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Maria D Posted 13 years ago
Vocabulary
if it is to be / if it was to be, etc.
Hello!
Could you help me, please? What is the meaning (or how can I paraphrase) the construction if it is to be / if it was to be, etc. in the following sentences:
1) It was clear that large cuts in numbers were needed if the army was to survive.
2) If Mr. B is to avoid his father's fate, he will have to rethink.
3) A trade official said earlier this month that this country still had a lot of work to do if it was to finish off all negotiations this year.
Thank you!
Could you help me, please? What is the meaning (or how can I paraphrase) the construction if it is to be / if it was to be, etc. in the following sentences:
1) It was clear that large cuts in numbers were needed if the army was to survive.
2) If Mr. B is to avoid his father's fate, he will have to rethink.
3) A trade official said earlier this month that this country still had a lot of work to do if it was to finish off all negotiations this year.
Thank you!
Top answer
The is to construction can be paraphrased by adding 'expected', 'going', 'supposed', or a similar word. 'wants to succeed at' or 'expects to succeed at' are also possible paraphrases. A different word or phrase may be needed in each individual case.
- The is to construction can be paraphrased by adding 'expected', 'going', 'supposed', or a similar word.
- 'wants to succeed at' or 'expects to succeed at' are also possible paraphrases.
- A different word or phrase may be needed in each individual case.
- 1) It was clear that large cuts in numbers were needed if the army was [expected / going] to survive .
- Also, if the army expected to survive.
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1 Answers
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The is to construction can be paraphrased by adding 'expected', 'going', 'supposed', or a similar word. 'wants to succeed at' or 'expects to succeed at' are also possible paraphrases. A different word or phrase may be needed in each individual case.
1) It was clear that large cuts in numbers were needed if the army was [expected / going] to survive.
Also,
1) It was clear that large cuts in numbers were needed if the army was [expected / going] to survive.
Also,
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