we suppose

USAGE SUMMARY

'we suppose' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when one is speculating about something that may or may not be true. For example, "We suppose that the meeting will need to be rescheduled due to the bad weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Poetry, we suppose, is special.

The New York Times - Books

We suppose it could have been worse.

The New York Times

We suppose we shouldn't be surprised.

The New York Times

After three decades, we suppose that isn't surprising.

The New York Times

A vacuum could suck up the adults, we suppose.

The New York Times

"It will be more elegant than we suppose," he said.

The New York Times - Food

Which, we suppose, makes Niall Quinn nearly count.

The Guardian - Sport

Then again, we suppose things could have been worse.

The New York Times

"Up in Steam" just isn't as catchy, we suppose.

The New York Times - Magazine

Perfect, we suppose if this is what you're looking for.

The New York Times

where we suppose that.

Advances in Difference Equations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "we suppose" in formal writing, as it can sometimes sound hesitant or uncertain. Opt for more direct statements when appropriate.

Common error

Be mindful not to present a statement introduced by "we suppose" as an established fact. Always ensure that the context reflects the tentative nature of the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we suppose" functions as an epistemic verb phrase, indicating a degree of uncertainty or tentative acceptance of a proposition. As Ludwig AI suggests, it expresses speculation rather than definitive knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we suppose" is a versatile phrase used to express tentative assumptions or beliefs. It's grammatically correct and finds common usage in news, media, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and practical use. While alternatives like "we think" or "we assume" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of certainty. When writing, it is important to avoid presenting suppositions as facts and to consider the formality of the context. By adhering to these guidelines, one can effectively employ "we suppose" to convey nuanced meaning in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we think

Indicates a general belief or opinion, less formal than "we suppose".

we believe

Implies a stronger conviction than "we suppose", suggesting a considered judgment.

we assume

Suggests taking something for granted without concrete proof, similar to "we suppose" but slightly more assertive.

we imagine

Conveys a sense of envisioning or picturing something, often based on limited information.

we reckon

An informal way of saying "we think" or "we guess", common in certain dialects.

we expect

Indicates anticipation of a future event based on current knowledge or trends.

we presume

Similar to "we assume", but often carries a connotation of legal or formal contexts.

we surmise

Suggests forming a conclusion based on incomplete or indirect evidence.

we speculate

Implies engaging in conjecture or guesswork about something unknown.

we hypothesize

Proposes a tentative explanation or assumption as a basis for further investigation.

FAQs

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

"We suppose" is used to express an assumption or tentative belief. For example, "We suppose the meeting will be delayed due to the weather."

What phrases are similar to "we suppose"?

Alternatives to "we suppose" include "we think", "we believe", or "we assume", depending on the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "we suppose" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "we suppose" may sound less assertive in formal contexts. Consider using stronger verbs like "believe" or "conclude" if the situation warrants it.

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

"We presume" often implies a legal or formal context, while "we suppose" is a more general expression of assumption. Use "we presume" when the assumption is based on established procedures or expectations.