Expectations and arrangements with supposed to

The idea

Use a form of be + supposed to + a base verb for a rule, expectation or arrangement. Past was/were supposed to can describe an unfulfilled plan.

Examples

• The bus is supposed to arrive at noon.
• We are supposed to wear helmets here.
• I was supposed to call, but I forgot.
• The parcel was supposed to arrive yesterday.
• Are we supposed to bring our own cups?
• You are not supposed to park by the gate.

Watch out

Do not omit be or write suppose to. A past expectation alone does not prove it was fulfilled.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct answer: The meeting ___ start at nine. (is supposed to / is suppose to)

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   is supposed to

   The singular meeting takes is supposed to.

2. Choose the correct answer: They ___ return the key yesterday, but kept it. (were supposed to / are supposed to)

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   were supposed to

   Were supposed to places the arrangement in the past; the key was kept.

3. Choose the correct answer: ___ we supposed to sign here? (Are / Do)

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   Are

   Are moves before the subject in this question.

Use it today

Describe an arrangement that changed.