Quote:
Originally Posted by Harry Smith Hi, SK!
We can give it different names. The thing is that while teaching modal verbs and their equivalents I always tell my students that must has two equivalents "have to" and "Be to".  |
I've never heard "be to" as an equivalent of "must". Is it commenly used? Is "be to" always replaceable with "have to"?
In your first example you said: The train is to arrive soon.
Does it have the same meaing as: The train arrives soon. Or: The train has to arrive soon.
@ aksaboutenglish
You said: I am to be in Glasgow at 4pm.
Is it the same as: I have to be in Glasgow at 4pm.
Thanks a lot.