we are supposed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are supposed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an expectation or obligation regarding a certain action or behavior. Example: "In this project, we are supposed to submit our reports by Friday to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We are supposed to be on duty".

The New York Times

We are supposed to listen.

The Washington Post

We are supposed to make compromises.

The Washington Post

We are supposed to be modest".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And we are supposed to be grateful!

The Guardian - Opinion

We are supposed to be cool?

The New York Times

Just eat what we are supposed to eat.

Harvard University

And drink what we are supposed to drink.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

(And we are supposed to step back in sheer awe).

The New York Times

"I have no idea what we are supposed to do".

The New York Times

"We are supposed to use them.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are supposed to" to clearly indicate obligations, expectations, or generally accepted norms within a specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "we are supposed to" when you intend to offer a suggestion or recommendation. "Should" is more appropriate for advice, while "we are supposed to" implies an obligation or expectation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are supposed to" primarily functions as an auxiliary phrase indicating obligation, expectation, or accepted norms. Ludwig examples showcase its use in expressing duties, responsibilities, and expected behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are supposed to" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate obligations, expectations, or generally accepted norms. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and everyday conversation. While versatile, it's important to distinguish its meaning from suggestions or recommendations, for which "should" is more appropriate. Numerous examples from authoritative sources illustrate the phrase's role in conveying responsibilities and duties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are expected to

Indicates a strong expectation, often from an external source, similar to an obligation.

we are required to

Emphasizes a formal requirement or rule that must be followed.

we are meant to

Suggests a purpose or destiny, implying a preordained course of action.

it is our duty to

Highlights a moral or ethical obligation to perform a specific action.

we have an obligation to

States a formal or legal responsibility to act in a certain way.

we are bound to

Indicates a commitment or promise that must be fulfilled.

it is incumbent upon us to

Highlights a necessity or responsibility that falls specifically on the speaker or group.

we must

Expresses a strong necessity or obligation.

we should

Suggests a recommendation or advisable action.

we are advised to

Indicates that taking a particular action is the recommended course.

FAQs

How do I use "we are supposed to" in a sentence?

Use "we are supposed to" to indicate an expectation or obligation. For example, "We are supposed to finish this project by Friday" indicates a deadline.

What's a more formal alternative to "we are supposed to"?

Alternatives such as "we are required to" or "we are expected to" are more formal ways to express obligations.

Is there a difference between "we are supposed to" and "we should"?

"We are supposed to" implies an obligation or expectation, while "we should" suggests a recommendation or advice. The former is stronger and implies a rule or requirement.

Can "we are supposed to" be used for personal expectations?

Yes, "we are supposed to" can express personal expectations, but it's more commonly used for shared or external obligations. For personal expectations, consider phrases like "we intend to" or "we plan to".