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suppose

v.
US //səˈpoʊz// UK //sʌpˈəʊz// sup·pose
  1. 1 to think or believe (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to think that something is likely true, even if you do not have all the facts.

    to assume or believe something to be the case based on probability rather than certain knowledge.

    Example

    I suppose we should start cooking dinner if the guests are arriving soon.

    Example

    I suppose the flight has been delayed, given that the departure board hasn't updated in over forty minutes.

    Usage

    Often used as a parenthetical or a tag in conversation to soften a statement.
    Pitfall
    I am supposing he is busy.
    I suppose he is busy.

    In this sense, 'suppose' is a stative verb and is rarely used in the continuous (-ing) form.

  2. 2 to imagine a situation (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to imagine what might happen in a particular situation.

    to consider something as a possibility for the sake of argument or imagination.

    Example

    Suppose you won the lottery tomorrow—what would you do first?

    Example

    Suppose for a moment that the initial findings were flawed; how would that impact the rest of the research project?

    Usage

    Frequently used in the imperative form to introduce a hypothetical scenario.
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  1. 3 to be expected to (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to be required or expected to do something because of a rule or plan.

    to be required or expected to behave in a particular way based on rules, arrangements, or social duty.

    Example

    You are supposed to take your shoes off before entering the house.

    Example

    The committee was supposed to submit the final report last Tuesday, but several members requested an extension to review the data.

    Usage

    Always used in the passive voice followed by a 'to' infinitive.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners often forget the 'd' at the end of 'supposed' in this construction because it is often silent in fast speech.
    Pitfall
    I suppose to be there at ten.
    I am supposed to be there at ten.

    When talking about obligations, you must use the passive form 'be supposed to'.

Origin

From Middle English supposen, borrowed from Old French supposer, equivalent to prefix sub- (“under”) + poser (“to place”); corresponding in meaning to Latin supponere (“to put under, to substitute, falsify, counterfeit”), suppositum. See pose.

Word family

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