supposed to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supposed to think" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing expectations or beliefs about what someone should consider or believe. Example: "You are supposed to think critically about the information presented to you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's not what a champion is supposed to think, but that's what I was thinking.

The Guardian - Sport

You're not supposed to think about it".

The New York Times

We're supposed to think this is hilarious.

The Guardian - Arts

Or so we're supposed to think.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I know I'm supposed to think Scotland.

The New York Times - Travel

So, what exactly then, are we supposed to think?

Independent

It was never supposed to think about itself.

The New Yorker

Or you were supposed to think he did.

The New Yorker

Here, we were  supposed to think, was one bad bitch.

Independent

We're all supposed to think he's very manly.

The New Yorker

"So I'm supposed to think a certain way.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "supposed to think" to convey expectations, societal norms, or intended interpretations. For example, "We are "supposed to think" critically about the information we encounter online."

Common error

Avoid using "supposed to think" when you actually mean someone does think something, rather than what they should think. Clarity is key; use stronger verbs like "believe" or "assume" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supposed to think" functions primarily as a modal expression indicating expectation, obligation, or conventional belief. It often precedes a statement that describes what is generally or socially expected of someone. Examples provided by Ludwig confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "supposed to think" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to indicate expectations, norms, or conventional beliefs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure that its use accurately reflects intended meaning, avoiding confusion with actual beliefs. Alternatives such as "expected to believe" or "meant to assume" can provide nuanced alternatives for more specific communication needs. Be mindful of context to maintain clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expected to believe

Replaces "supposed to" with "expected to", emphasizing anticipation rather than obligation.

meant to assume

Substitutes "supposed to" with "meant to", highlighting intention or design.

expected to consider

Replaces "supposed to" with "expected to", focusing on the act of consideration.

ought to believe

Uses "ought to" instead of "supposed to", indicating a moral or social obligation.

should assume

Replaces "supposed to think" with "should assume", suggesting a logical conclusion.

led to believe

Focuses on the act of being influenced to think something.

given to understand

Emphasizes the communication of an idea or belief.

led to assume

Indicates that someone was guided to a specific assumption.

expected to assume

Replaces "supposed" with a synonym, focusing on anticipation or expectation.

required to believe

Indicates a formal or mandatory expectation.

FAQs

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

You can use "supposed to think" to express an expectation or common belief. For example, "We are "supposed to think" that hard work leads to success."

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

"Supposed to think" implies a societal norm or convention, while "expected to think" suggests a personal or specific expectation. The nuance lies in the origin of the expectation.

Are there any formal alternatives to "supposed to think"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, you could use "expected to believe" or "led to believe", which offer a more professional tone.

Is it grammatically correct to use "supposed to think"?

Yes, "supposed to think" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples of its usage.