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That's what you're supposed to say

🇬🇧 UK //ðæts wɒt jɔːr səˈpəʊzd tuː seɪ// 🇺🇸 US //ðæts wɑːt jʊr səˈpoʊzd tə seɪ//

Meaning of That's what you're supposed to say

A phrase indicating that a response is what is expected or correct.

In simple words: It's what you should say.

That's what you're supposed to say in a sentence

• When she asked how I felt about the surprise party, I replied, 'That's what you're supposed to say.'
• After his compliment, I smiled and said, 'That's what you're supposed to say!'
• 'You did a great job!' 'Well, that's what you're supposed to say!'
• In response to the question, he laughed and said, 'That's what you're supposed to say.'
• When asked if I liked the gift, I responded, 'That's what you're supposed to say.'

How to use That's what you're supposed to say

Used in conversations when someone says something expected or correct. Appropriate in casual situations but may sound formal in serious contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone phrase

Memory hint

Imagine a teacher saying this when students give the expected answer.

Related words

Collocations with That's what you're supposed to say

• supposed to say
• what you're supposed to do
• expected response
• that's how it goes

Synonyms for That's what you're supposed to say

• That's the expected response
• That's the right thing to say
• That's how it should be
• That's the standard reply

Common mistakes with That's what you're supposed to say

• Confusing with 'That's what you should say' which is less common.
• Using in contexts where honesty is preferred rather than expected responses.

Frequently asked questions about That's what you're supposed to say

What does That's what you're supposed to say mean?

It's what you should say.

What is the definition of That's what you're supposed to say?

A phrase indicating that a response is what is expected or correct.

How do you use That's what you're supposed to say in a sentence?

When she asked how I felt about the surprise party, I replied, 'That's what you're supposed to say.'

Can you give another example of That's what you're supposed to say?

After his compliment, I smiled and said, 'That's what you're supposed to say!'

What are synonyms for That's what you're supposed to say?

Common alternatives include That's the expected response, That's the right thing to say, That's how it should be, That's the standard reply.

What words go with That's what you're supposed to say?

It commonly pairs with supposed to say, what you're supposed to do, expected response, that's how it goes.

What are common mistakes when using That's what you're supposed to say?

Confusing with 'That's what you should say' which is less common. Using in contexts where honesty is preferred rather than expected responses.

How do you pronounce That's what you're supposed to say?

US: //ðæts wɑːt jʊr səˈpoʊzd tə seɪ//, UK: //ðæts wɒt jɔːr səˈpəʊzd tuː seɪ//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use That's what you're supposed to say?

Used in conversations when someone says something expected or correct. Appropriate in casual situations but may sound formal in serious contexts.