The 4 Meanings of "Be Supposed To" Explained in Detail

 What does 'be supposed to' mean?

Have you ever looked up a phrase in the dictionary only to find that it still doesn’t make complete sense to you? For me, “be supposed to” was one of those expressions. Even after reading the definition, I often found it confusing depending on the context.

This phrase can be tricky because its meaning can shift subtly based on the situation. Whether it’s about obligations, rumors, or feelings of confusion, “be supposed to” can take on different nuances.

Today, we’re going to dive into what “be supposed to” really means, and how its meaning changes in various contexts through relatable examples. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to use this expression more naturally in your own conversations.

---

1. Scheduled or Planned Events

First, “be supposed to” can indicate something that is scheduled or planned. It suggests that an event has been predetermined or that something is expected to happen. However, when things don’t go as planned, it can also convey disappointment or frustration.

---

A conversation between two people about a postponed meeting

 

A: Aren’t we supposed to have a meeting right now?
B: Yes, but it looks like it’s been postponed.
A: Do you know when it will be rescheduled?
B: Not yet, but I’ll let you know as soon as I hear.

Explanation: In this dialogue, the speakers are discussing a meeting that was scheduled but hasn’t started on time. When used in a negative form, as in “Aren’t we supposed to,” the phrase can express frustration or confusion. The word “postpone” means to delay something.

---

A conversation about a late bus

A: Hey, isn’t the bus supposed to be here soon?
B: Yeah, it’s supposed to arrive at 8:30.
A: It’s already 8:45 and there’s no sign of it.
B: Maybe it’s running late. Let’s wait a little longer.

Explanation: Public transportation usually follows a set schedule, but it’s not uncommon for things to run late. In this context, “be supposed to” expresses frustration that the bus hasn’t arrived on time as expected.

---

2. Obligation or Permission

“Be supposed to” can also indicate obligation or permission. It can be used when someone is expected to follow a rule, or when a certain action is allowed or required.

---

A conversation about Tom forgetting a meeting

A: Why is Tom still here? He was supposed to leave an hour ago.
B: Yeah, he had a meeting at 5 p.m. Maybe he forgot.
A: He really should keep track of his schedule.
B: I’ll remind him just in case.

 

Explanation: Here, the speakers are discussing Tom’s obligation to attend a meeting. The phrase “He was supposed to leave” indicates that Tom had a responsibility to leave but didn’t. “Keep track of” means to stay on top of or monitor something, and “just in case” is used when you want to be prepared for a potential outcome.

---

A conversation about parking rules

A: Am I allowed to park here?
B: Yes, you’re supposed to park here after 6 p.m.
A: Oh, that’s good to know. I wasn’t sure.
B: Yeah, just make sure you’re within the lines.

Explanation: Parking rules can be tricky in busy cities. In this example, “you’re supposed to park here” means that parking is allowed, indicating permission. The phrase “That’s good to know” is often used to express appreciation for helpful information.

---

3. Expressing Frustration or Confusion

In certain contexts, “be supposed to” can express surprise or frustration, often translating to something like “How am I expected to…?” It’s used when something doesn’t meet expectations and the speaker feels confused or upset. Pairing it with question words like “what,” “how,” or “why” can emphasize this feeling of exasperation.

---

A conversation about a tight deadline

A: We have to submit the report by tomorrow.
B: How am I supposed to finish this project by tomorrow? It’s impossible.
A: I know, the deadline is really tight.
B: This is just too much pressure.

Explanation: Here, the speakers are frustrated by an unrealistic deadline. Pairing the phrase with “how” emphasizes the feeling of confusion and frustration. The final sentence, “This is just too much pressure,” is a natural way to express that a task feels overwhelming.

---

A conversation about a friend who’s late

A: John said he would meet us here.
B: Where is he supposed to be? He said he’d be here an hour ago.
A: Maybe he got stuck in traffic.
B: Still, he should have called if he’s running this late.

Explanation: In this dialogue, the speakers are frustrated by John’s tardiness. The phrase “Where is he supposed to be?” emphasizes their confusion and disappointment. The phrase “get stuck in traffic” means to be delayed due to heavy traffic.

---

4. Rumors or General Beliefs

Finally, “be supposed to” can also mean “it’s said that” or “people believe that.” It’s used when passing along information that you’ve heard but may not have firsthand experience with. It can also indicate uncertainty about the information being shared.

---

A conversation about a new restaurant

A: Have you tried that new restaurant downtown?
B: Not yet, but it’s supposed to be really good.
A: I’ve heard the same. We should check it out soon.
B: Yeah, I’m definitely interested.

Explanation: In this case, neither speaker has been to the restaurant, so they’re relying on what they’ve heard from others. “Be supposed to” is used here to communicate the rumor or general belief about the restaurant.

---

A conversation about a new movie

A: Isn’t this movie supposed to be scary?
B: Yeah, people say it’s one of the scariest movies of the year.
A: I don’t get scared easily, but let’s see.
B: We’ll find out soon enough.

Explanation: In this conversation, the speakers are discussing the general opinion about a new horror movie. “Be supposed to” is used to express what people have said about the film. The phrase “I don’t get scared easily” is a common way to say that someone isn’t easily frightened.

---

In Conclusion

Today, we explored the various meanings of “be supposed to,” a phrase that can be surprisingly complex. We learned how it can be used to talk about schedules and plans, obligations and permission, feelings of frustration, and even rumors or general beliefs. I hope this post has helped clear up any confusion you may have had about this expression and that you now feel more confident using it in different contexts.