Grammar‎ > ‎Modals and Modal Verbs‎ > ‎

Modals for Expressing Expectation

Modals can be used to show expectation.

Be supposed to is used to show expectation.

Be supposed to can show that an event is expected to occur.

  • My program is supposed to start in an hour.
  • The concert is supposed to last two hours.

Be supposed to can show behavioral expectations.

  • You are supposed to be doing your homework.
  • He is supposed to take his medicine every day.

Be supposed to when used in the past expresses an unfulfilled expectation. In other words, it didn't happen.

  • He was suppposed to graduate from college.
  • She was supposed to take out the trash.
  • They were supposed to report for duty this morning.

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