be supposed to have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be supposed to have" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express an expectation or assumption about something that should have happened or been the case. Example: "She is supposed to have completed the report by now, but I haven't seen it yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Then he must be supposed to have some art.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If so, the gods, at any rate, cannot be supposed to have either joy or sorrow.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

His professional life might be supposed to have been a glide from Cambridge to Stratford, Covent Garden and Glyndebourne.

The Guardian - Books

It is fundamental, and we are of opinion that the private property of riparian proprietors cannot be supposed to have deeper roots.

Cornell University

The revisers explained that a literal interpretation of such language 'would involve consequences which Congress cannot be supposed to have intended.

Cornell University

Mr Obama might be supposed to have done little to upset the NRA, having meekly signed legislation that allows guns to be brought into national parks and on to trains.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Children are supposed to have two parents.

Independent

Mr Bush was supposed to have one.

The Economist

"Jimmie Rodgers was supposed to have perfect pitch.

The New Yorker

Serious was supposed to have started Jan . 1

The New York Times

Groundbreaking was supposed to have begun this year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be supposed to have", ensure the context clearly establishes who or what is doing the supposing, whether it's a general expectation or a specific agreement.

Common error

Avoid confusing "be supposed to have" with "used to". "Be supposed to have" implies an expectation or obligation, while "used to" describes a past habit or state. For instance, don't say "I'm supposed to have played the piano" when you mean "I used to play the piano".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be supposed to have" functions as a modal construction, indicating an expectation, obligation, or something that was intended to happen. It conveys that a certain action or state was planned, arranged, or expected, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

32%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be supposed to have" is a versatile modal construction used to indicate expectations, obligations, or intended actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of examples reveals that it frequently appears in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, alternative phrases like ""be expected to have"" or ""be meant to have"" may provide nuanced variations. Remember to avoid confusing it with "used to", ensuring clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be expected to have

Focuses on the anticipation of a future action or state, emphasizing what is anticipated or predicted.

be meant to have

Emphasizes intention or design, suggesting a planned or intended outcome.

be intended to have

Highlights the purpose or aim behind a plan or action.

be scheduled to have

Indicates a specific timetable or arrangement for something to occur.

be required to have

Stresses a necessity or obligation to possess something.

be obliged to have

Similar to 'required', but often carries a stronger sense of duty or commitment.

be slated to have

Suggests a formal listing or scheduling of an event or occurrence.

be designed to have

Highlights the inherent purpose or design of an object or system.

be arranged to have

Emphasizes the preparatory steps taken to ensure something is in place.

be understood to have

Focuses on a mutual agreement or implicit understanding.

FAQs

How do I use "be supposed to have" in a sentence?

Use "be supposed to have" to indicate an expectation, obligation, or something that was intended but may not have occurred. For example: "The package "was supposed to have" arrived yesterday".

What's the difference between "be supposed to have" and "be expected to have"?

While both indicate anticipation, "be supposed to have" carries a stronger sense of obligation or prior arrangement, while "be expected to have" simply denotes a prediction or likelihood. In essence, "be supposed to have" suggests an agreement or plan, while "be expected to have" highlights anticipation. Consider alternative phrases like "be meant to have".

Can I use "be supposed to have" in formal writing?

Yes, "be supposed to have" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, consider using alternatives like "be required to have" or "be obliged to have" for a more elevated tone.

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

You can use alternatives like "be expected to have", "be meant to have", or "be intended to have" depending on the context.