are supposed to be doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are supposed to be doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an expectation or obligation regarding someone's actions or responsibilities. Example: "You are supposed to be doing your homework right now instead of playing video games."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Which, as it happens, is exactly what they are supposed to be doing.

The New York Times

It reinforces what you are supposed to be doing as a student".

The New York Times

This is the exact opposite of what they are supposed to be doing.

The Guardian

"Playing when you are supposed to be doing your homework". He told them to get changed.

The Guardian - Sport

"Why is the government trying to duplicate what [churches] are supposed to be doing?" he asked.

The Washington Post

"About not knowing what you are supposed to be doing?" Mr. Broderick said.

The New York Times

"People are doing what they are supposed to be doing, no matter what".

The New York Times

"They know who is supposed to be where and what they are supposed to be doing.

The New York Times - Magazine

And thinking that is what they are supposed to be doing.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

All the details are supposed to be done.

The New Yorker

I was supposed to be doing something.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse of "are supposed to be doing" in formal writing; consider stronger verbs or more direct phrasing for impact.

Common error

Avoid writing "are use to be doing" when you mean "are supposed to be doing". The first indicates familiarity with an action, while the second indicates an expectation or obligation. Double-check your spelling and intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are supposed to be doing" functions as a modal construction expressing expectation, obligation, or intended action. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used to indicate what someone should be doing or what is expected of them.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are supposed to be doing" effectively conveys expectations, obligations, or intended actions, supported by its frequent usage in diverse contexts according to Ludwig. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, stronger phrasing might be preferable in formal writing. The phrase's adaptability makes it a versatile tool for expressing expectations across a range of communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are meant to be doing

Replaces "supposed" with "meant", indicating an intended action or expectation.

should be doing

Uses "should" to convey obligation or expectation.

are expected to be doing

Replaces "supposed" with "expected", emphasizing an anticipation of the action.

are required to be doing

Emphasizes a formal obligation or requirement.

are obligated to be doing

Similar to "required", but implies a moral or legal duty.

are tasked with doing

Highlights the assignment of a specific duty or task.

are responsible for doing

Focuses on accountability for the action.

are in charge of doing

Indicates authority or control over the action.

are assigned to do

Highlights that someone has been specifically assigned to perform the action.

are under an obligation to do

Formal way to indicate duty and expectation

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "are supposed to be doing"?

Alternatives include "should be doing" or "are meant to be doing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "are supposed to be doing" differ from "are expected to be doing"?

"Are supposed to be doing" suggests a general expectation or rule, while "are expected to be doing" emphasizes anticipation of the action based on specific circumstances or agreements.

Is it ever incorrect to use "are supposed to be doing"?

The phrase itself is grammatically correct. However, overuse in formal contexts may sound less impactful than stronger alternatives. Also, ensure you don't confuse it with similar-sounding phrases like "are used to doing".

Can "are supposed to be doing" be used in formal writing?

Yes, it can. However, for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "are required to be doing" or "are obligated to be doing" to convey a stronger sense of duty or necessity.