1. be +現(xiàn)在分詞,構(gòu)成進(jìn)行時(shí)態(tài)。如:
They are having a meeting. 他們正在開會。
We were planting trees this time yesterday. 我們昨天這個(gè)時(shí)候在植樹。
2. be + 過去分詞,構(gòu)成被動語態(tài)。如:
The door was broken by Tom. 門是湯姆打破的。
English is taught in our school. 我校教英語。
3. be + 動詞不定式,可表示:
A. 打算、決定、計(jì)劃、安排等。如:
He is to visit Japan next week. 他決定下周訪問日本。
I was to have told you yesterday, but you were not in. 我本打算昨天告訴你的,但你不在家。
B. 指示、命令、禁止等,即“必須,一定”。如:
You are to hand in the exercises tomorrow. 你們明天必須交練習(xí)。
You’re not to (=You mustn’t) smoke here. 你不可以在此處抽煙。
C. 責(zé)任、義務(wù)、需要,即“該不該”。如:
You are to (=should) report to the police. 你應(yīng)該報(bào)警的。
Am I to go on with the work? 這工作我該不該繼續(xù)干下去?
D. 可能性,與can, may相當(dāng),不定式多用被動式。如:
The book was not to (=could not) be found. 那本書可能找不到了。
E. 假設(shè),用于虛擬條件句中。如:
If it were to rain, we would get wet. 要是下雨,我們就會淋濕。
F. 表示注定要發(fā)生或后來必然發(fā)生。如:
This experience was to change his life. 這次經(jīng)歷注定要改變他的生活。
注:不定式作表語與上述用法是不同的。如:
My idea is to go there today. 我的意思是今天就去那里。