UNIT 10 – LESSON ONE.

GRAMMAR. EXPRESSING AN EXPECTATION WITH BE

SUPPOSED TO.

In English, speakers use (be supposed to) to express

expectation.
Use (be supposed to) with a verb in the (base form).
 Use the verb (be) in (be supposed to) as
(is/are/am) to talk about a present or future
expectation.
 Use the verb (be) in (be supposed to) as
(was/were) to talk about a past expectation.
For example:
1. I’m supposed to finish this project on time. I’m going to
stay home.
2. I don’t know what’s going to happen next. She’s
supposed to talk to the manager about this issue.
3. They were supposed to start working on the musical
composition. They have delayed the newest album.
4. The kids are supposed to help us paint the living room
tonight. Mike said these activities will get us closer.
5. Darcy is supposed to bring the snacks for the movie
night.
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In the negative, change the verb (be):
 For the present and the future, change it to (is
not/are not/am not). (isn’t/aren’t/am not)
 For the past, change it to (was not/were not).
(wasn’t/weren’t).
For example:
1. Carla wasn’t supposed to be here, we told her to
come later.
2. Paulina and Janeth aren’t supposed to know
about the party. It was a surprise.
3. I am not supposed to stay past 5:00. My parents
are going to get angry.
*Note: The negative form of (be supposed to) can
also express a prohibition.
For example:
1. We’re not supposed to text during class.
2. They’re not supposed to go out while the teacher
is explaining.
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Yes/No questions and Information questions:
For example:
1. Is Hugh supposed to give his presentation
tomorrow? (Yes, he is.)
2. Were you supposed to stay after school? (Yes, I
was. The teacher wanted to have a word with
me.)
3. Who was supposed to call them? (Tom.)
4. Where were we supposed to start? (We were
supposed to do activities four and six.)
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Be careful!
Don’t use auxiliary verbs or modals with (be
supposed to)
- Marcy will be supposed to take her medication.
(INCORRECT)
- Marcy is supposed to take her medication
tonight. (CORRECT)
Don’t confuse (be supposed to) with the verb
(suppose).
1. I suppose I should call her. (= I assume I should.)
2. What do you suppose is wrong? (= What do you
think is wrong?)

BE SUPPOSED TO = to express expectation

SUPPOSE = have a belief over something
- Liz is supposed to study for tomorrow’s quiz.
- I suppose Liz has to study for her test. = I think Liz
has to study for her test.
 I suppose my students are hungry.
 My students are supposed to stay until the end of
the class.