Be supposed to do/be something
verb phrase
Expected or required to do something.
I am supposed to do my homework before watching TV.
Often appears as...
- am supposed to
- are supposed to
verb phrase
Believed, thought or expected to be a certain way.
This restaurant is supposed to be the best in town.
Often appears as...
- is supposed to be
- are supposed to be
verb phrase
Intended to do something.
The alarm was supposed to beep if the door was opened.
Often appears as...
- was supposed to
- were supposed to
verb phrase
To be acceptable or proper.
You're not supposed to smoke in this area.
Often appears as...
- not supposed to
- aren't supposed to
Usage tips
Formal
verb phrase
Expected or required to do something.
I am supposed to do my homework before watching TV.
Often appears as...
- am supposed to
- are supposed to
verb phrase
Believed, thought or expected to be a certain way.
This restaurant is supposed to be the best in town.
Often appears as...
- is supposed to be
- are supposed to be
verb phrase
Intended to do something.
The alarm was supposed to beep if the door was opened.
Often appears as...
- was supposed to
- were supposed to
verb phrase
To be acceptable or proper.
You're not supposed to smoke in this area.
Often appears as...
- not supposed to
- aren't supposed to
Usage tips
Formal
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation Reality
Use it when someone didn't meet an expectation or requirement.
You were supposed to clean your room, but it's still a mess.
Pro Tip 2/3Responsibility Highlighter
Emphasizes what someone should prioritize or not neglect.
You're supposed to check your answers before submitting the test.
Pro Tip 3/3Deferred Actions
Talks about tasks or actions that should've been done earlier.
I was supposed to send that email last week.
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation Reality
Use it when someone didn't meet an expectation or requirement.
You were supposed to clean your room, but it's still a mess.
Pro Tip 2/3Responsibility Highlighter
Emphasizes what someone should prioritize or not neglect.
You're supposed to check your answers before submitting the test.
Pro Tip 3/3Deferred Actions
Talks about tasks or actions that should've been done earlier.
I was supposed to send that email last week.
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation Reality
Use it when someone didn't meet an expectation or requirement.
You were supposed to clean your room, but it's still a mess.
Pro Tip 2/3Responsibility Highlighter
Emphasizes what someone should prioritize or not neglect.
You're supposed to check your answers before submitting the test.
Pro Tip 3/3Deferred Actions
Talks about tasks or actions that should've been done earlier.
I was supposed to send that email last week.
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