future - "It is to be discussed", what is the infinitive doing in this sentence?



It is to be discussed.



Is be + infinitive forming the future tense here?



You are to be dressed and ready by 8:00.



I was thinking it's almost commanding (or speaking of a command) but this doesn't seem to be the case, as sentences like this are commanding without this structure:



You will be dressed and ready by 8:00.



or



You are going to be dressed and ready by 8:00.



And there's sentences like this that don't imply commandment in any way:



I am to go home tomorrow!



or



I am to be home tomorrow!



(Slightly different meaning, same general sentiment)


So what's going on with the be + infinitive structure?




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