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Angliholic Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Was to fall heir

When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.

Hi,
Is it proper to view the bolded part in the above as "was going to fall heir?" Thanks.
  

Top answer

Hi, When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. " Thanks. No, not really.

— Clive

  • Hi, When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.
  • " Thanks.
  • No, not really.
  • The verb form 'be to' is used to express 'destiny'.
  • eg Born in humble circumstances, he was to become President of the United States.
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1 Answers
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Hi,
When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.

Is it proper to view the bolded part in the above as "was going to fall heir?" Thanks.

No, not really. The verb form 'be to' is used to express 'destiny'.
eg Born
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