Modal Phrasal Equivalents.

 









Modal Phrasal Equivalents.

1. What Are Modal Phrasal Equivalents?

Modal phrasal equivalents are multi-word expressions that function like modal verbs (can, must, may, etc.), but they are built from normal verbs plus other words.

They carry similar meanings to modals — obligation, necessity, possibility, advice, etc. — but their grammar is slightly different.

Examples:

  • be supposed to → similar to should, must
  • be able to → similar to can
  • be allowed to → similar to may / can
  • be going to → similar to will (future intention)
  • have to → similar to must
  • be about to → similar to be on the point of (immediate future)

2. Focus on "Be Supposed To"

a) Form

Subject + be (am / is / are / was / were) + supposed to + base verb

  • I am supposed to finish this report today. ✅
  • They were supposed to call yesterday. ✅

b) Main Meanings

1. Expectation or Obligation (like "should" or "must")

Used when there is a rule, plan, or general agreement about what should happen.

  • You are supposed to wear a helmet when riding a motorbike.
  • The meeting is supposed to start at 9 a.m.

Nuance: Sometimes implies that the rule exists, but the speaker doubts it is followed.

"You’re supposed to turn off your phone here" = That’s the rule, but maybe you didn’t.

2. Something Expected Based on Information (like "it is expected that…")

  • The film is supposed to be really good. (= People say it’s good.)
  • That restaurant is supposed to have amazing pizza.

Nuance: This is often hearsay — based on what others have told you.

3. Past Plans That Didn’t Happen (broken expectation)

  • We were supposed to meet at 6, but you never came.
  • The train was supposed to arrive at 10:15, but it’s delayed.

4. Criticism or Mild Reproach

  • You are supposed to knock before entering!
  • She was supposed to submit her homework, but she didn’t.

c) Grammar Notes

  1. Tense comes from the verb "be", not from "supposed":
    • Present → am/are/is supposed to
    • Past → was/were supposed to
    • Future → will be supposed to (rare)
  2. Negative form:
    • You aren’t supposed to park here. (= Not allowed / not expected)
  3. Question form:
    • What time are we supposed to be there?

d) Difference from Similar Phrases

  • should / ought to:
    → General advice, moral duty.
    "You should wear a helmet" = It’s a good idea.
    "You’re supposed to wear a helmet" = It’s a rule or expectation.
  • must:
    → Strong obligation, no choice.
    "You must wear a helmet" = Required by law.
    "You’re supposed to wear a helmet" = That’s the rule, but you could still ignore it.

 

3. Other Common Modal Phrasal Equivalents

Phrase

Similar to modal

Example

be able to

can / could

I am able to swim very fast.

be allowed to

can / may

You’re allowed to use the library after hours.

be going to

will (future)

I’m going to visit my aunt tomorrow.

have to

must

I have to leave early today.

be about to

near future

I was about to call you.

be likely to

may / might

It’s likely to rain later.

be meant to

should

This button is meant to control the fan.

 

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