not supposed to

USAGE SUMMARY

"not supposed to" is a perfectly valid and common phrase in written English.
You can use it to express that an action is not something that is expected or allowed. For example: "You are not supposed to climb the fence without permission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're not supposed to!

Huffington Post

"It's not supposed to".

The New York Times - Sports

That's not supposed to happen.

The New York Times

"You're not supposed to agree".

The New York Times - Sports

"They're not supposed to match".

The New York Times - Magazine

It's not supposed to happen".

The New York Times

In fact, they're not supposed to.

The New York Times

This is not supposed to happen.

The New York Times

They know they're not supposed to".

The New York Times - Sports

This was not supposed to happen.

The New York Times

At least, it's not supposed to.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not supposed to" when indicating that something is against the rules or deviates from an established norm. It's best suited for informal to neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "not supposed to" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "should not" or "is prohibited" for increased precision and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not supposed to" primarily functions as a modal phrase indicating prohibition, expectation, or obligation. It modifies a verb, expressing that an action is not permitted, advisable, or in accordance with a norm. Ludwig confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not supposed to" is a highly common phrase used to express prohibition, expectation, or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media sources. While versatile, it's best used in neutral contexts, avoiding overly formal or academic settings where more precise language is favored. For more formal situations, alternatives such as "should not" or "prohibited from" are more appropriate. Remember to consider the context and desired level of formality when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should not

Expresses a similar sense of advisability or expectation, often interchangeable with "not supposed to".

ought not to

A more formal way of expressing that something is not advisable or expected.

not allowed to

Focuses specifically on the lack of permission or authorization for an action.

prohibited from

Indicates a formal ban or restriction against doing something.

not permitted to

Similar to "not allowed to", emphasizing the lack of official consent.

not meant to

Suggests that something is not intended or designed for a particular purpose or action.

not expected to

Highlights that an action or outcome is not anticipated or predicted.

forbidden to

Emphasizes a strong prohibition or interdiction.

not designed to

Similar to "not meant to", focusing on the original purpose or intention.

not intended to

Emphasizes the lack of purpose or aim behind an action or design.

FAQs

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

You can use "not supposed to" to indicate that something is prohibited or unexpected. For example, "You are "not supposed to" park here" or "That's "not supposed to" happen".

What are some alternatives to "not supposed to"?

Alternatives to "not supposed to" include "should not", "ought not to", "not allowed to", and "prohibited from", depending on the context.

Is "not supposed to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not supposed to" is grammatically correct and widely used in spoken and written English to express that something is not allowed or expected.

What is the difference between "not supposed to" and "should not"?

"Not supposed to" often implies a rule or expectation, while "should not" typically conveys advice or a weaker form of obligation. The choice depends on the specific context and the intended nuance.