When to use "to" or "to be"?

Question

Hi,could someone please explain when to use "to" or "to be" in the sentence? Sometimes I am getting confused with it and I want to clear this confusion:. here is an example: - data to exchange  - data to be exchanged Thanks for your replies:-

Avangi · Accepted Answer

In some cases they both work. In other cases you need to use the right one.

Here are some data for you to exchange.
These data need to be exchanged.

If you're simply placing a sign above a box, both of your examples work:
DATA TO EXCHANGE / DATA TO BE EXCHANGED

I suggest you post more examples which you find confusing, being sure to include the entire sentences.

Welcome to English Forums, apollo. Thanks for joining us! [<:o)]

Best wishes, - A.

CalifJim · Answer

apollo135Could someone please explain when to use "to" or "to be" in the sentence?

In the contexts you seem to be concerned with, where the infinitive is transitive, but has no explicitly stated object, the active infinitive is taken to have passive meaning, so you don't usually need be. The preceding noun is taken as the object of the infinitive.

We have a lot of walnuts to shell.
You don't need "to be shelled". It already means that as written. The implication is that we shell the walnuts.

Here are some magazines to look at while you're waiting.
You don't need "to be looked at". It already means that as written. The implication is that you look at the magazines. (Or, more precisely, you can look at them if you want to.)

There's too much work to do.
You don't need "work to be done". It already means that as written. The implication is that I do the work.

CJ

When to use "to" or "to be"?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions