I am to send the wire.

subdolus · #1 04-Apr-2006, 07:23

Good day

I have a question. Is this construction correct?

“I am to send the wire.”

This example is from old school book published in 1975. Thank you

Casiopea · #2 04-Apr-2006, 07:43

Welcome, subdolus.

I am (going) to send the wire/telegram today.

I am (supposed) to send the wire/telegram today.

I am (ordered) to send the wire/telegram today.

I am (obligated) to send the wire/telegram today.

More modern: I am to send the e-mail today.

subdolus · #3 04-Apr-2006, 16:09

Thank you Casiopea.

According to that old schoolbook meaning of this sentence construction is similar like the meaning of “I should send…”

Casiopea · #4 05-Apr-2006, 02:39

That works, too.

Please note, thought, that "I am to _____" is modern English.

subdolus · #5 05-Apr-2006, 20:27

Casiopea

That book described to construction: to be+ infinitive. That construction marks actions which are needful or possible (according to that book). There are these examples:
I am go to hospital.
You are to help me.
They are not to worry.
We are to speak to him.
It was to be expected.
It is to be found everywhere.
I am to send a wire.

Are these sentences usual?

Casiopea · #6 06-Apr-2006, 17:12

All are Modern English.

[ub]Correction[/b]
I am to go to hospital.

All the best.

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