Supposed To | Meaning, Correct Use & Spelling
The phrase be supposed to is commonly used in everyday language to express obligation, expectation, or intention. A frequent misspelling of this phrase is “be suppose to.”
- If you think something “is supposed to happen,” you expect it to happen because it is a prediction or plan (e.g., “It’s supposed to rain today”).
- If you say someone “is supposed to do” something, you think that they should do it because it is the right thing to do, or because it is a rule or instruction (e.g., “You’re supposed to put glasses in this cupboard, not that one”).
The delivery was supposed to come before 11 a.m.
How am I supposed to finish all that work today?
Weren’t we supposed to have sent that on Friday?
You’re not supposed to use the washing machine after 10 p.m.
I didn’t know that we were supposed to register in advance.
Suppose to or supposed to
Be suppose to is a misspelling of the phrase be supposed to. For instance, “We’re suppose to be going out tonight” is incorrect; the correct version is, “We’re supposed to be going out tonight.”
“Be supposed to” is classified as a semi-modal or semi-auxiliary phrase because, like the modal verbs “should” and “must,” it is used in combination with a main verb to express expectation, obligation, or intention.
- You’re really supposed to make an appointment in advance.
- You’re really suppose to make an appointment in advance.
- What was I supposed to do? Just say nothing?
- What was I suppose to do? Just say nothing?
- I thought it was a casual event. Were we supposed to dress up?
- I thought it was a casual event. Were we suppose to dress up?
- These shoes are supposed to be waterproof.
- These shoes are suppose to be waterproof.
- Students aren’t supposed to be in this room.
- Students aren’t suppose to be in this room.
A QuillBot Grammar Check can help ensure you’re using phrases like “supposed to” correctly.
Supposed to be
The phrase be supposed to is often directly followed by the verb be (used as a main or auxiliary verb) to talk about plans, expectations, and intentions.
Aren’t we supposed to be having a department meeting today?
Person A: What’s his costume?
Person B: I think he’s supposed to be a cowboy.
Suppose
The verb suppose is commonly used in everyday speech with a variety of meanings. For instance, it can express that you think something is likely to be true. In this context, it’s often a synonym for “think” or “believe.”
Well what did you suppose would happen?
Well, I think he supposed (that) you would invite him.
Suppose can also be used in the imperative mood to mean “what if” when talking about hypothetical situations.
Suppose you’re wrong—what will you do then?
People say I suppose to tentatively agree with what someone else has said, or express that they are uncertain about something.
Person B: Yeah, I suppose so.
I suppose I should go; it’s getting late.
The phrase I don’t suppose functions like “would” at the beginning of a polite inquiry or request.
I don’t suppose you’re here for the conference too, are you?
Frequently asked questions about supposed to
- What is a synonym for supposed?
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Synonyms for the adjective supposed include:
- Apparent
- Perceived
- Alleged
- Reputed
- So-called
Synonyms for the phrase be supposed to include:
- Be planning to
- Be expected to
- Intend to
- Meant to
- Should
It’s important to note that “be suppose to” is a common misspelling of be supposed to.
Use QuillBot’s free Paraphraser to help you find the best synonym for “supposed” in your specific context.
- What is a synonym for supposed to?
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Some synonyms for the phrase be supposed to include:
- Should
- Intend to
- Be meant to
- Be planning to
- Be expected to
Bear in mind that “be suppose to” and be supposed to are not interchangeable (“be suppose to” is a common misspelling).
Try out QuillBot’s free Paraphraser to help you find the best synonym for “supposed to” in your particular context.
- What is a synonym for suppose?
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Synonyms for the verb suppose include:
- Think
- Believe
- Assume
- Predict
- Understand
A synonym for suppose when used in the imperative mood to refer to hypothetical situations (e.g., “But suppose we’re late”) include:
- What if
- Imagine
- Assume
“I guess” is a synonym for the tentative expression “I suppose.”
Be careful not to confuse “suppose to” with supposed to; the phrase “be supposed to” (e.g., “You’re not supposed to do that!”) cannot be spelled “be suppose to.”
Have you tried QuillBot’s free Paraphraser to help you find the most appropriate synonym for “supposed” in your specific context?
