The pattern
"You're supposed to" plus a verb talks about what is expected: a rule, a custom, an instruction. "You're supposed to take your shoes off" explains a house rule. "You're supposed to tip about twenty percent" explains a local custom. Unlike "you should", it is not your advice; it is what the rule or the culture says.
It often hints that the rule is being broken: "You're supposed to be in bed" said to a child at midnight. And "I was supposed to" admits a plan that did not happen: "I was supposed to call her yesterday." Pronounce it "s'posta" in fast speech; the "d" disappears.
Say it out loud
Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.
Said to someone breaking a rule. A small, friendly scolding.
A plan or promise that didn't happen.
Often a frustrated question: I don't know how to handle this.
"Supposed to" also reports what is expected: the forecast says so.
Check yourself
Practice · 3 min
Explain rules, customs and broken plans. Prompt on the left, one natural sentence on the right.
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Say it today
Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.