suppose for example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suppose for example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a hypothetical situation or illustration to clarify a point or argument. Example: "Suppose for example that we increase the budget by 20%, we could see significant improvements in our project outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Suppose, for example, a takeover is brewing.

The Economist

Suppose, for example, you invite three friends to a movie.

The New York Times

Suppose, for example, one wants to avoid becoming noticeably heavier.

The New Yorker

Suppose, for example, that oil prices were to jump.

The Economist

Suppose, for example, that he had immediately finessed the diamond jack and cashed the ace.

The New York Times

Suppose, for example, the software analyzes a picture of a polar bear.

The New York Times - Tech

Suppose, for example, that pi manifests a regularity starting at 10100 decimal places?

The New Yorker

Suppose, for example, that you buy a hard-drive or memory-card camcorder.

The New York Times - Tech

(Suppose, for example, that poisons in the atmosphere were what infected the Broad Street water).

The New Yorker

Suppose, for example, the undercover officer had been the one tapping his toes?

The New York Times

Suppose, for example, house prices were to decline by 20% over the next three years.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suppose for example", ensure that the hypothetical scenario directly relates to and clarifies the point you are making. Avoid introducing irrelevant details that could distract the reader.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "suppose for example". This can make your writing repetitive and weaken your argument. Use a variety of illustrative techniques.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suppose for example" functions as a discourse marker. It introduces a hypothetical scenario or illustration to clarify a point or support an argument. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from news to academic writing, consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "suppose for example" serves as a versatile connector used to introduce hypothetical scenarios for illustrative purposes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains. The phrase functions to clarify concepts, support arguments, and enhance understanding by providing concrete examples. While suitable for neutral and formal registers, it's essential to avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and engagement. Alternatives like "let's say" or "for instance" can provide variety. Ludwig’s examples highlight its frequent occurrence in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, underscoring its role in conveying information effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let's say for instance

Replaces "suppose" with "let's say" and "for example" with "for instance", offering a slightly more informal tone.

imagine for the sake of argument

Uses "imagine" to emphasize the hypothetical nature, and "for the sake of argument" to highlight its purpose in a discussion.

consider this hypothetical situation

Explicitly frames the introduction as a "hypothetical situation", making the intent very clear.

for the purpose of illustration, assume

Emphasizes the illustrative purpose and replaces "suppose" with "assume", providing a more formal tone.

by way of example, let us presume

Uses "by way of example" to clearly signal an example, and "let us presume" as a more formal alternative to "suppose".

to illustrate, let's hypothesize

Combines "to illustrate" with "let's hypothesize" for a slightly more scientific or academic flavor.

in a purely hypothetical scenario

Highlights the hypothetical nature using "purely hypothetical scenario", suitable for theoretical discussions.

for illustrative purposes, envision

Replaces "suppose" with "envision" to invite the reader to visualize the scenario, emphasizing illustrative intent.

if we were to assume, for instance

Adds a conditional element with "if we were to assume", making the hypothetical nature more explicit.

taking a hypothetical case

Frames the introduction as "taking a hypothetical case", useful in legal or analytical contexts.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "suppose for example" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "for the sake of argument", "for illustrative purposes", or "by way of example".

What's a more casual alternative to "suppose for example"?

In more casual contexts, you could use "let's say", "imagine", or simply "for instance".

How do I use "suppose for example" effectively in a sentence?

Use "suppose for example" to introduce a hypothetical situation that helps illustrate or clarify a point. Ensure the example is relevant and directly supports your argument. For instance, "Suppose for example, that the government increases taxes; this could lead to reduced consumer spending."

Is there a difference between "suppose for example" and "assume for example"?

While both introduce hypothetical situations, "suppose for example" tends to be used for more general hypotheticals, whereas "assume for example" might imply a condition taken as true for the sake of argument or calculation.