are supposed to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are supposed to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express an expectation or belief about a situation. For example: "We are supposed to be vacationing in Hawaii next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These departments are supposed to be separated.

The New York Times

"Universities are supposed to be academic communities.

Independent

Its hits are supposed to be hard.

The New Yorker

Such "recruits" are supposed to be vetted.

The New York Times

They are supposed to be temporary.

The New York Times

Sports are supposed to be fun, right?

The New Yorker

"We are supposed to be on duty".

The New York Times

Such confessions are supposed to be confidential.

The New Yorker

The controls are supposed to be temporary.

The New York Times

"No inmates are supposed to be there.

The Guardian

They are supposed to be organized".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are supposed to be", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to an expectation, obligation, or intended purpose. Clarity enhances effective communication.

Common error

Avoid confusing "are supposed to be", which expresses an expectation or obligation, with "used to be", which describes a past state or habit. For example, "Restaurants are supposed to be clean" (expectation) vs. "That restaurant used to be good" (past state).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are supposed to be" functions as a modal construction expressing expectation, obligation, or intended purpose. As indicated by Ludwig, it's used to convey what is expected or required in a given situation. The examples show its diverse applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are supposed to be" is a versatile phrase used to express expectations, obligations, or intended purposes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. As demonstrated by Ludwig's extensive collection of real-world examples, it commonly appears in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, highlighting its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies whether you're stating an expectation, obligation, or intended function to avoid ambiguity. Be mindful not to confuse it with "used to be", which describes a past state. Ultimately, mastering the use of "are supposed to be" enhances the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be

Expresses a recommendation or expectation, less forceful than "are supposed to be".

ought to be

Similar to "should be", suggesting a moral obligation or desirability. Slightly more formal.

are expected to be

Focuses on anticipation or prediction, emphasizing the expected outcome.

are required to be

Indicates a formal obligation or necessity, stronger than "are supposed to be".

are intended to be

Highlights the purpose or design behind something, focusing on intention.

are meant to be

Similar to "are intended to be", suggesting a pre-determined purpose or destiny.

are designed to be

Emphasizes the intended functionality or characteristics based on design.

are to be

A more formal and sometimes archaic way of expressing obligation or future action.

are slated to be

Indicates a scheduled or planned event, emphasizing the timing and arrangement.

are destined to be

Suggests a future event that is unavoidable or predetermined by fate.

FAQs

How can I use "are supposed to be" in a sentence?

Use "are supposed to be" to express an expectation, obligation, or intended purpose. For example, "Libraries "are supposed to be" quiet", indicating an expected behavior.

What's the difference between "are supposed to be" and "should be"?

"Are supposed to be" implies an expectation or obligation, while "should be" offers a recommendation or advice. "The report "are supposed to be" submitted today" suggests a requirement, whereas "The report "should be" submitted today" is a suggestion.

What are some alternatives to "are supposed to be"?

Alternatives include "are expected to be", "are required to be", or "are intended to be" depending on the specific context and meaning you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "is supposed to be" instead of "are supposed to be"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is supposed to be" with singular subjects (e.g., "He is supposed to be here") and "are supposed to be" with plural subjects (e.g., "They "are supposed to be" on time").