suppose that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suppose that" is a perfectly legitimate and grammatically correct phrase to use in written English.
It is typically used when introducing a hypothetical situation or when making a general speculation about something. For example: "I suppose that a change in the weather is coming soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But suppose that doesn't work.

The New York Times

I suppose that could change," he said.

Independent

Suppose that business in Britain is booming.

The Economist

I suppose that will change soon.

The New York Times

Suppose that Kathy knows Oscar very well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I suppose that is true.

The New York Times

But suppose that doesn't deliver?

The Guardian - Books

I suppose that sounds petty.

The Guardian

Suppose that AC < 10.

SEP

Suppose that McKay utters (10).

SEP

Suppose that \(C\) is false.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suppose that", ensure the hypothetical scenario is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Provide enough context for the reader to understand the condition being presented.

Common error

Avoid using "suppose that" without providing sufficient context. Clearly define the hypothetical situation to ensure the reader understands the condition you're presenting. For example, instead of just saying "Suppose that prices rise", specify "Suppose that oil prices rise significantly next quarter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suppose that" functions as a conditional conjunction, introducing a hypothetical scenario or assumption. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in setting up arguments or exploring possibilities across various domains. The structure allows for the exploration of potential outcomes based on a condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "suppose that" serves as a crucial tool for introducing hypothetical scenarios and assumptions, commonly used across diverse fields like science, news, and encyclopedias. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its role in setting up conditional clauses for reasoning and discussion. Its neutral to formal register makes it appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from academic writing to news reporting. When using "suppose that", clarity is key; ensure the hypothetical situation is well-defined to avoid ambiguity and effectively convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming that

This alternative directly replaces "suppose" with "assume", emphasizing the act of taking something for granted.

presuming that

This alternative suggests a slightly stronger belief or expectation than "suppose that".

given that

This option presents the condition as a known or established fact influencing the subsequent statement.

assuming as true that

This expands on "assuming that" for greater clarity or emphasis.

if we assume that

This phrase makes the act of assumption more explicit and conditional.

let us assume that

This phrase invites the audience to join in making an assumption for the sake of argument.

on the assumption that

This phrase highlights that the following statement is based on a specific assumption.

considering that

This option introduces the condition as something to be taken into account.

in the event that

This phrase suggests a specific condition or occurrence that might happen.

granting that

This alternative emphasizes conceding a point for the sake of argument or discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "suppose that" in a sentence?

Use "suppose that" to introduce a hypothetical situation or assumption. For example, "Suppose that we increase our marketing budget; what would be the expected return?"

What phrases are similar to "suppose that"?

Similar phrases include "assuming that", "presuming that", and "given that". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "suppose that" formal or informal?

"Suppose that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "assuming as true that" might be preferred in academic writing.

What's the difference between "suppose that" and "assume that"?

While both introduce assumptions, "assume that" often implies a stronger belief or basis for the assumption, whereas "suppose that" can be more exploratory or speculative.