Suppose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Suppose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a hypothetical situation or to suggest a possibility. Example: "Suppose we were to travel back in time, what changes would we make?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Books

Music

Opinion

Arts

Film

TV & Radio

World

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said it was "less efficacious for the real economy than most people suppose".

The New York Times

I suppose that everyone has his breaking point.

The Economist

But then I suppose divorce is always hard.

The Guardian

It's been 70-something years since we had someone in the final, so I suppose I can wait another year".

The Guardian - Sport

"I suppose now when I get opportunities, like Floody going with England, I've got to step up take every opportunity to show the coaches what I can do"."They," the friends and former Scarlet and Osprey team-mates with whom Williams still keep in touch "are just waiting to see what happens.

The Guardian - Sport

And I suppose the press are that – and I try to keep one step ahead of them.

The Guardian

"I suppose I appealed more to the working-class man, the people who worked in the meat works and the factories," he said in 2007, after announcing his intention to leave New Zealand to play overseas.

The Guardian - Sport

Why did you decide to publish? "I suppose the ­answer is that I'm a professional writer and I like making books.

The Guardian - Books

"Apart from being a mile high and an hour late I suppose it was a fair tackle", said Alan Hansen afterwards, a comment he later rescinded; Stevens set out to win the ball, not to cause injury, though whether he was reckless in so doing is harder to judge.

The Guardian - Sport

I suppose that's sport, isn't it?" Asked what qualities he has to help revive this England team, Cook referred to his experience of England's last whitewash series in 2006-07.

The Guardian - Sport

I suppose there is an outside pressure: we are one of the bigger teams in the tournament and people look to England as potential winners.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suppose", be mindful of the level of certainty you wish to convey. It can range from a tentative guess to a reasoned assumption.

Common error

Avoid using "suppose to" when you mean "suppose". "Suppose to" is grammatically incorrect. Use "supposed to" when indicating an obligation or expectation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "suppose" is as a verb. It is used to express assumptions, hypotheses, or opinions that are not based on solid evidence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly used to introduce a hypothetical situation or to express a possibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

10%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Books

3%

Music

2%

Opinion

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "suppose" functions as a verb used to express assumptions, hypotheses, or opinions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its versatility allows it to be used in a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media, Sport, and Lifestyle as seen in the examples. When using "suppose", remember to differentiate it from "supposed to", and be mindful of the level of certainty you wish to convey. Alternatives such as "assume" or "presume" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume

Implies taking something for granted without proof, similar to "suppose" but often with a stronger sense of certainty.

presume

Similar to "assume", but suggests a belief based on probability or reasonable evidence.

conjecture

Suggests forming an opinion or supposition about something based on incomplete information.

imagine

Focuses on forming a mental image or concept, often in a hypothetical or speculative way.

hypothesize

Implies forming a testable explanation for a phenomenon, more formal than "suppose".

speculate

Involves forming a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence.

surmise

To infer something without conclusive evidence; a more formal alternative to "suppose".

guess

Suggests forming an estimate or conjecture without any real knowledge.

deduce

Implies reaching a conclusion based on reasoning and evidence.

infer

To conclude something from evidence and reasoning, rather than from explicit statements.

FAQs

How can I use "suppose" in a sentence?

You can use "suppose" to introduce a hypothesis, express an opinion, or make a suggestion. For example, "Suppose it rains tomorrow, what shall we do?". You can also use it to express an assumption, as in "I "suppose" you're right".

What are some alternatives to the word "suppose"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "assume", "presume", "imagine", or "conjecture".

What does it mean to say "I suppose"?

Saying "I "suppose"" generally indicates that you are accepting something as true or likely, though perhaps without strong conviction. It can also convey a sense of resignation or mild agreement.

What's the difference between "suppose" and "presume"?

"Suppose" often implies a degree of uncertainty or speculation. "Presume", on the other hand, suggests a belief based on some evidence or prior knowledge, though not necessarily conclusive proof.