it is not supposed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not supposed to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not intended or expected to happen. Example: "This device is not functioning properly; it is not supposed to make that noise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Others say Europe has more time, especially if the European Central Bank can intervene to support Italy more forcefully, which by its charter it is not supposed to do, at least not directly.

The New York Times

It is not supposed to happen that way.

The New York Times

"It is not supposed to be a life-threatening thing".

The New York Times

It is not supposed to replace human relationships.

The New Yorker

Motto: Make architecture do things that it is not supposed to do.

The New York Times

Well, it is not supposed to be fun, I hear you say.

Independent

In fact, it is not supposed to be used for this purpose.

The Economist

"It is not supposed to be 'of' the area," says LLDC chief executive Dennis Hone.

The Guardian

He said of becoming a grandmaster, "Everybody says it is not supposed to be easy, which is fine by me.

The New York Times

What is also fairly typical about New Ashok Nagar is that it is not supposed to exist.

The New York Times

Scrambling was what United ended the match doing: it is not supposed to be like this under Mourinho.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not supposed to" to clearly indicate when something deviates from its intended purpose, expected behavior, or established rules. This helps to set expectations and highlight anomalies.

Common error

While "it is not supposed to" is grammatically correct, overuse can lead to passive constructions. Opt for active voice when possible to make your writing more direct and impactful. Instead of "Mistakes are not supposed to happen", try "People should not make mistakes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not supposed to" functions as a modal expression indicating that something is either prohibited, not intended, or deviates from an expected state or norm. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

25%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is not supposed to" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something deviates from an expected or intended state, rule, or norm. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media and science. The phrase functions as a modal expression, serving to set expectations and highlight deviations, and it maintains a generally neutral register. While direct and clear, it's essential to avoid overuse, as this can lead to passive voice constructions. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively use "it is not supposed to" to convey nuanced meanings in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it should not

This alternative is a more direct and concise way of expressing that something is not expected or allowed.

it isn't meant to

This alternative emphasizes the intended purpose or design, suggesting something is deviating from its intended function.

it's not designed for

This focuses on the intended purpose or capability, highlighting that something is being used outside its design parameters.

it is not intended for

This alternative is more formal, emphasizing the intended use or purpose of something.

it isn't permitted to

This alternative highlights that something is against the rules or regulations.

it is not allowed to

This alternative directly states that something is prohibited or not permitted.

it's not the intention to

This alternative focuses on the lack of intent behind an action, suggesting it wasn't meant to happen.

it is against the rules to

This emphasizes that the action violates established guidelines or regulations.

that is not the way it should be

This phrase indicates a deviation from the expected or ideal state, implying something is wrong or incorrect.

it is not advisable to

This alternative suggests that the action is not recommended due to potential negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "it is not supposed to" in a sentence?

You can use "it is not supposed to" to indicate that something is not intended or expected. For example, "This device is not functioning properly; "it is not supposed to" make that noise."

What can I say instead of "it is not supposed to"?

You can use alternatives like "it should not", "it isn't meant to", or "it is not intended for", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is not supposed to" or "it's not suppose to"?

"It is not supposed to" is correct. The word "supposed" needs the -d ending. "Suppose" without the -d indicates an act of guessing.

What's the difference between "it is not supposed to" and "it must not"?

"It is not supposed to" generally indicates something that deviates from an expected or intended state. "It must not" is a stronger prohibition, indicating something is forbidden or has serious negative consequences.