supposed to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supposed to start" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to suggest that something is expected to happen but hasn't yet. For example, "We were supposed to start our meeting at 3:00, but it's already 3:15 and no one has arrived yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was supposed to start falling next year.

The New Yorker

"I'm supposed to start in July".

The Guardian

School is supposed to start on Thursday.

The New York Times

"We weren't supposed to start rushing until the activities midway..

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The rehearsal was supposed to start hours ago.

The New York Times

The recall was supposed to start that fall.

The New Yorker

The season was supposed to start Tuesday night.

The New York Times - Sports

The party wasn't supposed to start until four.

Independent

The repairs were supposed to start last autumn.

The Guardian

The recital was supposed to start in fifteen minutes.

The New Yorker

The movie was supposed to start at noon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "supposed to start" when indicating an expectation or plan for something to begin, especially when there's a sense that the plan might not be followed or has been delayed. For example: "The meeting was "supposed to start" at 9 AM, but we're still waiting for the manager".

Common error

Avoid confusing "supposed to start" with "supposedly start". "Supposedly" means allegedly or purportedly, while "supposed to" indicates an expectation or obligation. For example, use "The project is "supposed to start" next week," not "The project is supposedly start next week,"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supposed to start" functions as a modal expression indicating expectation or obligation regarding the commencement of an event or activity. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "supposed to start" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an expectation or planned commencement, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's versatile, appearing frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While it indicates a scheduled beginning, it also carries an implication that the event might be delayed or not occur as planned. To avoid errors, remember that "supposed to start" differs from "supposedly start", with the latter meaning allegedly. Use alternatives like "scheduled to begin" or "expected to launch" for variety, ensuring they fit the intended nuance. "Supposed to start" serves as a versatile tool for setting expectations, but understanding its nuances ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meant to begin

Emphasizes the original intention or plan for something to commence.

scheduled to commence

Highlights the formal arrangement or timeline for something to start.

due to initiate

Implies an obligation or expectation for something to begin at a certain time.

expected to launch

Focuses on the anticipated start or introduction of something new.

set to kick off

Suggests an informal or energetic start, often used in sports or events contexts.

planned to get underway

Emphasizes the deliberate planning and preparation for something to begin.

intended to commence

Focuses on the underlying purpose or goal for something to start.

slated to begin

Highlights that something is officially scheduled or designated to start.

on the verge of starting

Indicates that something is very close to beginning or initiating.

about to initiate

Suggests an imminent or immediate beginning or initiation.

FAQs

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

Use "supposed to start" to express an expectation or plan for something to begin. For example: "The renovations are "supposed to start" next month". It often implies a potential for deviation from the plan.

What's a good alternative to "supposed to start"?

Alternatives include "scheduled to begin", "expected to launch", or "meant to begin", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "supposedly start" instead of "supposed to start"?

No, "supposedly start" is incorrect. "Supposedly" means allegedly or purportedly, while "supposed to start" indicates an expectation. Use "supposed to start" to express an anticipated beginning.

What does "supposed to start" imply about the event?

The phrase "supposed to start" implies there is a plan or expectation for an event to begin. However, it can also suggest that the beginning might be delayed or not occur as planned.