Suppose vs Supposed
What’s the difference between them?
Suppose
Meaning:
suppose means to assume something to be true without proof or evidence.
Examples:
1. I suppose he'll be here soon.
2. If you were to win the lottery, what would you suppose your first extravagant purchase might be?
3. Let's say you're stranded on a deserted island; what resources would you suppose are crucial for survival?
Supposed
Meaning:
supposed means that something is accepted or believed to be true, though it may not be certain or proven.
Examples:
1. I was supposed to be at work an hour ago.
2. She is supposed to have the report finished by tomorrow.
3. They were supposed to arrive yesterday but haven't shown up yet.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Suppose
1. Assume
2. Conjecture
3. Postulate
4. Hypothesize
5. Think/Have the notion
1. Disbelieve
2. Deny
3. Refute
4. Reject
5. Counterclaim
Supposed
1. Alleged
2. Assumed
3. Hypothesized
4. Postulated
5. Suppositional
1. Denied
2. Disproved
3. Rejected
4. Refuted
5. Not accepted
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Suppose", "Supposed".
1. 'Suppose' is the present, 'Supposed' is the past tense.
2. 'Suppose' something is true; it is 'supposed' to be true.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the word 'suppose' be used?
Suppose is typically used to express an assumption or hypothesis about something, or a guess as to what something might be. For example, 'I suppose it will rain later today' or 'I suppose that's how it works'. It can also be used as a way to introduce a new idea or suggestion, as in 'We could go to the park, suppose'.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'supposed'?
Supposed is usually used to indicate something that someone has said or claimed to be true, even though it hasn't been verified yet. It is often used in the phrase 'it is supposed that'. For example, 'It is supposed that the new law will go into effect next month'. It can also be used to describe a belief or expectation that something is true. For example, 'She was supposed to pick me up at the airport'.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words share different pronunciations. The word 'suppose' is pronounced with a short 'o' sound, whereas 'supposed' is pronounced with a long 'o' sound.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake is mixing up these two words, and using 'supposed' when they mean to use 'suppose'. Additionally, people may forget to use the phrase 'it is supposed that' when introducing an unverified assumption. Finally, it is important to remember the difference in pronunciation between the two words.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. I ________ we could try the new restaurant downtown.
2. Are you ________ to be at the meeting by 3 pm?
3. What do you ________ happened to the missing files?
4. The train is ________ to arrive in ten minutes.
5. I ________ thats one way to look at the situation.
6. She was ________ to finish the project last week, but she fell ill.
1. I suppose we could try the new restaurant downtown.
Explanation: Here, suppose is used to suggest or propose an idea without certainty. Its like making a casual suggestion.
2. Are you supposed to be at the meeting by 3 pm?
Explanation: Supposed in this context means something that is expected or believed to be the case. The question is asking about a prior expectation or belief.
3. What do you suppose happened to the missing files?
Explanation: The use of suppose here is to make a guess or assumption about something.
4. The train is supposed to arrive in ten minutes.
Explanation: Supposed here means that it is believed or expected that the train will arrive in ten minutes. There is an expectation, but its not guaranteed.
5. I suppose thats one way to look at the situation.
Explanation: Here, suppose is used to convey a less assertive stance, showing a possibility or assumption about a perspective.
6. She was supposed to finish the project last week, but she fell ill.
Explanation: The use of supposed indicates an expectation or plan that was in place, but because of an unforeseen circumstance, it didnt occur.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.