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02-Sep-2011 (0 comments)

Suppose, Supposed, Supposedly and Supposing

The word suppose has a variety of meanings. All are connected to the idea of unreality but they have various functions. Try to match the examples to the functions to the examples below.

Examples:

a. I suppose we could go to the cinema but I am not really keen.

b. He was supposed to be here at eight and it is nearly nine!

c. I don’t suppose you know where the meeting is taking place, do you?

d. You are supposed to wear the uniform everyday, not to come in your own clothes.

e. Supposing you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

f. Alice: Oh, you’re still working! I thought you would have finished by now.
Ben: What’s that supposed to mean?

g. George W Bush said he was trying to deal with the supposed threat from Al Qai’ida.

h. Supposedly the rise in interest rates won’t affect our business too much.

Functions:

1. This is what they say but I don’t believe them.

2. It’s a possibility but I’m not sure about it. OR Here’s an idea. What do you think?

3. I am offended by what you just said.

4. Polite question when you are not sure the person knows the answer.

5. Believed by some to be true or real but I’m not convinced.

6. Imagine.

7. It’s an obligation.

8. It’s expected but it hasn’t happened.

If you are struggling, here is the answer:

1.h 2.a 3.f 4.c 5.g 6.e 7.d 8.b

There are some important points to note.

In 3.f, the word supposed is used as part of the whole phrase: ‘What’s that supposed to mean.’ You can’t substitute others words.

In 4.c, the question is made more polite by putting the negative ‘don’t’ in front of ‘suppose’. In fact, using ‘suppose’ without the negative in this sentence can come across as quite snide or agressive.

‘I suppose you don’t know where the meeting is taking place.’

This sentence would often carry stress on ‘you’ and the implication is that you think he person does know but won’t tell you.

2.a can be used to make a suggestion you want to make but which you fear may be unpopular. It allows the other person to refuse the suggestion without you losing face for making it.

Using ‘suppose’ correctly can really enhance your English but you need to be sure it is the correct use or you could insult somebody quite badly.

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