are not supposed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not supposed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is not allowed or expected to happen. Example: "You are not supposed to use your phone during the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Jurors are not supposed to want anything.

The New Yorker

"We are not supposed to kill.

The New York Times

We are not supposed to study.

The New York Times

They are not supposed to evaporate.

The New Yorker

Mormons are not supposed to drink alcohol.

The Guardian - Music

Facials are not supposed to be fun.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We are not supposed to be here".

The New York Times

Mutations are not supposed to revert spontaneously".

The New York Times

"These mistakes are not supposed to happen".

The New York Times

Boys are not supposed to cry.

The Guardian - Sport

They are not supposed to be partisan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not supposed to" when indicating a rule, expectation, or common understanding that something should not occur. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "are not supposed to" when a stronger prohibition is needed. If a strict rule is being violated, consider "must not" or "are prohibited from" for greater emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not supposed to" functions primarily as a deontic modal construction, expressing obligation, expectation, or prohibition. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it indicates what is not permitted or conventionally accepted. This aligns with Ludwig AI indicating the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

14%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not supposed to" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate that something is not allowed or expected. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable in a wide range of contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While it carries a neutral tone, it can be replaced with stronger alternatives like "must not" or more formal phrases such as "are prohibited from" depending on the desired emphasis. Ludwig's examples highlight its frequent use in diverse domains, confirming its importance in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shouldn't

This is a contraction of "should not", expressing a lack of obligation or a mild prohibition.

are not allowed to

This phrase indicates a prohibition, often by a formal rule or authority.

must not

This phrase expresses a strong prohibition or a firm lack of permission.

are prohibited from

This is a formal way of saying something is forbidden.

are not permitted to

Similar to "are not allowed to", this indicates a lack of official permission.

are not expected to

This phrase conveys a lack of expectation, rather than a prohibition.

are not designed to

This suggests something is not intended for a particular purpose.

are not intended to

Similar to "are not designed to", this indicates a lack of purpose or intention.

are not meant to

This indicates a lack of destiny or plan.

ought not to

Similar to "should not", this expresses a weaker form of obligation or expectation.

FAQs

What does "are not supposed to" mean?

The phrase "are not supposed to" indicates that something is not allowed, expected, or in accordance with established norms or rules. It implies a prohibition or a deviation from what is considered standard practice.

What can I say instead of "are not supposed to"?

You can use alternatives like "shouldn't", "are not allowed to", or "must not" depending on the context.

Is "are not supposed to" formal or informal?

"Are not supposed to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, alternatives like "are prohibited from" may be more appropriate.

How to use "are not supposed to" in a sentence?

Use "are not supposed to" to express that something is not allowed or expected. For example: "Students are not supposed to use their phones during class."