be supposed to
A verb that many English learners struggle with is suppose. The adjective form be supposed to has several meanings depending on the context:1
1. to be thought/considered to be
2. to be expected to be (should be, but often isn't)
3. to be intended to
E.g.
Aren't you supposed to be at work now? — ¿No tendrías que estar en el trabajo ahora?
Things weren't supposed to end like that — Las cosas no debían haber acabado así
The project was supposed to be finished yesterday — El proyecto tendría que haberse terminado ayer
Call John. He is supposed to be a good painter — Llama a John. Dicen que es un buen pintor
This is rubbish. You're supposed to be an expert — Esto es una mierda. Se supone que eres (deberías ser) un experto
This tool is supposed to open the box — Se supone que esta herramienta es para abrir la caja
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