he was supposed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was supposed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an expectation or obligation that was intended to be fulfilled. Example: "He was supposed to arrive at the meeting by 10 AM, but he was late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was supposed to.

The New Yorker

I know he was supposed to go.

The New Yorker

He was supposed to be the wind.

The New York Times

"He was supposed to be the pacemaker.

The New York Times

He was supposed to be the fixer.

The New Yorker

He was supposed to be a backup.

The New York Times - Sports

He was supposed to be the guy.

The Washington Post

He was supposed to become an architect.

The Washington Post

He was supposed to be inconspicuous.

The New York Times - Sports

He was supposed to be our son.

The New Yorker

He was supposed to be dead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was supposed to" when indicating a plan, expectation, or agreement that existed but may not have been fulfilled. It's useful for expressing disappointment, surprise, or a deviation from an expected course of action.

Common error

Avoid using "he was supposed to" when a stronger assertion of fact is needed. If you want to state something definitively happened or will happen, a direct statement is more effective. For example, instead of "He was supposed to finish the report", use "He finished the report" if it's a confirmed fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was supposed to" functions as a modal expression indicating an expectation, obligation, or intended action. It suggests that a particular event or behavior was planned or anticipated, but not necessarily realized. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples include stating someone's intended role or a planned event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was supposed to" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase used to express an expectation, obligation, or intended action. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register. It's crucial to understand the subtle nuances of the phrase to avoid miscommunication and ensure clarity in writing. The examples show its wide range of application, making it a valuable tool for effective communication. Alternatives like "he was meant to" or "he was expected to" can be used, but the specific context should inform the choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was meant to

A more informal way to express an intended action or plan.

he was expected to

This emphasizes the expectation from others.

he was scheduled to

This alternative emphasizes a planned event or task.

he should have

This alternative indicates a moral obligation or expectation that wasn't met.

he was slated to

Indicates a formal or official arrangement or plan.

he had to

This alternative suggests a requirement or necessity that may or may not have been fulfilled.

he was designated to

This suggests a specific assignment or appointment.

it was his duty to

Highlights an obligation or responsibility.

he was obliged to

Similar to 'duty', but implies a formal or legal obligation.

he was programmed to

This alternative implies a predetermined or automated action.

FAQs

What does "he was supposed to" mean?

The phrase "he was supposed to" indicates an expectation, agreement, or plan that someone was expected to follow, but it doesn't guarantee that they actually did. It implies an obligation or intention.

How can I use "he was supposed to" in a sentence?

You can use "he was supposed to" to express that someone had a prior commitment or obligation. For example, "He was supposed to pick me up from the airport, but he never showed up."

What are some alternatives to saying "he was supposed to"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "he was meant to", "he was expected to", or "he should have".

What's the difference between "he was supposed to" and "he had to"?

"He was supposed to" suggests an arrangement or expectation, while "he had to" implies a necessity or obligation. "He was supposed to attend the meeting" suggests a prior agreement, whereas "He had to attend the meeting" suggests it was required.