"Supposed" versus "expected"
What is the difference between supposed and expected?
For example, which one should be used in the following example?
I am confused about the two words base and basis. I often use one when the other is expected/supposed.
To suppose something means:
1. to assume (something), as for the sake of argument or as part of a proposition or theory: Suppose the distance to be one mile.
2. to consider (something) as a possibility suggested or an idea or plan proposed: Suppose we wait until tomorrow.
3. to believe or assume as true; take for granted: It is supposed that his death was an accident.
4. to think or hold as an opinion: What do you suppose he will do?
To expect something means:
1. to look forward to; regard as likely to happen; anticipate the occurrence or the coming of: I expect to read it. I expect him later. She expects that they will come.
2. to look for with reason or justification: We expect obedience.
3. Informal. to suppose or surmise; guess: I expect that you are tired from the trip.
Suppose implies a guess (not what you necessarily think will happen), while expect means that you are pretty sure it will/should happen.
So expect is better in your example:
I often use one when the other is expected.
However, even that implies that a certain person is expecting one or the other, rather than that one or the other would actually fit better. I would say:
I often use one when the other would fit better.
I've never seen supposed without being followed by to in such a construction. Generally speaking, supposed is never left without to when it has the sense of expected. In the example you cite, I'd go for expected, though correct would be a better choice.
As for the difference between the two words, they are sometimes used interchangeably:
He isn't expected/supposed to arrive before 9.
However, this isn't always the case, esp with some fixed phrases, like:
How am I supposed to know what you wanted me to do?
OR
What is that supposed to mean?
expected would sound unnatural in these examples.