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Hirashin Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

I am to write a letter

Dear native English speakers,

Would the following sentences be used?
(a) I am to write a letter.
(b) You are to take a bath.
(c) I am to see the dentist.
(d) You are to clean your room today.

Thanks in advance.

Hirashin from Kyoto, Japan
  

Top answer

Yes. But much less commonly than eg I have to write a letter. Your versions are more formal and more emphatic.

— Clive

  • Yes.
  • But much less commonly than eg I have to write a letter.
  • Your versions are more formal and more emphatic.
  • They also imply that the requirement (eg to write a letter) has been imposed by someone else.
  • Clive
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7 Answers
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Yes.
But much less commonly than eg I have to write a letter.

Your versions are more formal and more emphatic. They also imply that the requirement (eg to write a letter) has been imposed by someone else.

Clive
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Thank you for your help, Clive. Would none of them be used in your daily conversations?
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No, they are not heard in everyday conversation.

Clive
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I see. Thanks, Clive.
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hirashin(b) You are to take a bath.
I would add to this list the ‘have a bath/take a bath‘ distinction: the British ‘have‘ a bath, while we Americans ‘take‘ one.

http://dialectblog.com/2012/07/26/take-have-a-bath/
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Anonymous hirashin(b) You are to take a bath.I would add to this list the ‘have a bath/take a bath‘ distinction: the British ‘have‘ a bath, while we Americans ‘take‘ one.http://dialectblog.com/2012/07/26/take-have-a-bath /
Is that so? Thanks for the information.
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hirashinIs that so?
Yes. Americans and British use a different verb in some expressions like this.

CJ
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