How to Use "Be Supposed To" Effectively in English

Introduction

The structure “be supposed to” is very common in English. We use it to talk about expectations, intentions, plans, rules, and responsibilities, things that should happen or that someone is expected to do.

Be careful not to confuse it with the Spanish expression “Yo supongo que…” (“I suppose that…”). They look similar, but they are completely different in meaning. “I suppose that…” expresses an opinion or assumption, while “be supposed to” expresses an obligation or expectation.

The Basic Structure

The key is to use the correct form of the verb to be according to the subject and the tense, followed by supposed to and the base form of the main verb:

subject + be (am / is / are / was / were) + supposed to + base verb

Present Simple

We use the present simple to talk about current expectations, rules, or responsibilities.

• I’m supposed to finish the report today.
• You’re supposed to finish the report today.
• He’s supposed to finish the report today.
• She’s supposed to finish the report today.
• We’re supposed to finish the report today.
• They’re supposed to finish the report today.
• It’s supposed to rain tomorrow.

More examples:

• Students are supposed to wear a uniform at this school.
• You’re supposed to arrive 15 minutes before the interview.
• The meeting is supposed to start at 9 a.m.

Past Simple

We use the past simple to talk about something that was expected but, very often, did not happen.

• I was supposed to finish the report yesterday.
• You were supposed to finish the report yesterday.
• He was supposed to finish the report yesterday.
• She was supposed to finish the report yesterday.
• We were supposed to finish the report yesterday.
• They were supposed to finish the report yesterday.
• It was supposed to rain yesterday.

More examples:

• We were supposed to meet at 6, but she never came.
• He was supposed to call me, but he forgot.
• The package was supposed to arrive on Monday.

Present Continuous

We use “be supposed to be + -ing” to talk about what someone is expected to be doing right now, often when they are doing something else instead.

• I’m supposed to be finishing the report.
• You’re supposed to be finishing the report.
• He’s supposed to be finishing the report.
• She’s supposed to be finishing the report.
• We’re supposed to be finishing the report.
• They’re supposed to be finishing the report.
• It’s supposed to be raining in Bogotá.

More examples:

• You’re supposed to be studying, not playing video games!
• She’s supposed to be working from home today.

Talking About Rules

Use “be supposed to” for expectations based on rules or regulations.

• Positive: I’m supposed to start working at 8 o’clock.
• Negative: I’m not supposed to park in that place. (Because it’s illegal.)
• Question: Do you know if we’re supposed to smoke here? (or) Do you know if we aren’t supposed to smoke here?

More examples:

• You’re not supposed to use your phone during the exam.
• Visitors are supposed to sign in at the front desk.
• Are we supposed to bring our own laptops?

Other Common Uses

“Be supposed to” also works in several other situations:

• Expectations based on hearsay (what people say):
  • That new restaurant is supposed to be amazing.
  • This movie is supposed to be really scary.
• Expectations based on plans, schedules, and arrangements:
  • The train is supposed to leave at 7:45.
  • We’re supposed to land in two hours.
• Expectations we have of ourselves, other people, and situations:
  • A good friend is supposed to be there when you need them.
  • This medicine is supposed to help with the pain.

Common Errors

Avoid these frequent mistakes:

• ❌ I was supposed to finished the report yesterday. ✅ I was supposed to finish the report yesterday. (Use the base form after “supposed to”.)
• ❌ I’m suppose to call her tonight. ✅ I’m supposed to call her tonight. (Don’t forget the “-d”.)
• ❌ He supposed to help us. ✅ He is supposed to help us. (Always include the verb “to be”.)

Quick Summary

Practice using “be supposed to” in your daily conversations, and soon expressing expectations and responsibilities in English will feel completely natural.