“Suppose” and “supposed” – they look so similar, and they sound so similar, that it’s easy to mix them up. But using them correctly is key to clear communication.
This article will break down the differences between “suppose” and “supposed” so you can use them with confidence.
What does “suppose” mean?
The word “suppose” is a verb that means to assume something is true, even if you’re not certain. It can also mean to consider something as a possibility.
For example:
- “I suppose his train was delayed.”
- “I don’t know for sure, but I suppose she’s single because she’s not wearing a ring.”
Less often, “suppose” can be used to express an obligation or expectation, as in, “He was supposed to bring the soda, but he forgot.”
Another example is, “For the sake of argument, he supposed the witness was telling the truth.”
Understanding “Supposed”
The word “supposed” can function in a couple of different ways.
First, it’s the past tense of the verb “suppose,” as in, “The doctors supposed the disease was hereditary.”
More commonly, “supposed” is used as an adjective to describe something that is believed or assumed to be true, often without any real proof. For example, “The supposed robbery occurred at 2:26 a.m.,” or “The practice of sanitizing cardboard boxes during COVID-19 was based on supposed scientific findings of the germ spread.”
“Supposed To”: Expectation and Obligation
“Supposed to” indicates an expectation, obligation, or likelihood. It’s worth mentioning that “suppose to” (without the ‘d’) is grammatically incorrect, even though you’ll see it from time to time.
Here are a couple of examples of how “supposed to” should be used:
- “We’re supposed to look both ways when crossing the street.”
- “I was supposed to start work at 9 a.m., but I overslept and showed up at 10 a.m.”
“Supposed to” is similar to “have to” and “ought to,” but there are subtle differences. “Have to” implies necessity or compulsion. “Ought to” suggests a recommendation or what’s best, but isn’t necessarily mandatory.
How to avoid common errors
Don’t use “suppose” and “supposed to” interchangeably! That’s a quick way to make your writing unclear and ungrammatical.
Here’s a tip to help you remember:
- Use “suppose” as a verb (both have an “e”).
- Use “supposed” as an adjective (both have a “d”).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “supposed to be” grammatically correct?
Yes, “supposed to be” is grammatically correct. The confusion often arises because people mistakenly omit the “d” at the end of “supposed.” Remember, it’s an adjective derived from the verb “suppose,” so it needs that “d” to function properly in phrases like “We are supposed to go.”
“Was supposed” or “is supposed”?
Both “was supposed” and “is supposed” are correct, but they refer to different time frames. “Is supposed” refers to something that is currently expected or intended (“He is supposed to arrive at noon”). “Was supposed” refers to something that was expected or intended in the past but may or may not have happened (“She was supposed to call me yesterday”).
What is the difference between “suppose” and “should”?
While both words can express expectations, they aren’t interchangeable. “Suppose” (often in the form “supposed to”) indicates an external expectation or obligation, often based on an agreement or plan (“We are supposed to meet at 5”). “Should” expresses a personal obligation, recommendation, or moral imperative (“You should be kind to others”).
How do you write “supposed”?
The correct spelling is “s-u-p-p-o-s-e-d.” It’s a surprisingly common misspelling, with people often forgetting the final “d.” Always remember to include that “d” when using “supposed” as an adjective, especially in phrases like “supposed to be.” Double-checking your spelling can prevent this common error.
In Conclusion
“Suppose” functions mainly as a verb, whereas “supposed” is the past tense of that verb and can also be an adjective. Using these words correctly will make you a more skilled, clearer communicator.