"Be supposed to" is an incredibly common and useful phrase in English. It's used to talk about what is expected, intended, or believed to be true. Let's break down its meanings and uses.
The basic structure is always:
Subject + be (am, is, are, was, were) + supposed to + base form of the verb
The Main Meanings of Be Supposed To
There are three primary ways we use this phrase:
1. To Talk About Expectations, Duties, and Rules
This is the most common meaning. It refers to what someone is expected or required to do. It's often a softer, more indirect way of stating an obligation than using "must" or "have to."
* What are you supposed to do? (What is your duty or task?)
* You are supposed to finish your homework before you watch TV. (This is the rule or expectation.)
* In Türkiye, you are supposed to take your shoes off before entering someone's home. (This is the social custom.)
* I am supposed to be at work by 8:30 AM. (This is my required start time.)
* You aren't supposed to smoke in this building. (It is forbidden.)
2. To Talk About Plans and Arrangements
This usage describes something that is planned or scheduled to happen.
* The train is supposed to arrive at 4:15 PM. (This is its scheduled arrival time.)
* We are supposed to meet our friends for dinner tonight. (This is our plan.)
* It's supposed to rain tomorrow. (This is the weather forecast.)
3. To Talk About General Belief or Reputation
This is used to say what people generally believe or say is true about something or someone. It often carries a slight implication that you may not have experienced it yourself.
* This film is supposed to be excellent. (People say it's excellent.)
* He is supposed to be very wealthy. (That is the popular belief.)
* Baklava from Gaziantep is supposed to be the best in the world. (This is its reputation.)
The Past Tense: Was / Were Supposed To
Using "be supposed to" in the past tense is very important. It almost always implies a contrast between what was expected and what actually happened. It means an expectation was not fulfilled.
Meaning: An action was planned or expected, but it did not happen.
Examples:
* I was supposed to call you last night, but I fell asleep.
* (The expectation was that I would call. The reality is I did not.)
* He was supposed to start his new job on Monday, but he got sick.
* (The plan was for him to start. The reality is he didn't.)
* It wasn't supposed to be a secret!
* (The intention was for it to be open. The reality is someone kept it a secret.)
* Weren't you supposed to be on holiday this week?
* (I had the expectation that you would be on holiday. The reality is you are here, which is a surprise.)
Summary Table
| Usage | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Expectation / Rule | What you should do; a duty. | You're supposed to wear a helmet. |
| Plan / Arrangement | What is scheduled or intended. | The meeting is supposed to be at noon. |
| Belief / Reputation | What people generally say is true. | This restaurant is supposed to have amazing kebab. |
| Unfulfilled Past | What was planned but did not happen. | I was supposed to finish my work, but I didn't have time. |
It's a very flexible phrase that you'll hear constantly in natural English conversation. Mastering it will definitely help you sound more fluent!
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