to-be

A child dreams of the to-be astronaut they will become.

Definition

1. Noun (hyphenated compound):

   • Future: "to-be" refers to a person who will become something in the future, often used in combination with a role or status.
   • Example: the bride-to-be (a woman who will soon be married).

2. Adjective (hyphenated compound):

   • Future: "to-be" describes something that is destined or intended to exist or happen at a later time.
   • Example: the mother-to-be (a pregnant woman, or a woman who will become a mother).

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The groom-to-be nervously adjusted his tie. (The man who is about to get married.)
  • All the graduates-to-be gathered for a photo. (All the students who will soon graduate.)

• Adjective:

  • She bought gifts for the baby-to-be. (The child that will be born in the future.)
  • The captain-to-be practiced leadership skills. (The person who will become captain later.)

Advanced Usage

• "to-be" as a suffix: Commonly attached to nouns indicating a future role or state, forming a compound noun or adjective.

  • The bride-to-be, groom-to-be, mother-to-be, father-to-be, graduate-to-be, retiree-to-be.
  • He is the CEO-to-be of the company. (He will become the CEO in the future.)

• Formal or journalistic tone: Used in news or announcements to denote an anticipated event or person.

  • The president-to-be addressed the nation. (The person who will soon assume the presidency.)

Variants and Related Words

• Would-be (adj): Desiring or aspiring to be something, often implying not yet achieved.
  • A would-be actor struggles for roles. (Someone who wants to be an actor but is not yet successful.)
• Future (adj/n): Pertaining to a time that is yet to come; less specific than "to-be".
  • Her future husband is kind. (Her husband that she will marry later.)

Synonyms

• Intended: (formal) planned or meant to be; used for a future spouse.
  • Her intended husband is a doctor. (Her future husband.)
• Prospective: likely or expected to become something in the future.
  • Prospective parents attended the class. (People who may become parents.)

Related Idioms

• Bride-to-be / groom-to-be: Standard idiomatic compounds for a person engaged to be married.
  • The bride-to-be chose her dress. (The woman who will marry soon.)
• Mother-to-be / father-to-be: Idiomatic for expecting parents.
  • The mother-to-be attended prenatal yoga. (The pregnant woman.)

Phrasal Verbs

• (No phrasal verbs are formed with "to-be" as it is a compound element, not a verb.)
  • Note: "to be" as a verb phrase is separate; e.g., "She is to be married." (She will marry.)