 Re: be supposed to
The dictionary gives it as a synonym of a suggestion. I took a look in Swan, too, which said: "Often, be supposed to is used rather like should to talk about what people have to do according to the rules or the law, or about what is expected to happen." There are also several other meanings.
I think you're more or less right, Mark. "Be supposed to" is a softer way to give a command/suggestion, much like should. |