Should vs Supposed To
What’s the difference between them?
Should
Meaning:
Should is used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness, typically when criticizing someone's actions. It can also be used to make recommendations or suggestions.
Examples:
1. You should go to the store before it closes.
2. You should take a break from studying.
3. I think you should think twice before making that decision.
Supposed To
Meaning:
Supposed To means expected or required to do something.
Examples:
1. I'm supposed to meet my friend at the park.
2. I'm supposed to finish my assignment by the end of the week.
3. We're supposed to arrive at the airport at least two hours early.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Should
1. Ought to
2. Have to
3. Necessitate
4. Be obliged to
5. Be duty-bound to
1. Will not
2. Must not
3. Need not
4. Don't have to
5. Refrain from
Supposed To
1. Expected
2. Intended
3. Predicted
4. Should
5. Supposedly
1. Not Expected To
2. Should Not
3. Not Necessary
4. Not Obligated To
5. Not Intended To
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Should", "Supposed To".
1. Remember that 'should' expresses obligation, duty, or correctness, while 'supposed to' expresses expectation or requirement.
3. Think of the phrase 'you’re supposed to do X and should do the Y' to rememeber the difference.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
Should is used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness, typically when criticizing someone's actions. It can also be used to make recommendations or suggestions.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
Supposed To means expected or required to do something.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. Should is pronounced /∫ud/, whule supposed to is pronounced /səˈpoʊzd tu/,What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?,People commonly confuse the two words and use them interchangeably despite the different meanings. Additionally, people may incorrectly pronounce them by mixing up the long 'o' with the short 'u' sound.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. You _____ not walk alone at night in this area.
2. The meeting _____ start at 10 am, but it was postponed.
3. If you have a fever, you _____ see a doctor.
4. She _____ be here by now; I wonder where she is.
5. I _____ have finished the project last week, but I got busy with other tasks.
6. They _____ not play so loudly; its bothering the neighbors.
1. should
Explanation: should is used to give advice or make a recommendation about an action, in this case, for safety reasons.
2. was supposed to
Explanation: was supposed to indicates a planned or expected action in the past that might not have occurred. Here, the meeting was planned to start at 10 am but got postponed.
3. should
Explanation: This is a suggestion or advice for someone not feeling well. Should is appropriate for giving health-related advice.
4. is supposed to
Explanation: is supposed to indicates an expectation. In this context, theres an expectation that she would have arrived by the present time.
5. was supposed to
Explanation: This sentence reflects an unmet obligation or expectation from the past. The project was expected to be completed last week.
6. should
Explanation: should is used to provide advice. In this context, the advice is about playing at a lower volume to avoid disturbing the neighbors.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.