I always thought I knew the difference between suppose and supposed, but over the past few years I am starting to doubt myself. Especially after I got an e-mail from our department manager today in which she said ‘those who are suppose to start work at 8am…blah blah’
Which is correct?
I am suppose to go to Hawaii tomorrow.
or
I am supposed to go to Hawaii tomorrow.
I say is the 2nd one, but I have come across so many examples of it being used the other way, that I’m doubting my education.
Eric
I suppose I am supposed to go to Hawaii tomorrow.
[Joey]I’ll go to Hawaii tomorrow…supposably![/Joey]
Suppose = think, believe
Supposed = (perceived to be) obligated
At least, that’s how I’ve always used the two.
‘Suppose’ is a conjugation of the verb ‘to suppose’.
I have seen this as well and it drives me batty!
The first one is simply flat-out wrong.
But if enough people use it, the point is mute.
That’s just evil. Why would you want to be evil?
The problem remains that many people will be bemused by the whole issue.
“Supposed” is the past participle of the verb “suppose”. Let’s ry some other verbs in the context:
I am expect to go to Hawaii tomorrow.
I am expected to go to Hawaii tomorrow.
I am order to go to Hawaii tomorrow.
I am ordered to go to Hawaii tomorrow.
I am require to go to Hawaii tomorrow.
I am required to go to Hawaii tomorrow.
Yes, it should be the past participle.
I suppose I shall go to Hawaii
I am supposed to go to Hawaii
Hawaii is the supposed surfing capital of the world
(in this context, it’s pronounced suppose-ed)
The problem is that when the phrase “supposed to” is spoken, the “d” and the “t” tend to blend together, and it sounds essentially the same as “suppose to.” People who aren’t inclined to pay attention to and think about such details may then write it as the latter without realizing it should be the former.