supposed to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'supposed to know' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when expressing expectations. For example, "I'm supposed to know the answer to this question?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nobody's supposed to know that.

The New Yorker

How am I supposed to know?

Independent

Nobody is supposed to know everything.

The Guardian - Books

"I'm supposed to know how it works.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was Just Supposed to Know.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not that he was supposed to know.

The Guardian - Film

Now you're not supposed to know any of this.

Yale University

You are just supposed to know what to do.

Independent

"How was I supposed to know?" he asked me afterward.

The New Yorker

"How'm I supposed to know?" "Nobody," he said.

The New Yorker

"With supplements, you're supposed to know what's in them.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "supposed to know" when expressing an expectation or obligation related to having knowledge about something. For example, "You're supposed to know the capital of France."

Common error

Avoid using "supposed to know" when simply stating a fact. "I'm knowing the answer" is incorrect; instead, use "I know the answer". "Supposed to" implies an expectation, not current knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supposed to know" functions primarily as an expression of expectation or obligation regarding knowledge. It signifies that someone is expected or required to possess certain information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "supposed to know" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express the expectation or obligation of possessing knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. As evidenced by the numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, this phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as academic contexts. While often interchangeable with phrases like "expected to know", "supposed to know" carries a slightly stronger sense of obligation. Remembering to use the base form of the verb after "supposed to" and avoiding its use when simply stating a fact are key to using the phrase correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expected to be aware

Focuses on the anticipation of knowledge, rather than an explicit requirement.

should have knowledge of

Implies a moral or logical imperative to know something.

assumed to be informed

Highlights the presumption that someone has certain information.

presumed to understand

Emphasizes the assumption of comprehension.

expected to comprehend

Focuses on anticipated understanding.

expected to be cognizant

This version emphasizes being consciously aware of something.

deemed to be knowledgeable

Expresses a judgment that someone possesses knowledge.

assumed to grasp

This alternative focuses on the understanding aspect of knowledge.

meant to be conversant

Implies a level of familiarity and ability to discuss a topic.

tasked with knowing

Highlights a designated responsibility to have knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "supposed to know" in a sentence?

Use "supposed to know" to indicate an expectation or obligation to possess knowledge. For example, "He's "supposed to know" the company's policies by now".

What's the difference between "supposed to know" and "expected to know"?

"Expected to know" often implies a reasonable anticipation based on circumstances, while "supposed to know" indicates a rule, agreement, or duty. They are often interchangeable, but "supposed to know" has a stronger connotation of obligation.

What are some alternative phrases for "supposed to know"?

Alternatives include "expected to be aware", "should have knowledge of", or "assumed to be informed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I was supposed to knew" instead of "I was supposed to know"?

No, "I was supposed to knew" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I was "supposed to know"". The phrase "supposed to" always takes the base form of the verb.