The phrase ‘as suppose to’ is often heard in casual conversation and even seen in writing, but it is important to understand its correct usage and meaning to avoid common mistakes. Many people confuse ‘as suppose to’ with the correct expression ‘as opposed to,’ which has a specific meaning used to highlight contrast or difference between two ideas or things. This topic will explore the definition of ‘as suppose to,’ clarify common confusions, explain the proper phrase ‘as opposed to,’ and provide examples and tips for proper usage in everyday English. Understanding these nuances can help improve your communication skills and avoid misunderstandings.
What Does ‘As Suppose To’ Mean?
Strictly speaking, the phrase ‘as suppose to’ is grammatically incorrect and is considered a mistaken variation of the phrase ‘as supposed to’ or more commonly, ‘as opposed to.’ When people say ‘as suppose to,’ they often intend to use ‘as supposed to’ which itself is sometimes confused with ‘supposed to.’ Both these variations have different meanings and uses.
Common Mistakes Around ‘As Suppose To’
- As suppose tois often used mistakenly instead of ‘as supposed to’ or ‘as opposed to.’
- It can be a misspelling or mishearing of ‘as supposed to,’ which means ‘expected to.’
- It is often confused with ‘as opposed to,’ which means ‘in contrast to.’
So, ‘as suppose to’ itself does not have a proper definition in formal English. Instead, understanding the correct phrases it relates to is important.
Understanding ‘Supposed To’
The phrase ‘supposed to’ is commonly used in English to indicate an expectation, obligation, or assumption. It means that something is expected or intended to happen or be done.
- I am supposed to finish the report by tomorrow.
- She is supposed to call me at 5 PM.
- They are supposed to arrive early.
In this context, ‘supposed to’ expresses a duty or plan. Sometimes, people mistakenly write ‘suppose to’ instead of ‘supposed to,’ but the correct form is always with the ‘-d’ at the end.
What Does ‘As Opposed To’ Mean?
The phrase ‘as opposed to’ is widely used in English to show contrast between two or more things. It means ‘in contrast with’ or ‘rather than.’ This phrase is often confused with ‘as suppose to’ due to similar pronunciation.
- I prefer tea as opposed to coffee.
- He chose to walk as opposed to taking the bus.
- They decided to invest in stocks as opposed to bonds.
Here, ‘as opposed to’ emphasizes the difference or choice between options. This phrase helps clarify distinctions and is important in both spoken and written English.
Common Errors With ‘As Opposed To’
Some common mistakes include:
- Writing ‘as suppose to’ or ‘as supose to’ instead of ‘as opposed to.’
- Using ‘as suppose to’ in contexts where contrast is intended, which is incorrect.
- Misplacing the phrase in a sentence, which can confuse the meaning.
How to Use These Phrases Correctly
Understanding the difference between these phrases is key for proper usage. Here is a quick guide:
Using ‘Supposed To’
- Use it to indicate expectation or obligation.
- Always include the ‘-d’ at the end of ‘supposed.’
- Example: She is supposed to attend the meeting.
Using ‘As Opposed To’
- Use it to show contrast or difference between two things.
- Place it correctly between two compared elements.
- Example: I like classical music as opposed to pop music.
Examples Illustrating the Difference
Here are some pairs of sentences showing the correct use of ‘supposed to’ and ‘as opposed to,’ and where ‘as suppose to’ is incorrect.
- Incorrect: I am as suppose to finish the work today.
Correct: I am supposed to finish the work today. - Incorrect: I like pizza as suppose to burgers.
Correct: I like pizza as opposed to burgers. - Incorrect: He was as suppose to call me last night.
Correct: He was supposed to call me last night. - Incorrect: She wants to travel by train as suppose to plane.
Correct: She wants to travel by train as opposed to plane.
Tips to Avoid Confusion
To avoid mixing up these phrases, consider the following:
- Listen carefully: Pay attention to pronunciation differences between ‘supposed’ and ‘opposed.’
- Practice spelling: Remember that ‘supposed’ has a ‘-d’ at the end, whereas ‘opposed’ also ends with ‘-ed’ but has a different meaning.
- Understand context: If you are talking about expectations or obligations, use ‘supposed to.’ If you want to express contrast, use ‘as opposed to.’
- Read examples: Seeing the phrases in context helps reinforce their correct usage.
Why Does This Mistake Happen?
Many English learners and even native speakers confuse ‘as suppose to’ due to its similarity in sound to ‘as opposed to’ and ‘supposed to.’ Additionally, the dropping of the ‘-d’ in informal speech and writing contributes to the confusion. Understanding the difference and making a conscious effort to use the correct phrase helps improve clarity.
Summary
The phrase ‘as suppose to’ is not correct in formal English and should be avoided. Instead, use ‘supposed to’ to indicate expectation or obligation, and ‘as opposed to’ to express contrast between choices or ideas. Knowing these distinctions and practicing correct usage will make your English more precise and understandable. Remember to always check spelling, understand the context, and use these phrases appropriately to communicate your ideas effectively.
By mastering these common expressions, you can avoid confusion and sound more confident in both speaking and writing.