Supposed to (examples, how to use)
| Supposed to |
| We use be supposed to + verb infinitive to express that something is (or was) expected to be different: John is supposed to be here with us now – where is he? (= 'It was agreed that he would be here.') The party wasn't supposed to finish so early, but most people were tired so they left. |
| We can use be supposed to to say that we should do (or should have done in the past) a thing according to a rule or law: You're supposed to keep your seat belt on during the flight, but I took mine off. You’re not supposed to drive over 50 m.p.h. in a town – slow down! You weren’t supposed to say anything about the party – it’s a secret. |
| We also use be supposed to to say that a promise or arrangement was not fulfilled. When used in this context, be supposed to is very similar to should have: You were supposed to call me this morning. Why didn’t you? The train was supposed to arrive twenty minutes ago. (= ‘The train should have arrived twenty minutes ago.’) |
| We can use be supposed to in a question to express that we see something as a problem or as impossible: How am I supposed to get to work on time if the train is always late? |
| We can use be supposed to to criticise someone’s performance: Listen to him – he can’t sing in tune. He’s supposed to be a professional singer, isn’t he? |