The Complete Guide to “Is Supposed to Be” Modal Verbs: Usage, Rules & Examples

Introduction to “Is Supposed to Be”

The semi-modal construction “is supposed to be” is a versatile expression in English used to indicate expectations, obligations, or presumed truths. This phrase helps convey what should normally occur or exist according to rules, plans, or general beliefs. This comprehensive guide covers its meaning, grammatical rules, usage with Hindi translations, and practice exercises.


Table of Contents

  1. Core Meanings & Uses of “Is Supposed to Be”
  2. Grammatical Structures & Sentence Patterns
  3. 10 Practical Examples with Hindi Translations
  4. “Is Supposed to Be” vs Similar Constructions
  5. Common Errors & How to Avoid Them
  6. Practice Exercises (Test Yourself)
  7. Conclusion & Key Takeaways

1. Core Meanings & Uses of “Is Supposed to Be”

“Is supposed to be” expresses:

  • Expected States/Conditions (अपेक्षित अवस्थाएँ)
    Example: The train is supposed to be on time. (ट्रेन को समय पर होना चाहिए।)
  • Social/Official Obligations (सामाजिक/आधिकारिक बाध्यताएँ)
    Example: You are supposed to be in uniform. (आपको यूनिफॉर्म में होना चाहिए।)
  • Presumed Truths (मानी जाने वाली सच्चाइयाँ)
    Example: This is supposed to be the best restaurant. (इसे सबसे अच्छा रेस्तरां माना जाता है।)

2. Grammatical Structures

Sentence Formation Rules

Sentence TypeStructureExampleHindi Translation
AffirmativeSubject + is/am/are supposed to be + adjective/nounHe is supposed to be here.उसे यहाँ होना चाहिए।
NegativeSubject + isn’t/aren’t supposed to be + adjective/nounThis isn’t supposed to be public.यह सार्वजनिक नहीं होना चाहिए।
InterrogativeIs/Are/Am + subject + supposed to be + adjective/noun?Am I supposed to be ready?क्या मुझे तैयार होना चाहिए?

3. 10 Practical Examples with Hindi Translations

S.NoEnglish ExampleHindi Translation
1The package is supposed to be delivered today.पैकेज को आज डिलीवर होना चाहिए।
2Students are supposed to be quiet in the library.छात्रों को पुस्तकालय में शांत रहना चाहिए।
3This medicine is supposed to be taken with food.यह दवा भोजन के साथ लेनी चाहिए।
4Is the manager supposed to be present?क्या प्रबंधक को उपस्थित होना चाहिए?
5The event isn’t supposed to be this crowded.कार्यक्रम में इतनी भीड़ नहीं होनी चाहिए।
6You are supposed to be the expert.आपको विशेषज्ञ होना चाहिए।
7The files are supposed to be confidential.फाइलों को गोपनीय रहना चाहिए।
8Is this supposed to be funny?क्या यह मजाकिया होना चाहिए?
9The meeting is supposed to be short.बैठक को छोटी होनी चाहिए।
10He isn’t supposed to be here until 5.उसे 5 बजे तक यहाँ नहीं होना चाहिए।

4. Key Differences: “Is Supposed to Be” vs Similar Constructions

ConstructionCertainty LevelUsage ContextExample
Is supposed to beMedium (expected)Rules/expectationsHe is supposed to be here.
Must beHigh (certain)Logical conclusionsHe must be here.
Should beMedium (advice)RecommendationsHe should be here.

5. Common Errors & How to Avoid Them

❌ Incorrect: She is suppose to be the manager.
✅ Correct: She is supposed to be the manager.

❌ Incorrect: Is supposed he to be here?
✅ Correct: Is he supposed to be here?

❌ Incorrect: They are suppose to be arrive early.
✅ Correct: They are supposed to arrive early.


6. Practice Exercises

Section 1: Fill in the Blanks

  1. The results __________ supposed to be announced today.
  2. __________ I __________ supposed to be dressed formally?
  3. This information __________ supposed to be secret.
  4. The guests __________ supposed to be here by 7.
  5. __________ this __________ supposed to be easy?

Section 2: Hindi to English Translation

  1. तुम्हें यह फॉर्म भरना चाहिए था।
  2. क्या उसे अभी तक पहुँच जाना चाहिए था?
  3. यह दस्तावेज़ गोपनीय रहना चाहिए।
  4. बैठक को 3 बजे शुरू होना चाहिए।
  5. आपको इसकी अनुमति लेनी चाहिए थी।

Section 3: Error Correction

  1. She is suppose to be the director.
  2. Is supposed the mail to be sent today?
  3. They are suppose to being here now.
  4. This isn’t suppose to be so difficult.
  5. Am I suppose to be prepare the report?

7. Conclusion

“Is supposed to be” is essential for discussing expectations and obligations in English. Remember:

  • Always use “supposed” (not “suppose”)
  • Maintain proper question structure
  • Use for both formal rules and general expectations

For discussing protocols or social norms, this construction is invaluable!

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