Language Research

suppose · verb

/səˈpəʊz/Full view

Word family

Nouns: supposition

Adjectives: supposed

Verbs: suppose, presuppose

Adverbs: supposedly

I suppose

A2 used to show that you are not certain about something

Dictionary examples:

It was quite interesting, I suppose.

I couldn't get any reply when I called Dan, so I suppose (that) he's gone out.

Learner example:

I'll travel by taxi and I don't know [how long] I'll stay there, two or three days, I suppose. (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

I suppose (so)

B1 used to show agreement to something when you do not really want to

Dictionary examples:

I suppose you're right.

"Can I come with you?" "I suppose so."

be supposed to do sth

B1 to be expected or intended to do something, especially when this does not happen

Dictionary examples:

The drugs are supposed to reduce the pain.

She is supposed to finish the work by the 24th.

These batteries are supposed to last for a year.

How am I supposed to find that much money by the end of the week?

Learner example:

I'm supposed to go cycling with some friends of mine to Bondi. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Korean)

suppose

C1 T to think that something is likely to be true

Dictionary examples:

He found it a lot more difficult to get a job than he supposed it would be.

It is widely supposed (that) the minister will be forced to resign.

Learner example:

It is supposed that this man could have also been a chemist, [as] writings have been found and recovered with clues to what Da Vinci might have been doing in that field. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

be supposed to be sth

B2 to be expected to be something, especially because of a rule, agreement, etc.

Dictionary examples:

The children are supposed to be at school by 8.45 a.m.

What are you doing out of bed? You're supposed to be asleep!

Learner example:

It was supposed to be a surprise... I had been in London for [a] long time. (First Certificate in English; B2; Turkish)

be supposed to be sth

B2 to be considered by many people to be something

Dictionary example:

The scenery is supposed to be fantastic.

Learner example:

I knew that he had booked a table for two in one of [the] most expensive restaurants in town, where the food was supposed to be excellent. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

suppose/supposing (that)

C1 used to introduce an idea for someone to consider

Dictionary example:

Suppose he phones tonight. What should I say?

Learner example:

Supposing you get the train. If you ring me up straight away when you arrive, I w[ill] pick you up at the station. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Catalan)

be supposed to do sth

B2 If you are supposed to do something, the rules say that you should do it.

Dictionary examples:

You're supposed to pay by the end of the month.

You're not supposed to smoke in here.

Learner example:

Unfortunately, the organizer came to me and let me know that I was not supposed to sell anything in that area. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)