Expectations: ‘Be supposed to’ and ‘Be to’

Exercise 1

Error Analysis: Find, correct the errors in the following sentences, and rewrite the sentences.

1. The building custodian supposed to unlock the classrooms every morning.
2. You are not suppose to open that door.
3. Where are suppose to meet?
4. I have a meeting at 07:00 pm tonight. I suppose to be there a little early to discuss the agenda.
5. When we go to the store, Annie, you do not suppose to handle the glassware. It might break, and then you would have to pay for it out of your allowance.

Restate the following rules in sentences with be to.

1. No smoking.
2. No eating or drinking on this room.
3. Move to the rear of the bus.
4. Do not joke with airport personnel while your hand luggage is being inspected.
5. Use the stairs in case of fire. Do not use the elevator.

Practice using be to and be supposed to. Make up 2 sentences using be to or be supposed to for each of the following situations and explain the expectations.

1. John’s back hurt, so he went to a doctor. She gave him some instructions. Tell us what he is to do and what he is not to do.
2. Who lives in an apartment building or dormitory? What is expected of its residents?
3. Your friends never ask a help and they never help, either. Tell us what you need to say to them about being good friends.
4. The teacher, Jimmy, seldom tells the students the necessity of learning poetry for their lives. What is he supposed to say to his students to realize it?
5. You are on a student council to make rules for the students at school. You are writing a list of rules. What does this list include?