it is supposed to

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is supposed to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an expectation or assumption, such as: "It is supposed to rain tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"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

A: It is supposed to.

Stanford University

It is supposed to vary.

The Washington Post

That's how it is supposed to be.

The New York Times

It is supposed to be a privilege.

The Guardian

It is supposed to be evenhanded.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is supposed to" when indicating a generally accepted expectation or convention. For example, "The meeting is supposed to start at 9 AM."

Common error

Avoid using "it is supposed to" when you mean something is confirmed or certain, as this phrase implies an element of potential deviation or unmet expectation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is supposed to" functions as a modal expression, indicating expectation, obligation, or intended purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically sound phrase widely used in English. Examples in Ludwig show its application across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is supposed to" is a versatile phrase used to express expectations, obligations, or intended purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in English across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to academic writing. While its register is generally neutral, precise language may be preferred in formal scientific contexts. To ensure clear communication, avoid using this phrase when certainty is required, and be mindful of potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is intended to

This alternative focuses on the intended purpose or design of something, shifting the emphasis from expectation to intention.

it is meant to

Similar to "it is intended to", this option also highlights the intended function or purpose.

it is expected to

This phrase emphasizes the expectation or anticipation of a certain outcome or behavior.

it is designed to

This emphasizes the design or planning behind something's purpose.

it should

A more concise way to express expectation or recommendation.

it is assumed to

This alternative highlights the element of assumption or presumption about the intended outcome or behavior.

it is obliged to

This implies a sense of duty or requirement, making it stronger than a simple expectation.

it is required to

Similar to "it is obliged to", this option suggests a formal requirement or necessity.

it is understood to

This phrase emphasizes a general agreement or shared understanding about something's purpose or function.

it ought to

This phrase conveys a sense of moral obligation or correctness.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is supposed to" to express an expectation, obligation, or agreement. For example, "The presentation "is supposed to" be finished by Friday."

What are some alternatives to "it is supposed to"?

Alternatives include "it is intended to", "it is meant to", or "it is expected to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it is suppose to" instead of "it is supposed to"?

No, the correct form is "it is supposed to". The word "supposed" includes the -d ending to indicate the past participle form of the verb.

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

"It is supposed to" suggests an expectation or agreement, while "it must" indicates a necessity or requirement. For example, "The report "is supposed to" be submitted" implies an expectation, whereas "The report "must" be submitted" suggests a firm requirement.