Understanding the phrase ‘as suppose to’ can be confusing for many English learners and even native speakers due to its similarity to the correct phrase ‘as supposed to.’ The difference between these two can significantly change the meaning and clarity of a sentence. Grasping the proper usage of ‘as supposed to’ and recognizing the common mistakes involving ‘as suppose to’ is essential for clear and effective communication. This topic explores the meaning, common errors, and examples to help you master this phrase and avoid common pitfalls.
What Does ‘As Suppose To’ Mean?
Strictly speaking, the phrase ‘as suppose to’ is not grammatically correct in English. It is a common mistake that results from confusing the phrase ‘as supposed to.’ The confusion arises because ‘suppose’ and ‘supposed’ are related words but function differently in sentences.
‘Suppose’ is a verb that means to assume or to think something is true without certainty. For example:
- ‘I suppose he will come to the party.’
- ‘Suppose we try a new approach.’
On the other hand, ‘supposed’ is the past participle of ‘suppose’ and is often used as an adjective or in passive constructions to indicate expectation, obligation, or assumption. For example:
- ‘You are supposed to finish your homework before playing.’
- ‘The meeting was supposed to start at 10 AM.’
The phrase ‘as supposed to’ usually appears when comparing what something is expected or intended to be with what it actually is.
Correct Usage: ‘As Supposed To’
The phrase ‘as supposed to’ is commonly used to indicate expectation or intention. It can function as part of a comparison or explanation, often similar in meaning to ‘as expected’ or ‘as intended.’
Examples:
- ‘The project was completed as supposed to be, despite the challenges.’
- ‘She followed the instructions as supposed to, so the results were perfect.’
In these sentences, ‘as supposed to’ clarifies that something happened according to what was expected or planned.
Difference Between ‘As Suppose To’ and ‘As Supposed To’
The most important distinction lies in grammar and clarity. ‘As suppose to’ is incorrect because ‘suppose’ as a verb cannot be used directly in this phrase structure without modification. ‘As supposed to’ uses the past participle form to fit grammatically and convey the right meaning.
Incorrect:
- ‘He did it as suppose to.’
Correct:
- ‘He did it as supposed to.’
However, the sentence ‘He did it as supposed to’ can still sound incomplete or awkward without a clear object or continuation. More natural phrasing is:
- ‘He did it as he was supposed to.’
- ‘He did it as it was supposed to be done.’
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many people mistakenly write ‘as suppose to’ because they hear the phrase and think of the verb ‘suppose.’ It’s essential to remember that when describing expectation or obligation, the correct phrase uses ‘supposed,’ not ‘suppose.’
Common mistakes include:
- Using ‘suppose’ instead of ‘supposed’ in passive or descriptive contexts.
- Leaving out necessary words that complete the phrase (e.g., ‘He did it as supposed to’ should be ‘He did it as he was supposed to’).
To avoid these errors, always check if the phrase makes sense with ‘supposed’ and if the sentence needs extra words for clarity.
Examples of Correct Sentences
- ‘You should do your tasks as you are supposed to.’
- ‘The machine operates as it is supposed to.’
- ‘She arrived on time, as she was supposed to.’
- ‘The report was submitted as supposed to in the guidelines.’
Meaning and Usage in Different Contexts
The phrase ‘as supposed to’ can appear in different contexts, such as instructions, expectations, comparisons, or obligations. Understanding its flexibility helps in using it appropriately.
In Instructions
When giving directions or explaining processes, ‘as supposed to’ tells someone to follow steps according to instructions or plans.
- ‘Make sure to assemble the furniture as supposed to in the manual.’
In Expectations or Obligations
The phrase indicates what is expected or required.
- ‘Employees are supposed to wear uniforms as supposed to the company policy.’
In Comparisons
‘As supposed to’ can be used to compare actual events or results against what was expected.
- ‘The cake turned out better as supposed to last time.’
Related Phrases and Synonyms
Understanding similar phrases helps in choosing the right expression for various contexts.
- As expected: Used to express that something happened according to expectations.
- As intended: Emphasizes that something was done with a particular purpose.
- As planned: Focuses on the fulfillment of a plan or schedule.
- As it should be: Suggests correctness or appropriateness.
These phrases often can replace ‘as supposed to’ to avoid confusion or awkwardness in sentences.
Tips to Remember
- Use ‘supposed,’ not ‘suppose,’when talking about expectations or obligations.
- Complete the phrase with necessary words,like ‘he was’ or ‘it is,’ to make the sentence clear.
- Use synonyms when the phrase feels awkward,such as ‘as expected’ or ‘as planned.’
- Practice by writing sentences,focusing on the context where expectations or instructions are involved.
Summary
While ‘as suppose to’ is a common mistake, the correct phrase ‘as supposed to’ plays an important role in expressing expectations, obligations, or intentions in English. Knowing the difference between ‘suppose’ and ‘supposed,’ and how to properly use the phrase in sentences, is crucial for clear and accurate communication. Whether you’re writing, speaking, or learning English, mastering this phrase will help you avoid confusion and sound more natural.
By remembering the key points, using examples, and understanding related phrases, you can confidently use ‘as supposed to’ in your daily communication. This will enhance your writing and speaking skills, making your English more fluent and understandable.