"would they come" vs "were they supposed to come"

Question

"would they come" vs "were they supposed to come"

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings and are used in different contexts. 'Were they supposed to come?' is used to ask about an obligation or expectation in the past, while 'Would they come?' is used to inquire about a future possibility or likelihood.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

This phrase is used to ask about the likelihood or possibility of someone coming in the future.

Examples:

Would they come to the party tomorrow?
Would they come to the event next week?
Would they come to the meeting next month?
Would they come to the conference next year?
Would they come to the appointment next week?

Alternatives:

Will they come?
Are they going to come?
Do you think they will come?
Is it likely that they will come?
Do you expect them to come?

This phrase is used to inquire whether there was an expectation or obligation for someone to come in the past.

Examples:

Were they supposed to come to the meeting yesterday?
Were they supposed to come to the party last night?
Were they supposed to come to the event last week?
Were they supposed to come to the conference last month?
Were they supposed to come to the appointment this morning?

Alternatives:

Were they meant to come?
Were they expected to come?
Were they scheduled to come?
Were they required to come?
Were they obligated to come?

Answer 1

would they come

This phrase is correct and commonly used to inquire about a future possibility or likelihood.

Answer 2

were they supposed to come

This phrase is correct and commonly used to ask about an obligation or expectation in the past.

"would they come" vs "were they supposed to come"

would they come

were they supposed to come

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