as it is supposed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it is supposed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is expected or intended to happen in a certain way. Example: "The project was completed as it is supposed to be, meeting all the requirements outlined in the proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just as it is supposed to be.

The Guardian

He plays tennis as it is supposed to be played.

Independent

In other words, the system worked just as it is supposed to.

The New York Times

Virtuality, however, isn't always as much fun as it is supposed to be.

Harvard Business Review

And there and that were as just about as good as it is supposed to get.

The New York Times

That means another weekend of the subway's not behaving as it is supposed to.

The New York Times

And they question whether the state's electric chair actually operates as it is supposed to.

The Guardian

The city is functioning as it is supposed to, at least in this one respect.

The New York Times - Arts

Ah, but here's the rub: under our system, at least as it is supposed to be, the answer is yes.

The New York Times

Measuring everything twice means the Webb telescope will function as it is supposed to, according to Geithner.

The Washington Post

The financial sector was fairly small, well-regulated and simple; it financed the real economy, as it is supposed to.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it is supposed to" to clearly communicate that something is functioning or occurring according to a predefined plan, expectation, or design. This is especially useful in technical writing or when describing processes.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "as it is supposed to" in casual conversation can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "as expected" or "how it should be" for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it is supposed to" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it is supposed to" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate that something is happening or functioning according to plan or expectation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is suitable for various contexts, though it may sound overly formal in casual conversation. When a less formal tone is desired, alternatives such as "as expected" or "how it should be" can be used. It's prevalence across reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC underscores its widespread acceptance and utility in both formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as expected

This alternative is more concise and directly conveys that something happens in the anticipated manner.

as intended

This highlights the fulfillment of a purpose or plan.

according to plan

This phrase indicates that events are unfolding as they were originally designed.

as designed

This alternative focuses on the original design or specification being met.

in the way it should

This rephrasing is less formal and emphasizes the correct or ideal manner of operation.

in the proper manner

This option conveys adherence to a standard or protocol.

as things ought to be

This phrase introduces a sense of normative expectation or moral correctness.

in accordance with expectations

This expresses conformity to pre-existing expectations or predictions.

as circumstances dictate

This alternative focuses on adapting to particular circumstances while maintaining a sense of expectation.

by all accounts

This expression indicates that the expected outcome is confirmed by multiple sources or perspectives.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as it is supposed to" to sound more casual?

For a more casual tone, you can use phrases like "as expected", "how it should be", or simply "right" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "as it is supposed to" and "as intended"?

"As it is supposed to" generally refers to something functioning according to a set standard or expectation, while "as intended" specifically points to achieving the original purpose or plan.

When is it appropriate to use "as it is supposed to" in writing?

It's suitable for formal writing, technical manuals, or reports where you need to clearly indicate that something is happening according to a predefined specification or expectation. It ensures clarity and precision in conveying how a process or system is meant to operate.

What are some synonyms for "as it is supposed to" that maintain a formal tone?

Formal synonyms include "according to plan", "as designed", and "in the proper manner".