Mastering "Be Supposed To": Complete Grammar Guide with Examples and Practice

Learn how to use "be supposed to" correctly in English with comprehensive explanations, real-world examples, and practical exercises

Introduction to "Be Supposed To"

The phrase "be supposed to" is one of the most commonly used expressions in English, yet many learners struggle with its proper usage. This modal expression serves multiple functions in English communication, from expressing expectations and obligations to discussing plans and assumptions. Understanding how to use "be supposed to" correctly will significantly enhance your ability to communicate naturally and effectively in English.

Whether you're discussing what someone should do, what was expected to happen, or what people generally believe, "be supposed to" provides a versatile way to express these concepts with the appropriate level of formality and certainty.

What Does "Be Supposed To" Mean?

Core Definition

"Be supposed to" is a modal expression that indicates expectation, obligation, assumption, or what is generally believed to be true. It suggests that something is expected to happen based on rules, plans, beliefs, or general understanding.

Primary Meanings and Uses

1. Obligation or Duty

• Students are supposed to arrive on time. (It's their obligation)
• You're supposed to wear a helmet when riding a bike. (It's required for safety)
• Employees are supposed to follow company policies. (It's their duty)

2. Expectation Based on Plans

• The meeting is supposed to start at 3 PM. (That's the planned time)
• She's supposed to call me tonight. (That's what we arranged)
• The package is supposed to arrive tomorrow. (According to the delivery schedule)

3. General Belief or Assumption

• This medicine is supposed to help with headaches. (People believe it works)
• That restaurant is supposed to be excellent. (According to reputation)
• Exercise is supposed to make you feel better. (General belief)

Grammar Structure and Formation

Tense	Structure	Example
Present	am/is/are + supposed to + base verb	I am supposed to finish this today.
Past	was/were + supposed to + base verb	He was supposed to call yesterday.
Future	will be + supposed to + base verb	They will be supposed to attend the meeting.
Present Perfect	have/has been + supposed to + base verb	She has been supposed to submit the report.

💡 Grammar Tip

Always use the base form of the verb after "supposed to" - never add -ing or -ed to the main verb. The tense is shown through the "be" verb, not the main verb.

Negative Forms

The negative form of "be supposed to" is created by adding "not" after the "be" verb:

Negative Examples

• You are not supposed to smoke here. (It's prohibited)
• Children aren't supposed to stay up late. (It's not recommended)
• We weren't supposed to know about the surprise party. (It was meant to be secret)
• The store isn't supposed to be closed today. (According to the schedule, it should be open)

Question Forms

Questions with "be supposed to" follow the standard question formation rules for the verb "be":

Yes/No Questions

• Are you supposed to work tomorrow?
• Was she supposed to bring the documents?
• Is the train supposed to arrive at 5 PM?

Wh- Questions

• What are we supposed to do next?
• When is he supposed to return?
• Where are they supposed to meet?
• How am I supposed to solve this problem?

Common Usage Contexts

1. Rules and Regulations

Use "be supposed to" when referring to official rules, laws, or regulations:

• Drivers are supposed to stop at red lights.
• Students are supposed to turn off their phones during exams.
• Visitors are supposed to sign in at the reception.

2. Social Expectations

Express what society or culture expects people to do:

• You're supposed to say "please" and "thank you."
• Guests are supposed to bring a gift to the wedding.
• Children are supposed to respect their elders.

3. Scheduled Events

Discuss planned or scheduled activities:

• The movie is supposed to start at 8 PM.
• The weather is supposed to improve tomorrow.
• The new software is supposed to be released next month.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake 1: Using wrong verb form

Incorrect: He is supposed to working late.
Correct: He is supposed to work late.

❌ Mistake 2: Forgetting the "to"

Incorrect: You are supposed call me.
Correct: You are supposed to call me.

❌ Mistake 3: Wrong tense formation

Incorrect: Yesterday, I am supposed to meet him.
Correct: Yesterday, I was supposed to meet him.

Difference Between "Be Supposed To" and Similar Expressions

Expression	Usage	Example
Be supposed to	Expectation, obligation, general belief	You're supposed to be here at 9 AM.
Should	Advice, recommendation	You should be here at 9 AM.
Must	Strong obligation, necessity	You must be here at 9 AM.
Have to	External obligation	You have to be here at 9 AM.

Practice Questions and Answers

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. The students _______ supposed to submit their assignments by Friday.

Answer: are

2. She _______ supposed to call me yesterday, but she didn't.

Answer: was

3. _______ you supposed to work on weekends?

Answer: Are

4. The meeting _______ supposed to start at 2 PM, not 3 PM.

Answer: is/was

Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes

1. He is supposed to arriving at 6 PM.

Answer: He is supposed to arrive at 6 PM.

2. We are supposed call before visiting.

Answer: We are supposed to call before visiting.

3. Yesterday, she is supposed to finish the project.

Answer: Yesterday, she was supposed to finish the project.

Exercise 3: Transform the Sentences

1. Transform to negative: "You are supposed to park here."

Answer: You are not supposed to park here.

2. Make a question: "The store is supposed to open at 9 AM."

Answer: Is the store supposed to open at 9 AM?

3. Change to past tense: "They are supposed to attend the meeting."

Answer: They were supposed to attend the meeting.

Why Mastering "Be Supposed To" is Essential

Understanding and correctly using "be supposed to" is crucial for effective English communication for several important reasons:

1. Natural Communication

Native speakers use "be supposed to" frequently in daily conversation. Mastering this expression helps you sound more natural and fluent when speaking English.

2. Professional Settings

In workplace environments, "be supposed to" is essential for discussing responsibilities, schedules, and expectations in a polite and professional manner.

3. Academic Success

Students need this expression to understand and discuss academic requirements, deadlines, and expectations in educational settings.

4. Cultural Understanding

This expression helps you understand and express cultural norms, social expectations, and unwritten rules in English-speaking societies.

Conclusion

Mastering "be supposed to" is an essential step in developing advanced English communication skills. This versatile expression allows you to discuss obligations, expectations, plans, and beliefs with appropriate nuance and formality. By understanding its various meanings, proper grammar structure, and common usage contexts, you'll be able to communicate more effectively and naturally in both formal and informal situations.

Remember to practice using "be supposed to" in different tenses and contexts. Pay attention to how native speakers use this expression in movies, conversations, and written materials. With consistent practice and application, you'll soon find yourself using "be supposed to" confidently and correctly in your daily English communication.

🎯 Final Tip

The key to mastering "be supposed to" is understanding the context and the speaker's intention. Whether expressing obligation, expectation, or general belief, always consider what the speaker wants to communicate and choose the appropriate form accordingly.