability
• be used to = be accustomed to
• be going to = future plan or prediction

Final thoughts 

Be expressions in English are extremely useful because they allow you to talk about many different ideas with precision. Instead of relying on very simple structures all the time, you can use them to sound more natural, more accurate, and more advanced.

My advice is simple: do not just read them once and move on. Try writing your own example sentences with each expression. That is the best way to make them part of your active English.

The more you use them, the more confident you will become — and that is exactly what good grammar should do: help you say what you mean clearly and naturally.