suppose
suppose — verb
1. to have an opinion that something is probably true or will happen, based on the
to have an opinion that something is probably true or will happen, based on the information available but without full certainty
Anong supposed the train would arrive on time, but it was delayed by an hour.
suppose + that-clause for an assumption
The scientists supposed the data was accurate enough to publish.
passive: be supposed to be [adjective]
I suppose you already heard the news about the election results.
Most people suppose she left the company because of the low salary.
Heather supposed her keys were in her bag, but she could not find them.
- know
to be certain of something through proof or experience
文法句型
suppose + that-clause
suppose + so
用法筆記
The passive construction 'be supposed to' has a separate meaning related to obligation or expectation (e.g. 'You are supposed to wear a helmet'). Do not confuse it with this active sense.
常見錯誤
2. used to say that you accept something as true or unavoidable, even though you wi
used to say that you accept something as true or unavoidable, even though you wish it were not so
Jabari supposed they would have to accept that the project had failed.
third person: supposed + would have to
Eli supposed they would need to sell the house after all.
'I suppose the trip will be cancelled now,' said Sana with a sigh.
After looking at the medical bills, Layla supposed they would have to sell the car.
The neighbours supposed the old cafe would close eventually, and it did.
文法句型
I suppose + that-clause (reluctant)
subject + supposed + would/could
用法筆記
Common in first-person 'I suppose...' to soften an unpleasant admission. The tone is reluctant rather than neutral. In third person, the reluctance is often conveyed through context such as 'after all' or 'would have to'.
3. used to express anger or irritation, especially by suggesting that someone belie
used to express anger or irritation, especially by suggesting that someone believes something unreasonable
I suppose you think you are too good to help with the dishes.
rhetorical: I suppose you think…
'So I suppose you expect me to work late without extra pay,' Esteban told his boss.
clause-initial So I suppose you expect…
'I suppose I should thank you for spilling coffee on my shirt,' Élise muttered.
'I suppose you were too busy to return my calls all week,' Hoa told her roommate.
'I suppose you expect me to do everything around here,' Camille said, eyeing the dirty kitchen.
- I gather
less confrontational — implies deduction rather than annoyance
文法句型
I suppose + you + think/expect (rhetorical)
用法筆記
Always in first person 'I suppose...' and followed by a rhetorical claim that the speaker finds unreasonable. The tone is sarcastic or confrontational — never neutral. Common in spoken arguments.
常見錯誤
4. used to show that you accept someone else's idea or point of view, even though y
used to show that you accept someone else's idea or point of view, even though you are not completely convinced or happy about it
'Maybe you are right,' said Anong. 'I suppose so,' replied Caleb.
short response: I suppose so
I suppose the cheaper option makes more sense with our budget.
'The early flight is safer,' said Jabari. 'I suppose you are right,' Hui answered.
Felipe admitted, 'I suppose it would be unfair to blame her for the mistake.'
After a long pause, Tendai said, 'I suppose the plan could work.'
- deny
to state that something is not true
文法句型
I suppose so
I suppose + clause (reluctant agreement)
用法筆記
Often appears as the short response 'I suppose so' or 'I suppose you are right.' Unlike sense 2 (UNWELCOME TRUTH), the focus here is on conceding a point in an argument, not on reluctantly facing an unpleasant fact.
5. used to make a suggestion or request less direct and therefore more polite
used to make a suggestion or request less direct and therefore more polite
I suppose we could take a short break now and finish later.
I suppose we could (polite suggestion)
I suppose you could help me carry these boxes upstairs.
I suppose you could (polite request)
Suppose I give you a ride to the station this evening.
'I suppose we should check the weather before leaving for Kenting,' said Matthew.
I suppose we should ask the manager before making a final decision.
- perhaps
adverb used to soften suggestions; not a verb but serves a similar polite function
- maybe we could
more casual and slightly less tentative
文法句型
I suppose we could…
Suppose I/we… (direct polite offer)
I suppose you could…
用法筆記
The structure 'Suppose I/we…' (without 'I' before 'suppose') functions as a direct polite suggestion. The full 'I suppose we could…' form is softer and more hesitant. Both are common in British English for polite requests.
常見錯誤
6. to require a particular situation or fact to be true as a necessary basis for so
to require a particular situation or fact to be true as a necessary basis for something else to make sense or work properly
The plan supposes that everyone will agree to work on Sunday.
abstract subject: The plan supposes that…
This recipe supposes you have a food processor at home.
Imani's marketing model supposes customer loyalty that does not yet exist in this market.
The budget supposes we will get the grant money by March.
The game supposes at least four players to be enjoyable.
- presuppose
more formal and technical; implies a logical or philosophical precondition
- require
more general — can apply to people, things, or conditions
- take for granted
more informal — assuming something without checking
文法句型
plan / theory / budget / rule supposes that…
用法筆記
Unlike the other senses, the subject here is always an abstract thing (plan, theory, budget, system) — never a person. This sense is formal and common in academic, technical, and business contexts.
常見錯誤
suppose — conjunction
1. placed at the start of a statement to present a hypothetical scenario and consid
placed at the start of a statement to present a hypothetical scenario and consider what the outcome or appropriate action might be
Suppose it rains on the day of the wedding — what should we do then?
Suppose + clause + question
Suppose we miss the last bus home tonight after the concert.
Suppose the airline loses your luggage during a long trip.
Suppose the meeting runs late and Tendai misses the submission deadline.
Suppose Hui decides to study abroad instead of staying here.
文法句型
Suppose + clause, (main clause / question)
用法筆記
Placed at the very beginning of a sentence or independent clause. The main clause often asks a question about the consequences, but it can also simply state the hypothetical scenario and let the listener imagine the result.