supposed to tell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supposed to tell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating an expectation or obligation to convey information or instructions. Example: "You were supposed to tell me about the meeting time yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"What am I supposed to tell them?

The New York Times

What was Keller supposed to tell him?

The New Yorker

What was I supposed to tell him?

The New Yorker

'What am I supposed to tell her?

The Guardian

"What was I supposed to tell them?" she said.

The New Yorker

"What am I supposed to tell my son?

The New York Times

What kind of inspiring stories am I supposed to tell?

The New York Times

"I'm not supposed to tell you," he said.

The New Yorker

Am I supposed to tell her to stand at attention?

The New Yorker

I'm supposed to tell you that no president serves forever.

The New York Times

"Why, am I supposed to tell you differently?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "supposed to tell", ensure the context clearly defines who expects the information to be shared.

Common error

Avoid using "supposed to tell" when you actually mean 'allowed' or 'permitted' to share information. "Supposed to tell" implies obligation, not just permission. For example, say "I am allowed to tell you" instead of "I am supposed to tell you" if there is no expectation or duty involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supposed to tell" functions as a modal construction indicating obligation or expectation to convey information. It combines the past participle of "suppose" with the infinitive "to tell", creating a sense of duty. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "supposed to tell" is a grammatically sound and very common construction used to express an obligation or expectation to communicate information. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the source of the expectation and avoid confusing it with mere permission. Consider alternatives like "ought to inform" or "should communicate" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Given its consistent use in authoritative sources, mastering "supposed to tell" is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to inform

Replaces "supposed to" with a stronger sense of moral obligation implied by "ought to".

should communicate

Substitutes "supposed to" with "should", suggesting a recommendation or expectation rather than a strict requirement.

expected to reveal

Focuses on the expectation of divulging information, replacing "tell" with "reveal".

required to disclose

Emphasizes a formal requirement to make information known, using "required" instead of "supposed".

obliged to mention

Highlights the obligation to bring something to someone's attention, replacing "tell" with "mention".

meant to confide

Implies an intention or expectation of sharing something private, using "confide" instead of "tell".

tasked with informing

Focuses on the assignment of a duty to inform, framing the phrase as a responsibility.

designated to report

Highlights the formal designation to provide a report, changing the verb to "report".

instructed to advise

Emphasizes the instruction given to provide advice, modifying "tell" to "advise".

authorized to announce

Stresses the authorization to make an official announcement, replacing "tell" with "announce".

FAQs

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

Use "supposed to tell" to indicate an expectation or obligation to convey information. For example, "You were "supposed to tell" me about the change in plans."

What's a less formal way to say "supposed to tell"?

In informal contexts, you could say "meant to tell" or "should have told". For instance, "I "meant to tell" you about that earlier."

Is "supposed to tell" grammatically correct?

Yes, "supposed to tell" is grammatically correct. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable structure, indicating an expected action.

What is the difference between "I was supposed to tell" and "I am supposed to tell"?

"I was "supposed to tell"" refers to a past obligation that may or may not have been fulfilled, while "I am "supposed to tell"" refers to a current or future obligation.