“Be to” and “Be about to”

“Be to” and “Be about to”

Hello English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. Today, we will talk about the difference between the constructions “be to” and “be about to”.

“Be to” construction

Fixed arrangements or scheduled events

The construction “be to” usually refers to something that is planned, scheduled, or officially arranged. It gives a sense that the event or action is predetermined by a timetable, instruction or agreement. 

• The train is to depart at 3 p.m. (the departure time is set by the schedule.)
• The meeting is to begin at noon. (it is officially arranged to start at a specific time.)

Instructions or obligations

This construction can be used to express orders or rules.”Be to” and “Be about to”

• All students are to submit their assignments by Friday. (this is an order or rule that the students must follow.)
• You are to wait here until your name is called. (an instruction that leaves little wiggle room.)

In narrative or historical contexts, you might see a sentence like:

• He was to become a legendary figure, although he never imagined it. (here “was to” indicates destiny – a predetermined outcome.)

“Be about to” construction

Immediate future

“Be about to” indicates that an action is on the verge of happening very soon. It gives a sense of immediacy; the event is practically at the door.

• I am about to leave for work. (I will leave very soon.)
• The movie is about to start. (the start of the movie is imminent.)

Impending actions in casual or urgent contexts

This construction is common in spoken language when describing actions that are about to unfold in the next seconds or minutes.

• Watch out! That car is about to turn the corner. (it is happening in a moment, so be alert.) “Be to” and “Be about to”
• She is about to open the door. (the action is happening any moment now.)

More example sentences:                                                                                                        

• The new policy is to take effect next month.
• Her shift is to commence at 9:00 AM sharp.
• The contract is to be signed by all parties before the end of the week.
• We’re about to step out for dinner.
• The lights are about to go out.
• He is about to give his speech.

Notice that while both forms discuss the future, be to carries a flavour of formality and prearrangement, whereas be about to focuses on the immediacy – it tells you that something is just moments away from happening. “Be to” and “Be about to”

“Be to” and “Be about to”

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