supposed to bury

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supposed to bury" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating an expectation or obligation related to burying something, often in a figurative or literal sense. Example: "He was supposed to bury the time capsule in the park during the ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"You're supposed to bury it.

The New York Times

We are not supposed to bury them".

The New York Times

"You're not supposed to bury your children, they're supposed to bury you".

The New York Times - Arts

"They're supposed to bury us; we're not supposed to bury them," Ms. Reiser said of her children.

The New York Times

A parent is not supposed to bury their child.

The Guardian

"You're not supposed to bury your son," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

We mothers know what it is to have to bury a child when that child is supposed to have buried us.

The Guardian

All of New York City's electrical wires were supposed to be buried safely under the streets.

The New York Times

A third-century BC Illyrian king, Monum, is supposed to be buried here.

The Guardian - Travel

Those glass logs, in steel containers, are supposed to be buried, possibly at Yucca Mountain in Nevada, where nuclear wastes from civilian reactors are also supposed to go.

The New York Times

In Muslim practice, a "martyr" is supposed to be buried immediately, unwashed, and in the clothes in which he was killed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "supposed to bury", ensure the context clearly indicates whether it refers to a literal burial, like in funeral contexts, or a figurative one, such as burying secrets or the past. For example, specify "supposed to bury the hatchet".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient context when using "supposed to bury". Without clarification, the phrase can be misinterpreted, especially when used figuratively. For instance, instead of saying "They were supposed to bury it", specify "They were supposed to bury their differences" to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supposed to bury" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase indicating obligation or expectation combined with an infinitive. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a common construction, used to express what is expected or ought to happen, rather than what necessarily does happen. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts, primarily in news and media.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "supposed to bury" is a grammatically sound and usable expression signifying an expectation or obligation related to burial, literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence, particularly in news and media contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, its meaning is clearly understood, and it can be effectively used to convey norms, expectations, or obligations. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies whether it refers to a literal interment or a figurative concealment, and consider alternative expressions like "meant to inter" or "destined to entomb" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

required to bury

Highlights the mandatory nature of the action, replacing "supposed to" with "required to", indicating a rule or necessity.

meant to inter

Replaces "bury" with a more formal synonym "inter" and uses "meant to" instead of "supposed to", implying a preordained action.

expected to lay to rest

Uses a more gentle and respectful tone, replacing "bury" with "lay to rest" and "supposed to" with "expected to", focusing on the act of mourning.

bound to bury

Suggests a sense of duty or inevitability, replacing "supposed to" with "bound to", implying a commitment or obligation.

destined to entomb

Emphasizes fate or destiny, replacing "supposed to" with "destined to" and "bury" with "entomb", suggesting a grander or more permanent interment.

set to bury

Indicates a confirmed plan or arrangement, replacing "supposed to" with "set to", suggesting that preparations are complete.

obliged to sepulcher

Emphasizes a formal obligation using "obliged to" instead of "supposed to" and replaces "bury" with "sepulcher", indicating burial in a tomb.

anticipated to bury

Focuses on expectation or prediction, replacing "supposed to" with "anticipated to", highlighting that the burial is foreseen.

scheduled to inter

Indicates a planned event, replacing "supposed to" with "scheduled to" and "bury" with "inter", focusing on the timing of the burial.

slated to bury

Implies a formal arrangement or scheduling, replacing "supposed to" with "slated to", suggesting that the burial is on the agenda.

FAQs

What does "supposed to bury" mean?

The phrase "supposed to bury" generally means having an obligation or expectation to inter something (literally or figuratively). For example, it can refer to the expected order of life and death or the expected treatment of certain objects. See the examples above for context.

Is it correct to say "expected to bury" instead of "supposed to bury"?

Yes, "expected to bury" is a valid alternative. It carries a similar meaning, emphasizing anticipation or expectation rather than obligation.

When is it appropriate to use "supposed to bury" in a sentence?

It is appropriate when describing an expectation, obligation, or planned action involving burial. For instance, "Children are supposed to bury their parents, not the other way around" illustrates an expected life order. Or to cite another example from results, one might refer to something "meant to be interred".

What is the difference between "supposed to bury" and "had to bury"?

"Supposed to bury" implies an expectation or obligation, while "had to bury" suggests a necessity or past action. The former is about what should happen, and the latter is about what did happen.