- (required): be meant to (UK)
What does “be supposed to” mean?
The idiom “be supposed to” generally means that something is expected or required to happen. It can also refer to a duty or responsibility that someone has. The phrase is often used when discussing obligations or expectations, both formal and informal.
Examples of Usage
Here are some examples of how “be supposed to” can be used in different contexts:
– I’m supposed to meet my friend at the coffee shop at 10am.
– You’re not supposed to eat with your mouth open.
– The company is supposed to release their new product next month.
– He’s supposed to take care of his younger siblings while his parents are away.
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “be supposed to”
The idiom “be supposed to” is a common phrase used in modern English, but its origins can be traced back to Old English. The phrase has evolved over time and has taken on different meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
In its earliest usage, “supposed” was used as a past participle of the verb “suppose,” meaning “to assume or believe.” Over time, this usage evolved into the more familiar sense of something that is expected or required.
Throughout history, there have been many cultural and societal influences that have shaped the way we use this idiom. For example, during medieval times, people were expected to adhere strictly to social norms and religious beliefs. In this context, being “supposed to” do something carried with it a sense of obligation and duty.
As society has changed over time, so too has the meaning of this idiom. Today, we often use it in a more casual sense when discussing plans or expectations for future events. However, regardless of how it is used today, understanding its historical context can provide valuable insight into its meaning and significance.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “be supposed to”
When we talk about the idiom “be supposed to,” we often think of it as a phrase that means something is expected or required. However, this versatile idiom can be used in many different ways and contexts, making it an essential part of English language learning.
One common usage of “be supposed to” is to express obligation or duty. For example, “I am supposed to finish my homework before I go out with friends.” In this case, the speaker is acknowledging that they have a responsibility to complete their work before engaging in leisure activities.
Another way “be supposed to” can be used is to indicate expectation or assumption. For instance, if someone says, “The train is supposed to arrive at 5 pm,” they are expressing what they believe should happen based on information they have received.
In addition, there are variations of this idiom that add nuance and complexity. For example, adding the word “just” before “supposed” can convey skepticism or doubt: “He’s just supposed to be here at 3 pm? I don’t trust his punctuality.”
Alternatively, using the passive voice with “be supposed to” can shift focus away from who has set expectations or obligations: “The report was supposed to be finished by Friday,” rather than saying who specifically assigned that deadline.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “be supposed to”
To begin, some synonyms for “be supposed to” include “should”, “ought to”, and “expected to”. These phrases all suggest a sense of obligation or responsibility. For example, if someone says they are supposed to attend a meeting, it implies that it is their duty or expectation.
On the other hand, antonyms for “be supposed to” might include phrases like “not required”, “optional”, or simply stating that something is not expected. These alternatives would indicate a lack of obligation or responsibility.
Culturally speaking, the use of this idiom can vary depending on context and region. In some cultures, there may be more emphasis placed on fulfilling obligations and responsibilities than in others. Additionally, certain professions or social roles may have different expectations regarding what one is supposed to do.
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “be supposed to”
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks
In this exercise, you will be given sentences with missing words. Your task is to fill in the blanks with the correct form of “be supposed to”.
Example: I _____ (meet) my friend at 7 pm.
Answer: am supposed to meet
1. She _____ (study) for her exams all day.
2. They _____ (arrive) at the airport by noon.
3. We _____ (bring) our own food to the picnic.
4. He _____ (call) his boss before leaving work.
5. You _____ (wear) formal attire for the wedding.
Exercise 2: Rewrite sentences using “be supposed to”
In this exercise, you will be given sentences that do not use “be supposed to”. Your task is to rewrite these sentences using “be supposed to” in order to convey a similar meaning.
Example: The party starts at 8 pm.
Rewritten sentence: We are supposed to start the party at 8 pm.
1. My parents want me home by midnight.
2. The teacher expects us to finish our homework on time.
3. The hotel staff cleans our room every day.
4. My doctor recommends I get eight hours of sleep each night.
5. Our company policy requires us to dress professionally for meetings.
Exercise 3: Create your own sentences
In this exercise, you will create your own original sentences using “be supposed to”. This exercise allows you an opportunity for creative expression while also practicing your understanding of the idiom.
Example: I am supposed to call my grandmother every Sunday.
1. We are supposed to clean the house before our guests arrive.
2. He is supposed to finish his project by Friday.
3. They are supposed to bring their own equipment for the game.
4. She is supposed to attend the meeting tomorrow morning.
5. You are supposed to follow the instructions carefully.
By completing these exercises, you will be able to improve your usage and understanding of “be supposed to” in context, which will help you communicate more effectively in English conversations and writing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “be supposed to”
When using the idiom “be supposed to”, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes that can lead to confusion or miscommunication. Here are some tips on how to avoid these mistakes:
Avoiding Ambiguity
One common mistake is using “be supposed to” in a way that creates ambiguity about who is doing the supposing. For example, saying “I’m supposed to meet Sarah at 7pm” could mean either that you made plans with Sarah for that time, or that someone else told you to meet her then. To avoid this confusion, make sure your sentence clearly indicates who is doing the supposing.
Using Correct Verb Tenses
Another mistake is using incorrect verb tenses when using “be supposed to”. For example, saying “I was suppose to go shopping yesterday” should be corrected as “I was supposed to go shopping yesterday”. It’s important to use the correct form of the verb depending on whether you’re talking about past, present or future events.
| Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
| I suppose we should leave now. | I think we should leave now. |
| You’re suppose dto bring a dish for the potluck. | You’re expected/required/asked/requested/invited/etc. to bring a dish for the potluck. |
| The train was suppose dto arrive at noon but it didn’t come until two o’clock. | The train was supposed to arrive at noon but it didn’t come until two o’clock. |
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can use the idiom “be supposed to” effectively and confidently in your conversations.
References:
- “be supposed to”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.