How to Use “BE SUPPOSED TO” in English
How to Use “BE SUPPOSED TO” in English
The phrase “be supposed to” is one of the most common and useful expressions in English.
It is used to talk about expectations, rules, or what is planned to happen.
You’ll find it in everyday conversations, at work, and in many different situations.
In this post, I’ll explain how to use “be supposed to” with simple examples, so you can start using it correctly!
1. What Does “Be Supposed to” Mean?
The phrase “be supposed to” is used to express an expectation, obligation, or something that should happen according to plans, rules, or instructions. It can show that:
- Something is expected to happen.
- There is a rule or plan about something.
- Something is the right or correct thing to do.
2. Structure of “Be Supposed to”
To use “be supposed to”, you need to combine the verb “be” (am, is, are, was, were) with “supposed to” and the main verb (the action word).
Here’s the basic structure:
- Affirmative (positive) sentence: Subject + am/are/is + supposed to + base verb
- Negative sentence: Subject + am/are/is + not + supposed to + base verb
- Question sentence: Am/Are/Is + subject + supposed to + base verb?
3. How to Use “Be Supposed to”
Let’s break down the different ways to use “be supposed to”:
A. To Talk About Expectations or Plans
We use “be supposed to” when something is expected or planned to happen.
- Example 1: I am supposed to meet my friend at 5 PM. (It’s planned that I meet my friend at 5 PM.)
- Example 2: They are supposed to finish the report by tomorrow. (They are expected to finish the report by tomorrow.)
B. To Talk About Rules or Obligations
We also use “be supposed to” when talking about rules, duties, or things we are expected to do.
- Example 1: You are supposed to wear a uniform at school. (It is a rule at school.)
- Example 2: He is supposed to help his parents with the chores. (It’s his duty to help with chores.)
C. To Talk About What Is or Was Right
Sometimes, “be supposed to” is used when we want to say what should have happened, or what was expected in the past, but didn’t happen.
- Example 1: The bus was supposed to arrive at 8 AM, but it was late. (It was expected to arrive at 8 AM.)
- Example 2: She was supposed to call me yesterday. (She was expected to call, but didn’t.)
D. To Talk About What Isn’t Allowed
You can also use “be supposed to” to explain something that isn’t allowed or something that you should not do.
- Example 1: You aren’t supposed to smoke here. (It is not allowed to smoke here.)
- Example 2: He isn’t supposed to drive without a license. (It’s illegal for him to drive without a license.)
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few things to remember when using “be supposed to”:
- Don’t use “supposed to” without the verb “be”. You always need to use a form of the verb “be” with “supposed to”.
- Remember the negative form: If you want to say that something is not expected or allowed, don’t forget the word “not” between “be” and “supposed to”.
- Watch the tense of the verb “be”: If you’re talking about something that will happen in the future, use “will be supposed to”.
5. More Examples
Let’s look at some more examples to practice:
- Expectation: I am supposed to help my brother with his homework tonight.
- Rule: We are supposed to clean up after ourselves in the kitchen.
- Past Expectation: The meeting was supposed to start at 9 AM, but it didn’t.
- Obligation: She is supposed to take care of the dog while I’m away.
6. Conclusion
The phrase “be supposed to” is useful when talking about expectations, rules, plans, or what should happen.
Whether you’re giving instructions, explaining rules, or talking about what you should or shouldn’t do, “be supposed to” is a great expression to use in everyday English.
Now that you know how to use “be supposed to” properly, try using it in your own sentences.
The more you practice, the easier it will become!
Happy learning!
