How to use "BE SUPPOSED TO" *properly* in English! - Formation, Pronunciation and Usage!

Understanding the phrase "be supposed to" is crucial for English learners, as it often confuses students. The difference between sentences like "I have to be at work by 9:00 a.m." and "I'm supposed to be at work by 9:00 a.m." lies in obligation versus expectation. To aid comprehension, there's a free PDF available that includes detailed explanations and examples of how to use this phrase correctly. Additionally, interactive activities are provided for further practice.

The phrase 'be supposed to' is structured as subject plus 'be supposed to' plus base verb. It's essential to conjugate the verb 'to be' according to the subject and tense, such as "I am supposed to," "you were supposed to," or "she is supposed to." In spoken language, contractions are commonly used for brevity.

Mastering the pronunciation of 'supposed to' involves understanding how native speakers often elide sounds for smoother speech. Instead of saying 'supposed to,' many drop the final 'd', resulting in pronunciations like 'suppos to' or even just 'spose.' This simplification reduces syllables from two to one, making it easier and quicker in conversation.

The phrase "be supposed to" indicates an expectation or obligation, differing from the stronger term "have to." For instance, being required at work by 9:00 a.m. is a strong obligation (have to), while being expected there reflects more of an anticipated duty (supposed to). This distinction highlights that expectations may not always be met; for example, one might forget their responsibility like buying a birthday cake. Additionally, in passive constructions such as parcels expected for delivery or past obligations unmet illustrate how this phrase operates across different contexts.

Using 'not supposed to' indicates prohibition, suggesting that an action is not allowed. In contrast, 'be not opposed to' implies a softer stance where the action may still occur despite potential disapproval. For instance, students are prohibited from using phones in class and individuals might have been advised against eating sweets but could choose otherwise.

Correct pronunciation of negative forms is crucial for clarity. The phrase "you're not supposed to" can be pronounced differently depending on the context; it often sounds like 'yer not supposed to' when spoken quickly, especially before another word. However, if it's at the end of a sentence without following words, many people still pronounce it as 'to', which may sound unnatural but remains understandable.

The phrases 'should' and 'supposed to' convey different meanings. 'Should' reflects personal beliefs or good ideas, such as deciding to stop drinking coffee at night due to sleep issues. In contrast, 'supposed to' indicates external expectations or advice from others, like a doctor's recommendation against evening coffee consumption. Additionally, the phrase can express prohibitions that are often ignored; for example, many people brush their teeth right after eating despite being told not to.

Common beliefs often shape our understanding of the world, such as snake plants being easy to care for or breaking a mirror bringing seven years of bad luck. These statements reflect general perceptions but can be contradicted by personal experiences; for instance, someone might struggle with caring for a snake plant despite its reputation. Engaging in discussions about these beliefs invites others to share their own experiences and perspectives on luck-related superstitions from different cultures. To further explore this topic, viewers are encouraged to comment on local good or bad luck omens they know and whether those have proven true in their lives.

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