Usage of supposed to/opposed to

sucucas · #1 09-May-2008, 21:17

Can someone explain the use of "supposed to" "as opposed to"?

Thanks!

Anglika · #2 09-May-2008, 21:27

He is supposed to go to the doctor today. >> It is expected that he is going to the doctor.

We are opposed to the idea of a new town in the fields behind our house. >> We are against this idea.

sucucas · #3 09-May-2008, 21:59

Thanks so much for your examples. Can I also say: I am supposed to be sad as opposed to be happy? or Are you going to vote for .....as opposed to....? This is what confuses me most.....

Anglika · #4 10-May-2008, 02:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by sucucas

Thanks so much for your examples. Can I also say: I am supposed to be sad as opposed to be happy? or Are you going to vote for .....as opposed to....? This is what confuses me most.....

Yes, you can - it has a different meaning from my example:

I am supposed [meant] to be happy as opposed to being sad [here "opposed" is "rather than"] >> I am meant to be happy rather than sad.

Are you going to vote for X as opposed to Y? >>Are you going to vote for X rather than Y?

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