What is or what are, if some, the diferences?
"I'm supposed to be there at ten o'clock"
and
"I should be there at ten o'clock".
Some?
Tnx! And have a good 2007...
ie - B r a z i l
2007-01-04 07:43:25 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Several of the options listed by others are possible, but every one of these makes it too cut-and-dried. They ignore the fact that each of these expressions can have more than one shade of meaning, depending on just how you say it, what you say next, etc.
Thus:
1) "I'm supposed to be there at ten o'clock" may mean:
a) I've been told that they want ME to make sure I'm there at that time (- expected that *I* will do this = *my* OBLIGATION, imposed by someone else )
b) I've been told that SOMEONE ELSE will get me there at that time. (another person, the train, etc., is expected to make it happen)
2) "I should be there at ten o'clock." may mean:
a) It would be the RIGHT thing for me to do to be there then, perhaps because something important is happening at that time. (Can be similar to (1a) except that here I'm not referring to OTHERS' expectations or demands of me, but explicitly acknowledging/accpeting my moral obligation. Of course, depending on what follows it may be only a weak acknowlegement .... as in "I know that's what I really ought to do, but I don't know if I really can or am willing to do it" )
b) It is my best guess that I will be arriving at ten o'clock. (informing someone, based on what you know, not necessarily promising. How reliable you are suggesting this guess it depends, again, on the context and how you say it. You may use it to express just a slight hope, or UN-certainty - "I SHOULD be there... but you never know with these trains!" OR, perhaps emphasizing "be there," you could be saying, "I fully expect I'll make it by that time.". . or something in between.)
Note that the bigger difference is between the a & b options for each; comparing just the a's or b's the difference is often subtler.
2007-01-05 03:21:54 · answer #1 · answered by bruhaha 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a big difference, or small, depending on how a person values time, and courtesy to others.
The term "I'm supposed to be there at 10 o'clock" indicates that this is a definate plan, an appointment, and someone is expecting you. Not being there at 10 is considered rude.
The term "I should be there at 10 o'clock" indicates an open ended arrangement where someone may be expecting you at 10, or you should be at a destination by then or you may suffer consequences. Such as "you should be to work at 10" otherwise you will get a tardy notice, warning.
2007-01-04 15:48:06 · answer #2 · answered by Gabzilla 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I'm supposed to be there at ten o'clock"
You have an appointment that is definite
"I should be there at ten o'clock".
Its not set in stone its okay if your a little late
2007-01-04 15:47:17 · answer #3 · answered by trawet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well...normally when I say supposed to it either means a. it's in the future or b. I most likely suspect I'm not going to do it or make it on time....but when I say I should it's usually a. when I'm telling someone that I expect to be able to do it or b. I'm expecting myself to complete or arrive on time to whatever or wherever it is I'm talking about.
2007-01-04 15:47:17 · answer #4 · answered by curiousmindsneed2know 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I'm supposed to" means more along the lines that others are expecting you to do something and have cause to believe that you will do it.
"I should" means that it is what you feel you ought to do because it would be the better option/action.
Happy 2007 to you too!
2007-01-04 15:47:23 · answer #5 · answered by Her Majesty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you say supposed. It's a responsibility. and you when say I should. your confuse an or are not sure that you'll get there at o'clock.
2007-01-04 16:05:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
"supposed to" means you have an obligation to do something. The way "should" is used in the second sentence means you MIGHT be there.
2007-01-04 15:46:17 · answer #7 · answered by helplessromatic2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
'Supposed to' implies that someone is expecting you to adhere to something.
'Should' implies that it would be in your best interest.
I am supposed to work at 7:00. (they expect me there at 7:00)
I should be at work by 6:45. (it would be best if I showed up a little early)
2007-01-04 15:47:06 · answer #8 · answered by timmytoes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Suppose to meaning you have an obligation to do it,
and I should meaning it's optional and most likely beneficial
2007-01-04 15:45:46 · answer #9 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I should refers to, you are not quite sure if you want to go but no one is making you go.
I am supposed to refers to, You have a compromise on going.
2007-01-04 15:46:20 · answer #10 · answered by ElMusician 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋