supposing

supposing — verb

IPA/səˈpəʊz/
KK[səpˈozɪŋ]IPA/səˈpoʊz/
  • supposingpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • supposings3rd person singular
  • supposinging-ing form
  • supposingedpast simple

1. to believe that something is probably true or will probably happen, even when yo

1.動詞及物A2
釋義

to believe that something is probably true or will probably happen, even when you do not have definite proof.

例句

I suppose the parcel will arrive by Friday, but I cannot be certain.

suppose + that-clause for tentative belief

Minh supposed that Lan had already left for work, since all the lights were off.

同義詞
  • assume

    stronger; treating something as true without proof

  • presume

    more formal; based on probability rather than evidence

  • guess

    less formal; a quick opinion without much thought

反義詞
  • know

    certainty based on facts, not opinion

文法句型

suppose + that-clause

用法筆記

Often used without a strong commitment to the truth of what is being stated. Compare with 'know,' which expresses certainty.

常見錯誤

❌I suppose he is arriving tomorrow, but I know for fact.
✅I suppose he is arriving tomorrow, but I am not certain.
💡'suppose' implies a guess, not a known fact.

2. used to admit that something is possibly true or acceptable, although you are no

2.動詞不及物B1
釋義

used to admit that something is possibly true or acceptable, although you are not happy about it or would prefer something else.

例句

'Is the exam going to be difficult?' 'I suppose so, but we have studied enough.'

short response: I suppose so

Tariq sighed and said, 'I suppose you are right about the budget cuts.'

同義詞
  • I guess

    more common in American English; less formal

  • I imagine

    slightly more formal, less reluctant in tone

文法句型

I suppose so

I suppose not

用法筆記

Frequently appears in the fixed short forms 'I suppose so' (reluctant yes) and 'I suppose not' (reluctant no). The tone is often one of giving in after some resistance.

常見錯誤

❌I suppose yes.
✅I suppose so.
💡'so' is the fixed form, not 'yes.'

3. said when a remark someone has made makes you feel irritated or insulted, and yo

3.動詞不及物B2
釋義

said when a remark someone has made makes you feel irritated or insulted, and you want them to explain what they meant.

例句

When her colleague called the proposal 'brave,' Sayaka asked sharply, 'What is that supposed to mean?'

fixed expression: What is that supposed to mean?

'You call this tidy?' Ilan pointed at the desk. 'What is that supposed to mean?' his roommate snapped.

同義詞

文法句型

What is/was that supposed to mean?

用法筆記

Almost exclusively used in the fixed interrogative expression 'What is/was that supposed to mean?' The phrase signals that the speaker finds the previous remark insulting, confusing, or unfairly critical.

常見錯誤

❌What are you supposed to mean?
✅What is that supposed to mean?
💡the subject is 'that' (the remark), not 'you' (the person).

4. used to show that you accept a point or opinion, but only because you cannot arg

4.動詞不及物B1
釋義

used to show that you accept a point or opinion, but only because you cannot argue against it, not because you truly agree.

例句

'The museum closes at five, so we should leave soon.' 'I suppose we must,' Anna said, putting on her coat.

I suppose + reluctant acceptance

Tendai admitted, 'I suppose the cheaper option makes more sense for now.'

同義詞
  • I concede

    more formal; used in arguments or debates

反義詞

文法句型

I suppose + [statement you reluctantly accept]

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 2: sense 4 involves agreeing to a factual claim or opinion you find hard to deny, whereas sense 2 is a softer admission that something could be true. Sense 4 often carries a defensive or grudging tone.

常見錯誤

❌I suppose I agree with everything you said.
✅I suppose you have a point.
💡the construction pairs 'I suppose' with the other person's claim, not with your own full agreement.

5. used to make a request or suggestion sound very polite and not demanding, often

5.動詞及物B2
釋義

used to make a request or suggestion sound very polite and not demanding, often by framing it as a hesitant question.

例句

I don't suppose you could help me move this heavy table into the next room?

polite request: I don't suppose you could...

Gabriel said, 'I suppose I could pick up some groceries on my way home, if that helps anyone.'

同義詞

文法句型

I don't suppose + [you could] + [verb]

I suppose + [offer/hesitant offer]

用法筆記

The pattern 'I don't suppose you could…?' is a very polite way of asking for help, because it assumes the answer might be no, making it easy for the other person to refuse. When offering help, 'I suppose I could…' sounds hesitant and considerate.

常見錯誤

❌I don't suppose you can help me?' (expecting yes).
✅I don't suppose you could help me?
💡the past modal 'could' makes the request more polite and tentative.

6. used to say what someone should do because of a rule, a duty, an arrangement, or

6.動詞不及物A2
釋義

used to say what someone should do because of a rule, a duty, an arrangement, or what is normally done.

例句

Lan is supposed to submit the report by five o'clock this evening.

be supposed to + infinitive for obligation

These tablets are supposed to be taken with food, according to the instructions on the bottle.

同義詞
  • be expected to

    slightly more formal, similar meaning

  • should

    shorter and more direct; less emphasis on external rules

  • be meant to

    more informal, often about purpose rather than rules

反義詞

文法句型

be supposed to + infinitive

用法筆記

Sense 6 always appears in the passive form 'be supposed to' (NOT 'suppose to'). This is a fixed expression distinct from the active verb 'suppose.' Common in negative forms ('not supposed to' = not allowed to).

常見錯誤

❌You are suppose to arrive on time.
✅You are supposed to arrive on time.
💡the past participle 'supposed' is required after 'be.'

supposing — conjunction

IPA/səˈpəʊzɪŋ/
KK[səpˈozɪŋ]IPA/səˈpəʊzɪŋ/