we will suppose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we will suppose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a hypothetical situation or assumption in a discussion or argument. Example: "For the sake of this argument, we will suppose that all variables are equal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We will suppose that the systems are composed by two overlapped subsystems but the results can be easily extended to any number of subsystems.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

We will suppose here that the decision maker only specifies for each object if he/she finds it "attractive" (better than the status quo), "unattractive" (worse than the status quo) or "neutral" (equivalent to the status quo).

European Journal of Operational Research

A straightforward paper is set in a subject, say A, in which we will suppose there is no attempt to "catch" or perplex the student, but simply to sample, as it were, the ordinary commonplace knowledge which average industry might acquire.

Nature

The hindrance to its movement, then, we will suppose, is a moving thing-as Empedocles says that it is the vortex which keeps the earth still-: but in that case we ask, where would it have moved to but for the vortex?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Without lose of generality, we will suppose that.

Boundary Value Problems

We will suppose that, like a sentence, a mental token can be identified separately from its meaning.

SEP

To this end, without loss of generality, we will suppose that.

Boundary Value Problems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

So: Henry's over there, very confidently believing the true proposition P. Far away from him, Thelma and Louise are talking about whether he knows that P. Contextualism is true (we'll suppose).

Yale University

We'll suppose the Libor is at 5%.

Forbes

We'll suppose that two funds earn the same 10% a year for 20 years.

Forbes

But I will suppose that we shall have juries in civil cases.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we will suppose", clearly define the parameters of your assumption to avoid ambiguity and ensure your audience understands the hypothetical context.

Common error

Avoid making overly broad or unrealistic assumptions when using "we will suppose". Ensure your assumptions are grounded in logic and contribute meaningfully to your argument, rather than undermining its credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we will suppose" primarily functions as a declarative expression used to introduce a hypothetical condition or assumption within a discourse. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable in various contexts, offering a foundation for reasoning or argumentation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

68%

Academia

18%

News & Media

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we will suppose" is a phrase used to introduce a hypothetical situation or assumption, primarily in scientific and academic writing. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. While interchangeable with alternatives like "let us assume", it subtly suggests a more tentative stance. When using this phrase, be specific to avoid ambiguity and unrealistic scenarios. Its prevalence in formal contexts reinforces its suitability for reasoned arguments and discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let us assume

A more formal and concise alternative, often used in mathematical or logical arguments.

we may assume

Indicates a permission or possibility to assume, slightly less assertive.

suppose we have

Introduces a hypothetical scenario, commonly used in problem-solving.

let's posit that

More formal, suggesting a tentative assumption as a starting point.

for the sake of argument

Explicitly states the hypothetical nature of the assumption.

we postulate that

A more technical term, commonly used in scientific contexts to introduce a foundational assumption.

imagine that we have

Invites the audience to visualize a hypothetical situation.

assume for the moment

Highlights the temporary nature of the assumption.

we take it that

Implies the assumption is based on prior information or understanding.

for the purpose of this discussion

States the assumption is relevant only to the current conversation.

FAQs

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

Use "we will suppose" to introduce a hypothetical scenario or assumption that you are using as the basis for an argument or explanation. For example, "We will suppose that all factors are equal to simplify the analysis."

What is a formal alternative to "we will suppose"?

A formal alternative is "let us assume". It is more often used in academic or mathematical contexts where precision is important.

What's the difference between "we will suppose" and "we will assume"?

The phrases "we will suppose" and "we will assume" are very similar in meaning. "Suppose" can sometimes imply a degree of uncertainty or tentativeness, while "assume" can imply a stronger belief or expectation, but the difference is often negligible.

Is it correct to say "we will suppose that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "we will suppose that". The "that" introduces the clause that contains the assumption. For example, "We will suppose that the data is normally distributed."