supposed to study

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supposed to study" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking or writing about something that is expected to be done. For example, "I'm supposed to study for my test tomorrow, but I'm too tired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

We are not supposed to study.

The New York Times

How else was he supposed to study?

The New York Times - Sports

"It's hard to know and remember what you're supposed to study for".

The New York Times

"I was supposed to study film in Italy and then go back to Turkey.

The New York Times

It is supposed to study the causes through information provided by the bishops, monitor their performance and hold them accountable.

The New York Times

Here, they are supposed to study Tok Pisin and PNG culture, in preparation for their integration into the country.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

So, why is it that we're not supposed to take this study seriously?

The Guardian - Opinion

Both intimidate people by representing a body of knowledge you are supposed to have to study to appreciate it; both are commonly seen as being available only to aficionados.

The New York Times - Arts

I was supposed to be studying French.

The New York Times

They were supposed to be studying.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm supposed to be studying for the bar exam," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "supposed to study" when referring to an obligation or expectation, particularly when indicating a contrast between expectation and reality (e.g., "I was supposed to study, but I watched TV instead.").

Common error

Avoid using "supposed to" when you actually mean "used to." "Used to" indicates a past habit, while "supposed to" indicates a current expectation or obligation. For example, it is incorrect to say "I'm supposed to go to that school", when you mean "I "used to" go to that school".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supposed to study" functions as a modal expression indicating obligation or expectation related to the action of studying. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase often appears in contexts where someone is expected to be studying but may not be.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "supposed to study" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an obligation or expectation to engage in studying. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "expected to study" or "required to study" exist, "supposed to study" carries a nuanced implication of duty or expectation. When using the phrase, remember to avoid confusing it with "used to," and always ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of obligation or expectation. It's a versatile phrase suitable for both formal and informal communication, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expected to study

Focuses on the expectation rather than the obligation.

meant to study

Highlights intention or plan to study.

obliged to study

Emphasizes the feeling of duty or compulsion.

required to study

Stresses the necessity based on rules or regulations.

ought to study

Suggests a moral or advisory tone.

should study

Indicates recommendation or advice to study.

assigned to study

Implies a task or assignment to study from another person.

scheduled to study

Highlights that time has been allocated for study.

planning to study

Shows that there is a plan to study without focusing on obligation.

intending to study

Expresses the intention of studying.

FAQs

What does "supposed to study" mean?

The phrase "supposed to study" indicates an expectation, obligation, or requirement to engage in studying. It often implies that the person is expected or required to spend time studying for a class, exam, or other educational purpose.

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

You can use "supposed to study" to describe an obligation or expectation. For example: "I'm "supposed to" study for my exam tonight", or "She's "supposed to" study with her friends after school".

What are some alternatives to "supposed to study"?

Alternatives to "supposed to study" include "expected to study", "required to study", "obliged to study", or "meant to study". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "supposed to be studying" instead of "supposed to study"?

Yes, "supposed to be studying" is grammatically correct. It indicates a continuous action that is expected to be happening now. For example, "He is "supposed to" be studying right now, but he's playing video games instead".