suppose or supposed to

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To think that something is probably true, even though you are not completely sure.

   Grammar: Takes a clause or noun object: I suppose (that) he is busy. Often used as 'I suppose' to soften a statement.

   Patterns

   • suppose (that) something is true
   • I suppose so
   • suppose someone does something

   I suppose the train will be late again, given the weather.

   She's not answering, so I suppose she's already left.

   'Is this the right road?' 'I suppose so, but let's check the map.'

2. 2verbtransitive

   To believe or accept something without proof, as a starting point for reasoning.

   Grammar: Often used in the passive with 'to': the painting is supposed to be genuine.

   Patterns

   • suppose something to be something
   • be supposed to be something

   Scientists suppose the rock to be over a million years old.

   The manuscript is supposed to date from the twelfth century.

3. 3phrasefixed phrase

   To be expected or required to do something, according to a rule, plan, or duty.

   Grammar: Always needs a form of 'be': am/is/are/was/were supposed to. Followed by the base verb.

   Patterns

   • be supposed to do something
   • be supposed to be something

   You're supposed to wear a helmet on the building site.

   We were supposed to meet at six, but she never came.

   Passengers are not supposed to smoke anywhere on the train.

4. 4phrasefixed phrase

   Used to say what many people believe or say about someone or something.

   Grammar: Followed by the base verb; the belief may or may not be true.

   Patterns

   • be supposed to be something
   • be supposed to have done something

   This is supposed to be the best restaurant in town.

   She's supposed to have studied with a famous conductor.

5. 5phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Used in questions to ask why something is not happening or has not happened, showing annoyance.

   Grammar: Common in negative questions with 'what' or 'why': What am I supposed to do?

   Patterns

   • What am I supposed to do?
   • Why are you supposed to do that?
   • How is someone supposed to do something?

   What am I supposed to do with all these boxes?

   How was I supposed to know you'd changed your mind?

Word forms

Common combinations

I suppose so

'Will it rain?' 'I suppose so — the sky looks dark.'

be supposed to do something

The kids are supposed to finish their homework before dinner.

be supposed to be

This is supposed to be a quiet neighborhood.

not supposed to

Visitors are not supposed to touch the exhibits.

What am I supposed to do?

The form is in French — what am I supposed to do?

be supposed to have done something

He's supposed to have left the country last week.

Synonyms and how they differ

think

More neutral and common in speech; 'suppose' suggests slightly less certainty.

assume

Stronger: you act as if something is true without checking, while 'suppose' often just means you guess.

be meant to

Very close to 'be supposed to', but often used for intention rather than duty.

should

Gives advice or expectation directly; 'be supposed to' reports an outside rule or plan.

Opposites

Word family

supposed adjective

Believed or claimed by many people, but possibly not true: a supposed expert.

supposedly adverb

According to what people say, though it may be untrue.

supposition noun

An idea you accept as true without proof.

supposing conjunction

Used to introduce an imagined situation: Supposing it rains, what then?

Commonly confused: suppose or supposed to or supposed to? suppose or supposed to or suppose?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “suppose or supposed to”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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