supposed to be yes vs supposedly yes

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings and are used differently. 'Supposed to be yes' implies that something is expected or intended to be a yes answer. 'Supposedly yes' means that something is believed or assumed to be yes, but there may be doubts or uncertainties. The choice between the two depends on the context and the intended meaning.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 11, 2025 • 5968 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"supposed to be yes"

This phrase implies that something is expected or intended to be a yes answer.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm supposed to be scared? Yes.
You're supposed to be Charlotte? Yes, Aunt Lily.
Wait.Aren't you supposed to be in charge? Yes, i am.
We were supposed to get a yes on the pyramid.
I know I'm supposed to say yes, but watch my head.
I know I'm supposed to say yes. I...
One, I'm supposed to say yes to everything, and two, my Southern waitress didn't call me "honey."
Yes, we're supposed to discover the mole, not compete with each other.
Yes, apparently he's supposed to be fantastic.
Yes, because we're not supposed to have fun like that.
And, yes, it is supposed to be upside-down.
Yes. yes. I'm not supposed to talk about it.
I was supposed to do that. Yes, you were.
I think we were supposed to build to the issue in a gentle way. Yes.
Yes, that's precisely what you're supposed to do.
Okay, yes, you're supposed to speak for Earth.
Yes, I was supposed to get an enema today, but I decided it can wait.
Yes, and get the team that was supposed to go in the first place back on board.
Yes, and I'm pretty sure you're supposed to pinch yourself.
Are you supposed to meet someone here? - Yes.

Alternatives:

expected to be yes
intended to be yes

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"supposedly yes"

This phrase means that something is believed or assumed to be yes, but there may be doubts or uncertainties.

Show examples from the web [+]

Yes, but don't they supposedly like it if you show up looking different?

Alternatives:

allegedly yes
reportedly yes

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supposed to be yes vs supposedly yes

"supposed to be yes"

"supposedly yes"

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