[Grammar] Can we say "He is to be happy?"

[Tashkeel Ahmed Farooqui]

Hi,

I want to know if we could write or say "He is to be happy?"

In both the cases, whether it is correct or incorrect, please prove your argument by quoting some relevant examples. Also, if it is correct, please throw some light on its meaning.

Thanks.

 

[billmcd]

Hi,

I want to know if we could write or say "He is to be happy?" Only if you were born in the 17th century or you are currently a poet. If you are referring to the person's future, use "will be" or "going to be".

In both the cases, whether it is correct or incorrect, please prove your argument by quoting some relevant examples. Also, if it is correct, please throw some light on its meaning.

Thanks.

b/

 

[Tashkeel Ahmed Farooqui]

Thanks a lot for replying to my post.

I would indeed be grateful to you, if you please tell me whether it is ungrammatical to say "He is to be happy" or not. And please give me reasons for that.

Thanks.

 

[5jj]

I would indeed be grateful to you, if you please tell me whether it is ungrammatical to say "He is to be happy" or not. And please give me reasons for that.

Thanks.

It's not grammatical as such - we just wouldn't say it today. Bill has told you what we would say.

There aren't always reasons for the change in the way people express ideas over the centuries.

 

[Amigos4]

Hi,

I want to know if we could write or say "He is to be happy?"

In both the cases, whether it is correct or incorrect, please prove your argument by quoting some relevant examples. Also, if it is correct, please throw some light on its meaning.

Thanks.

Tashkeel, you can Google "he is to be happy" and you will find the following URL https://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGNI_enUS477US477&q=%22he+is+to+be+happy%22 You will find the relevant examples you are seeking.

 

[Tdol]

I would indeed be grateful to you, if you please tell me whether it is ungrammatical to say "He is to be happy" or not. And please give me reasons for that.

The problem with this sentence is more the meaning than the grammar. The structure suggests an absolute certainty about something that is hard to predict- we simply cannot be that certain about people's feelings.

 

[Tashkeel Ahmed Farooqui]

Thank you all. You've been a great help!