Unit 45. It is said that... He is said to ... He is supposed to ...
Unit 45; Part A
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You can use these structures with a number of other verbs, especially: alleged believed considered expected known reported thought understood Compare the two structures:
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Unit 45; Part B

Sometimes (it is) supposed to ... = (it is) said to ... :
• I want to see that film. It's supposed to be good. (= it is said to be good)
• Mark is supposed to have hit a policeman, but I don't believe it.
But sometimes supposed to has a different meaning. We use supposed to to say what is intended, arranged or expected. Often this is different from the real situation:
• The plan is supposed to be a secret, but everybody seems to know about it. (= the plan is intended to be a secret)
• What are you doing at work? You're supposed to be on holiday. (= you arranged to be on holiday)
• Our guests were supposed to come at 7.30, but they were late.
• Jane was supposed to phone me last night, but she didn't.
• I'd better hurry. I'm supposed to be meeting Chris in ten minutes.
You're not supposed to do something = it is not allowed or advisable:
• You're not supposed to park your car here. It's private parking only.
• Jeff is much better after his illness, but he's still not supposed to do any heavy work.
Exercises
![]() | Unit 44 Unit 45 Unit 46 | ![]() |