do not suppose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not suppose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a denial or to clarify that one should not make assumptions about something. Example: "Do not suppose that I will agree to your proposal without further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Jenny always supported him: "Do not suppose that I am bowed down by these petty sufferings..

The New York Times - Books

Do not suppose that this is reflexive literary snobbery or a preposterous apple-and-orange comparison.

The New York Times

As Churchill said of Munich: "And do not suppose that this is the end.

The New York Times

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth," he said.

The New York Times

In fact, the way things are going I do not suppose we would be able to invade Alderney".

The Guardian

Though she is too polite to say so, I do not suppose Prince ever thought she was writing about a prime minister in waiting.

Independent

Now I do not suppose any other professor of botany could have helped laughing at my coming in such a hurry to make such a communication.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

By that I do not suppose you to mean that you did not have them collected ant registered; you did have them collected and registered, isn't that so.

Yale University

We do not suppose, however, that any one would seriously contend that this is the only way in which his business can be transacted without being amenable to exactions on the part of the state.

Cornell University

And do not suppose that there will be many of them; for the gifts which were deemed by us to be essential rarely grow together; they are mostly found in shreds and patches.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When facing others in a social context, we do not suppose that they will behave randomly, but rather we believe their actions will conform to our expectations for that context.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do not suppose" when you want to gently caution against making an assumption, especially when the assumption might be incorrect or lead to a misunderstanding.

Common error

Avoid using "do not suppose" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "don't think" or "don't assume" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not suppose" functions as a directive, specifically a negative exhortation. It advises the listener or reader against forming a particular assumption or belief. Ludwig shows it is frequently used to introduce a clarification or to prevent misinterpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not suppose" is a versatile directive used to prevent misunderstandings by discouraging specific assumptions. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in varied contexts, ranging from news articles to academic papers. While more formal than alternatives like "don't think" or "don't assume", it's appropriate when a nuanced caution against a particular belief is needed. Remember to consider your audience and avoid overuse in casual settings, opting for simpler alternatives when suitable. Its usage is particularly effective in preventing misinterpretations and guiding the recipient towards a more accurate understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not assume

Replaces "suppose" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing a lack of certainty.

do not presume

Similar to "do not assume", but carries a slightly stronger connotation of unwarranted confidence.

do not imagine

Focuses on avoiding fanciful or unrealistic thinking.

do not think

A more casual and common way to express doubt or caution against a belief.

do not believe

Directly expresses disbelief or skepticism.

do not expect

Indicates that a particular outcome or event is unlikely.

it is unwise to think

Rephrases the idea as a recommendation against a specific thought process, adding a layer of advice.

it would be wrong to assume

Highlights the potential error in making a particular assumption.

you shouldn't think

Directly advises against holding a particular thought or belief.

one should not conclude

Suggests avoiding a particular conclusion, often based on insufficient evidence.

FAQs

What does "do not suppose" mean?

The phrase "do not suppose" means to not assume, guess, or believe something to be true, often because there is a lack of evidence or a reason to doubt it.

When is it appropriate to use "do not suppose"?

Use "do not suppose" when you want to gently caution someone against making an assumption, especially when that assumption might be incorrect or lead to misunderstanding. It's more formal than alternatives like "don't think".

What can I say instead of "do not suppose"?

You can use alternatives like "do not assume", "do not presume", or "do not think" depending on the context.

Is "do not suppose" formal or informal?

The phrase "do not suppose" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "don't think" or "don't guess". Use it in situations where a more sophisticated tone is appropriate, such as academic writing or professional communication.