is supposed to be doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is 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: "He is supposed to be doing his homework right now, but I haven't seen him at his desk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Isn't it sad that this student needs a clicker to make sure that she does what she is supposed to be doing as a student?

The New York Times

That is not what a Christian minister is supposed to be doing," Agyin Asare said.

The Guardian

The act of criticism is necessarily connected with what the artist is supposed to be doing, and as I haven't the remotest idea what Ornette Coleman is supposed to be doing all criticism is stilled.

The Guardian - Music

"That is not to say the organization is not doing exactly what it is supposed to be doing," she added.

The New York Times

"He understands what we're doing, what everyone on the field is supposed to be doing," Timmerman said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's doing what a governor is supposed to be doing, which is looking out for the jobs of his constituents".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

And that is not the way it is supposed to be done".

The New York Times

Unless that's how it is supposed to be done, do not do it!

WikiHow

"We're doing what we're supposed to be doing.

The New York Times

It's what I'm supposed to be doing".

The Guardian - Arts

This is what he's supposed to be doing".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the context makes it clear who is imposing the expectation. Omission can lead to ambiguity.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "is supposed to be doing" with stronger obligations. It indicates an expectation or plan, but not necessarily a binding requirement. Use "must do" or "is required to do" for stronger obligations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is supposed to be doing" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating an expectation, obligation, or plan. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in conveying anticipated actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is supposed to be doing" is a versatile modal verb phrase commonly used to express expectations, obligations, or plans. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it indicates an anticipated action, it's important to recognize that it doesn't necessarily imply a strict requirement, making it essential to choose stronger alternatives like "must do" or "is required to do" for stricter obligations. Consider replacing "is supposed to be doing" with "is expected to be doing" or "is meant to be doing" to add variations to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is expected to be doing

Emphasizes an expectation or anticipation of an action.

is meant to be doing

Highlights the intended or designed purpose of an action.

should be doing

Indicates a recommendation or moral obligation.

ought to be doing

Suggests a moral duty or correctness of an action, slightly more formal.

is required to be doing

Implies a formal rule or requirement.

is obligated to be doing

Highlights a binding agreement or legal requirement.

is slated to be doing

Focuses on a scheduled or planned action.

is scheduled to be doing

Specifies a time-bound arrangement.

is in charge of doing

Highlights responsibility for something.

is tasked with doing

Specifies an assigned duty or task.

FAQs

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

Use "is supposed to be doing" to express an expectation or plan. For example, "He is supposed to be doing his homework now" indicates he is expected to be working on it.

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

"Is supposed to be doing" often implies an external expectation or arrangement, while "should be doing" suggests a personal recommendation or moral obligation. You can use "should be doing" when giving advice.

Are there more formal alternatives to "is supposed to be doing"?

Yes, consider alternatives like "is expected to be doing" or "is required to be doing" for more formal contexts. These alternatives emphasize the level of obligation.

What can I say instead of "is supposed to be doing" when something goes wrong?

Depending on the context, you could say "was expected to be doing", "was meant to be doing", or "failed to do what was expected". Consider the nuances of each phrase.