it is supposed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is supposed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when giving an opinion that is based on what is generally accepted or expected. For example: "It is supposed that all children should get at least an hour of exercise each day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Isn't this how it is supposed to work?

The New York Times

"It is supposed to be in Tripoli.

The New York Times

It is supposed to carry only freight.

The New York Times

It is supposed to rise above politics.

The Economist

Or, rather, it is supposed to be.

Independent

But it is supposed to be fair".

The New York Times

But it is supposed to be.

The Economist

That's how it is supposed to be.

The New York Times

It is supposed to be evenhanded.

The New York Times

It is supposed to be exciting.

The New York Times

But it is supposed to be separate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is supposed" to convey a generally accepted idea or expectation, but be mindful of whether the expectation is actually met in reality. Provide context to clarify if the expectation is often violated.

Common error

Avoid using "it is supposed" excessively, as it can sound vague. Instead, consider providing specific reasons or evidence for the expectation to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is supposed" functions as an impersonal construction used to express expectations, assumptions, or planned arrangements. It's commonly used to convey that something is generally understood or believed to be the case. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is supposed" is a common and grammatically correct way to express expectations or commonly held beliefs. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general conversation. While versatile, it's crucial to be aware that "it is supposed" reflects an expectation, and therefore, its accuracy depends on the context and reliability of the information. When writing, be mindful of the potential vagueness and consider providing specific reasons or evidence. Alternatives like "it is expected" or "it is assumed" can offer subtle nuances, but "it is supposed" remains a functional and widely understood phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is expected

Emphasizes a strong anticipation or prediction based on existing conditions or knowledge.

it is assumed

Highlights a belief taken for granted without necessarily having solid proof.

it is presumed

Suggests a belief held to be true until proven otherwise, often legally or formally.

it is understood

Implies a mutual agreement or implicit knowledge about a situation or fact.

it is believed

Focuses on a widespread opinion or conviction, although possibly lacking concrete evidence.

it is anticipated

Conveys a sense of looking forward to something, similar to 'expected' but perhaps with more preparation.

the expectation is

Rephrases the expectation as a noun, adding a degree of formality.

the assumption is

Presents the assumption as a central point, making it more explicit.

it is considered

Highlights a formal or widely held opinion about someone or something.

one would expect

Introduces a conditional expectation, often implying that the expectation isn't always met.

FAQs

How do I use "it is supposed" in a sentence?

Use "it is supposed" to indicate a common expectation, belief, or planned arrangement. For instance, "It is supposed to rain tomorrow" suggests that rain is expected based on a forecast.

What are some alternatives to "it is supposed"?

Alternatives include "it is expected", "it is assumed", or "it is believed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "it is supposed" and "it is said"?

"It is supposed" suggests a general expectation or plan, while "it is said" indicates that something is reported or rumored. "It is said that the movie is excellent" implies someone mentioned it, while "it is supposed to be excellent" implies a common expectation based on reviews or previews.

Is it always accurate to use "it is supposed"?

No, "it is supposed" reflects an expectation, which may not always be accurate. It's important to consider the source and reliability of the expectation before using the phrase. For example, saying "it is supposed to be easy" doesn't guarantee that it actually will be easy.