C1 Verb Moods 14 min read Hard

What If Scenarios: Using 'Supposing'

Elevate your conditionals: Supposing lets you seriously consider intriguing, often challenging, hypothetical situations.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'Supposing' to invite someone to imagine a hypothetical situation, often replacing 'if' for more dramatic or speculative effect.

  • Use 'Supposing' + Past Tense for unlikely present/future scenarios: 'Supposing we lost everything?'
  • Use 'Supposing' + Past Perfect for impossible past scenarios: 'Supposing you hadn't met him?'
  • Always follow the 'Supposing' clause with a question or a result clause: 'Supposing it rains, what then?'
Supposing + 💭 (Hypothetical Clause) + ❓ (Result/Question)

Overview

You know the word 'if'. 'Supposing' is another way to say 'if'.

It is not just 'if'. It asks people to imagine new things.

Use this word to imagine a situation. It helps with big plans.

This word makes you sound smart. It helps you ask good questions.

How This Grammar Works

This word starts an idea. It asks you to think 'What if?'.
This active invitation to conjecture is central to its utility.
It is a game for the mind. You talk about new possibilities.
Example: Supposing we have no money. What do we do now?
Use the right time words. The two parts must match well.
It is a good tool for deep thinking.

Formation Pattern

1
Put 'supposing' at the start. Say the idea, then the result.
2
You will see this word in these ways:
3
For things that can happen in the future:
4
Use: Supposing + today's verb + will + verb.
5
Use this for things that might really happen later.
6
Example: Supposing you finish early, what will you do next? Here, finishing early is a plausible event.
7
Example: Supposing the flight is delayed, they won't make their connection. This examines a credible, albeit undesirable, scenario.
8
For things that are not real now:
9
Use: Supposing + past verb + would + verb.
10
Function: To explore a hypothetical situation that is unlikely, contrary to present fact, or purely imaginary.
11
Example: Supposing you were offered the job, would you take it? The offer is presently unreal or uncertain.
12
Example: Supposing she knew the answer, she would tell us. The implication is she does not know.
13
For things that did not happen before:
14
Use: Supposing + had + verb + would have + verb.
15
Function: To speculate about a past event that did not happen and its alternative outcome. This is purely counterfactual, a revision of history.
16
Example: Supposing they had invested earlier, they would have seen greater returns. The reality is they did not invest early enough.
17
Example: Supposing I had listened to your advice, I wouldn't have made that mistake. This reflects on a past regret.
18
Using 'supposing' with just a person or a thing:
19
Pattern: Supposing + a thing or an '-ing' action.
20
This means 'if this thing happens'. It is for imagining.
21
Example: Supposing no lights, we will use our small lights.
22
Example: Supposing he says no, what is our next plan?
23
You can say 'supposing that' or just 'supposing'. They are the same.
24
| How to use it | First part | Second part | Example |
25
| :------------------ | :----------------------- | :---------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------- |
26
| Type 1 (Future) | Present Simple | Future Simple (will + V1) | Supposing you call him, he will answer. |
27
Imagine a thing that is not true now. If it happens, what will you do?
28
Think about the past. If things were different, people would do something else.
29
Use this with a thing. For example, if a problem happens, we have a plan.

When To Use It

This word is like 'if' but stronger. It makes you think very deeply about ideas.
  1. 1To Explore Challenging or Less Likely Scenarios:
Use this for hard or new ideas. It makes people think about what happens next.
  • Supposing the merger falls through, what strategic alternatives do we have? This asks for a robust contingency plan.
  • Supposing you couldn't access the internet for a week, how would your workflow change? This encourages profound reflection on dependence.
  1. 1In Brainstorming, Problem-Solving, and Strategic Planning:
Supposing is invaluable in professional and academic settings where various possibilities, including adverse ones, must be systematically analyzed. It frames a situation as a premise for collective thought.
  • Supposing we double our production capacity, what challenges would that present to logistics? This is a direct call for identifying potential bottlenecks.
  • Supposing a key team member leaves unexpectedly, what succession plan is in place? Essential for risk management discussions.
  1. 1For Formal Discourse and Persuasive Arguments:
The inherently more formal and contemplative nature of supposing makes it suitable for academic papers, presentations, or debates. It signals a sophisticated approach to presenting counterarguments or exploring theoretical frameworks.
  • Academically, supposing a completely free market existed globally, the distributive effects might differ significantly from current models. This introduces a theoretical construct for analysis.
  • Supposing we failed to meet environmental targets, the long-term economic repercussions would be severe. This constructs a persuasive argument by projecting negative outcomes.
  1. 1To Imply a Direct Question or Command about a Hypothetical:
People often use this to ask a question. They ask what the result will be.
  • Supposing I told you the truth, what would you do? This implies "Tell me what you'd do if I told you the truth."
  • Supposing you could relive one day, which would it be? A classic hypothetical question designed for reflection.
  1. 1When Emphasizing the Act of Conception:
Use this word to imagine something. It is a game for your mind.
  • Supposing you were designing a new educational system from scratch, where would you begin? This focuses on the creative thought process.
This is more serious than 'if'. Use it to think hard about a big plan.

Common Mistakes

Many people make mistakes with this word. They use the wrong words for time.
  1. 1Incorrect Tense Agreement:
You must use the right time words. Both parts of the sentence must match.
  • Incorrect: Supposing you win the lottery, what would you do? (Mismatch between present simple and conditional simple for an unreal scenario.)
  • Correct: Supposing you won the lottery, what would you do? (Past simple for unreal present/future, matching conditional simple.)
  • Incorrect: Supposing he would have arrived sooner, we would catch the train. (Mixing conditional perfect in the supposing clause and conditional simple in the main clause for an unreal past.)
  • Correct: Supposing he had arrived sooner, we would have caught the train. (Past perfect for unreal past, matching conditional perfect.)
  • Why it's wrong: English conditional grammar relies on a consistent backshift in tense to signal degrees of unreality. Failing to apply this shift with supposing creates an illogical temporal or reality conflict.
  1. 1Confusing Supposing (Conjunction) with Suppose (Verb):
Do not say 'I suppose' when you mean 'if'. They are not the same.
  • Incorrect: Suppose I come late, will you wait? (Here, suppose functions as a verb, meaning I assume I will come late, not setting up a hypothetical.)
  • Correct: Supposing I come late, will you wait? (Clearly setting up a future possibility.)
  • Correct (verb use): I suppose I'll be late. (Meaning I assume I'll be late.)
  • Why it's wrong: Although suppose can function as a conditional conjunction in very informal speech, supposing is the dedicated form for explicit hypothetical clause introduction, especially at C1 level. Using the verb suppose without its -ing form often leads to ambiguity or grammatical awkwardness when it's intended to introduce a conditional.
  1. 1Omitting the Comma with Initial Supposing Clauses:
Put this word at the start. Use a small mark like a comma after it.
  • Incorrect: Supposing you agree what's the next step?
  • Correct: Supposing you agree, what's the next step?
  • Why it's wrong: The comma serves as a visual and rhythmic cue, signaling the end of the introductory element and enhancing readability. Its omission can cause a momentary misreading or a sense of grammatical choppiness.
  1. 1Overuse or Underuse Compared to If:
Do not use 'if' all the time. But do not use this word too much.
  • Overuse Example (too formal for context): Supposing I wanted coffee, would you make me a cup? (A simple If I wanted coffee... is more natural for a casual request.)
  • Underuse Example (missing an opportunity for emphasis): If the company decided to downsize, many people would be affected. (Supposing the company decided... would emphasize the gravity and hypothetical nature more strongly.)
  • Why it's wrong: The choice between if and supposing is often one of nuance and register. Supposing brings a particular weight and formality; deploying it incorrectly can make your English sound either stiff or unconvincing.
  1. 1Incorrect Placement within the Sentence:
This word is best at the start of your idea. It sounds more natural there.
  • Awkward: We should consider, supposing the plan fails, what our options are.
  • Better: Supposing the plan fails, what are our options that we should consider?
  • Why it's wrong: As a subordinating conjunction or introductory participial phrase, supposing is designed to set the stage for the conditional thought. Placing it elsewhere can disrupt the flow and clarity of the sentence's logical structure.

Real Conversations

Supposing appears in a range of contemporary English interactions, from formal professional exchanges to casual online dialogue. Its presence signals a speaker or writer is inviting deeper consideration of a scenario.

- Professional Context (Team Meeting Discussion):

"Right, so supposing the client requests a significant change after phase one, are we budgeted for a revision cycle? We need to anticipate this now." Here, supposing establishes a critical, high-stakes hypothetical for strategic planning.

- Academic Discussion (Seminar Presentation):

"Now, supposing we accept Foucault's premise about disciplinary power, how then might we reinterpret contemporary surveillance mechanisms?" This employs supposing to introduce a theoretical framework for analysis.

- Casual Texting (Group Chat Planning):

"Movie night @ my place supposing everyone finishes work by 7?" This is a concise way to propose a condition for a casual gathering.

- Online Forum/Social Media (Debate on Policy):

"Supposing a universal basic income was implemented: what genuine benefits, beyond the obvious, might society experience, and what unforeseen challenges?" This sets up a complex thought experiment, encouraging detailed discussion.

- Everyday Conversation (Problem-Solving with a Friend):

"Supposing your car breaks down miles from anywhere and your phone's dead, what's your immediate plan?" This is a common way to explore contingency plans for potential real-life difficulties.

Notice how the formality varies, but the core function of inviting the listener into a specific hypothetical remains consistent. Even in informal contexts, supposing adds a layer of deliberate consideration.

Quick FAQ

  • Q: What is the main difference between if and supposing?

While both introduce conditions, supposing carries a stronger emphasis on explicitly imagining or postulating a scenario. It often implies a greater degree of speculation, challenge, or the need for deeper consideration than a simple if. Think of supposing as imagine if or what if this were the case.

  • Q: Can I use suppose instead of supposing?

Yes, you can. Suppose can also act as a conditional conjunction (Suppose you won, what would you do?). However, supposing is generally considered more formal and explicitly focuses on the conditional aspect. Suppose (without -ing) can also be a verb meaning to assume (I suppose you're right), which can create ambiguity if not used carefully in conditional contexts.

  • Q: Is the word that necessary after supposing?

No, that is almost always optional after supposing (Supposing that you agree...). Its omission is more common in both spoken and written English and does not change the meaning. Including that can add a touch of formality or emphasis, but it's generally unnecessary.

  • Q: Can supposing be used in questions?

Absolutely, and very effectively. It's often used to directly pose a question about the consequences of a hypothetical, engaging the listener directly. For example, Supposing she declines the offer, what's our fallback position?

  • Q: Is supposing always about unlikely situations?

Not exclusively. While it often highlights a more speculative or challenging scenario, it can introduce any hypothetical, regardless of its probability. The key is its function in prompting deliberate consideration of that scenario, rather than merely stating a condition.

  • Q: What about in case? How does it differ?

In case expresses a precaution against a possible future event (Take an umbrella in case it rains). Supposing, on the other hand, explores the consequences of a hypothetical event, whether likely or not, but does not inherently suggest a preventive action. Supposing it rains, will we still go? vs. Take an umbrella in case it rains.

  • Q: Is supposing more common in written or spoken English?

It appears in both. In written English, especially academic or professional contexts, it lends a sophisticated and analytical tone. In spoken English, it can be used to emphasize a hypothetical or to prompt thoughtful discussion, ranging from formal debates to casual, yet reflective, conversations.

Tense Usage with 'Supposing'

Time Frame Verb Form in Clause Meaning Example
Present/Future (Likely)
Present Simple
Real possibility
Supposing it rains...
Present/Future (Unlikely)
Past Simple
Hypothetical/Dream
Supposing I won...
Present/Future (Formal)
Were to + Verb
Very unlikely/Formal
Supposing he were to die...
Past (Impossible)
Past Perfect
Counterfactual past
Supposing we had met...

Variations of the Conjunction

Full Form Shortened Form Usage Note
Supposing that...
Supposing...
The 'that' is usually omitted in speech.
Suppose that...
Suppose...
Identical in meaning to 'Supposing'.
Just supposing...
Supposing...
Adding 'just' makes it more speculative.

Meanings

A conjunction used to introduce a hypothetical condition or a 'what if' scenario, often used to prompt a discussion about consequences.

1

Speculative Future

Imagining a possible but unlikely future event.

“Supposing they offer you the job, will you take it?”

“Supposing we miss the train, is there a bus?”

2

Counterfactual Past

Imagining how the past could have been different.

“Supposing you hadn't intervened, what would have happened?”

“Supposing we had never met, where would you be now?”

3

Challenging an Assumption

Using a hypothesis to question someone's logic or plan.

“Supposing your theory is wrong; what's your Plan B?”

“Supposing he doesn't show up, do we start without him?”

Reference Table

Reference table for What If Scenarios: Using 'Supposing'
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Supposing + S + V(past)...
Supposing we left early?
Negative
Supposing + S + didn't + V...
Supposing they didn't come?
Question
Supposing... + Question?
Supposing it fails, what then?
Past Counterfactual
Supposing + S + had + V3...
Supposing you had seen him?
Formal Subjunctive
Supposing + S + were to + V...
Supposing she were to resign?
With 'That'
Supposing that + S + V...
Supposing that he is right?

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Supposing one were to face redundancy, what measures would be taken?

Supposing one were to face redundancy, what measures would be taken? (Career discussion)

Neutral
Supposing you lost your job, what would you do?

Supposing you lost your job, what would you do? (Career discussion)

Informal
Supposing you got fired, then what?

Supposing you got fired, then what? (Career discussion)

Slang
Supposing you got the boot, how you gonna pay rent?

Supposing you got the boot, how you gonna pay rent? (Career discussion)

The 'Supposing' Thought Bubble

Supposing

Future

  • Unlikely Past Simple

Past

  • Impossible Past Perfect

If vs. Supposing

If
Neutral Logical condition
Supposing
Speculative Imaginary scenario

Choosing the Tense

1

Is it about the past?

YES
Use Past Perfect
NO
Is it unlikely?
2

Is it unlikely?

YES
Use Past Simple
NO
Use Present Simple

Common Contexts

💼

Business

  • • Risk assessment
  • • Negotiation
  • • Strategy
💬

Social

  • • Gossip
  • • Dreaming
  • • Planning
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Examples by Level

1

Supposing it is cold?

2

Supposing you are late?

3

Supposing we go now?

4

Supposing he says no?

1

Supposing you lose your phone?

2

Supposing the shop is closed?

3

Supposing they don't like the food?

4

Supposing we take a taxi?

1

Supposing you won the lottery, what would you buy?

2

Supposing it rained all day, would we still go?

3

Supposing you had a superpower, which one would it be?

4

Supposing she forgot your birthday, would you be mad?

1

Supposing the flight was canceled, how would we get home?

2

Supposing you hadn't studied, do you think you'd have passed?

3

Supposing we invested now, what are the risks?

4

Supposing he doesn't agree to the terms, what's our next move?

1

Supposing the government were to collapse, what would follow?

2

Supposing you had been born in a different century?

3

Supposing we were to pivot our entire strategy this late in the game?

4

Supposing the evidence had been tampered with, the whole case would fall apart.

1

Supposing, for the sake of argument, that his premise is entirely flawed.

2

Supposing we should find ourselves in a position of absolute power?

3

Supposing the very fabric of reality were to unravel before our eyes?

4

Supposing he had but one chance to redeem himself, would he take it?

Easily Confused

What If Scenarios: Using 'Supposing' vs Supposing vs. Supposed to

Learners confuse the hypothetical conjunction with the verb meaning 'expected to'.

What If Scenarios: Using 'Supposing' vs Supposing vs. If

Learners use 'Supposing if' together.

Common Mistakes

✗

Supposing you will go?

✓

Supposing you go?

Don't use 'will' after supposing.
✗

Supposing it is rain?

✓

Supposing it rains?

Use a verb, not just a noun.
✗

Supposing you are rich, what would you do?

✓

Supposing you were rich, what would you do?

Use the past tense for hypothetical situations.
✗

Supposing you didn't meet him last year?

✓

Supposing you hadn't met him last year?

For the past, you must use the Past Perfect.

Sentence Patterns

Supposing ___ (Subject) ___ (Past Verb), what would happen?

Supposing ___ (Subject) hadn't ___ (Past Participle)...

Real World Usage

Job Interview common

Supposing a conflict arose between team members, how would you mediate?

Texting a friend very common

Supposing we just skip the party and watch a movie?

Financial Planning common

Supposing the interest rates rise next year, can we afford the mortgage?

Social Media Poll occasional

Supposing you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what is it?

Legal Cross-examination occasional

Supposing the witness is lying, where does that leave your case?

Travel Planning common

Supposing the hotel is overbooked, do we have a backup?

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🎯

Drop the 'That'

In 99% of spoken English, we say 'Supposing we...' instead of 'Supposing that we...'. It sounds much more natural.
⚠️

No 'Will' Allowed

Never say 'Supposing it will rain'. Use the present 'Supposing it rains' or the past 'Supposing it rained'.
💡

Use for Suggestions

You can use 'Supposing' to make a polite or indirect suggestion. 'Supposing we try again tomorrow?' sounds less bossy than 'Let's try again tomorrow'.
💬

The 'What If' Game

In English-speaking cultures, 'Supposing' is the start of a common social game where people imagine wild scenarios. It's a great way to bond.

Smart Tips

Start your sentence with 'Supposing' to force your opponent to imagine your perspective.

If my plan works, we win. → Supposing my plan works, can you imagine the growth we'd see?

Think about whether the event is possible. If it's just a dream, go one step back in time (Present -> Past).

Supposing I win the lottery (I have a ticket). → Supposing I won the lottery (I'm just dreaming).

Use 'Supposing that' to add a layer of professional distance and politeness.

If you can't come, let me know. → Supposing that you are unable to attend, please notify us by noon.

Use 'Supposing' to turn a command into a suggestion.

We should go now. → Supposing we headed off now?

Pronunciation

/səˈpoʊzɪŋ/

Stress on the second syllable

The word 'supposing' is stressed on the 'po'.

Rising intonation

Supposing it fails? ↗

Conveys uncertainty and invites the listener to provide a solution.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Supposing starts a Story: Imagine the Scenario.

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a crystal ball. Inside the ball is a tiny world where everything is different. 'Supposing' is the magic word that lets you look inside that ball.

Rhyme

When you want to guess and play, 'Supposing' is the word to say!

Story

A detective is at a crime scene. He says, 'Supposing the killer left through the window?' He isn't sure, but he is inviting his partner to imagine that specific path to see if it makes sense.

Word Web

ImaginePretendHypothesizeSpeculateWhat ifAssumeSuppose

Challenge

Write down three 'Supposing' questions about your life if you lived on Mars. Use the Past Simple.

Cultural Notes

British speakers often use 'Suppose' and 'Supposing' interchangeably in casual conversation to sound less direct.

Americans frequently use 'What if' in place of 'Supposing' in all but the most formal contexts.

In Western academia, 'Supposing' is a standard way to introduce a 'thought experiment' or a 'counter-argument'.

From the Old French 'supposer', meaning 'to put under' or 'to assume'.

Conversation Starters

“

Supposing you could live anywhere in the world, where would you go?

“

Supposing you had been born 100 years ago, how would your life be different?

Journal Prompts

Supposing you woke up tomorrow with the ability to fly. Describe your first day.
Supposing the internet had never been invented. How would society function today?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Choose the correct verb form. Multiple Choice

Supposing you ___ (see) a ghost, what would you do?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: saw
We use the past tense for hypothetical present/future scenarios.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Supposing we ___ (not/meet) that day, we wouldn't be married now.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hadn't met
This is a past counterfactual, so we use the Past Perfect.
Find the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Supposing if you win the prize, how will you spend it?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: if
You cannot use 'Supposing' and 'if' together.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Supposing you lost your passport?
The conjunction 'Supposing' usually starts the sentence.
Match the supposition with the logical result. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A. ...we'll stay home. B. ...would you quit your job? C. ...you'd have missed the flight.
Matches based on tense: Present -> Future; Past -> Would; Past Perfect -> Would have.
Change the 'If' sentence to a 'Supposing' sentence. Sentence Transformation

If you were the president, what would you change?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Supposing you were the president, what would you change?
Maintain the same tense (Past Simple) when switching from 'If' to 'Supposing'.
Is the following rule true or false? True False Rule

'Supposing' can be used to talk about things that actually happened in the past.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
'Supposing' is for hypothetical (imaginary) situations, not real past events.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: I'm worried about the presentation. B: ___, what's the worst that could happen?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Supposing you failed
The past tense 'failed' is used for a hypothetical present worry.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Choose the correct verb form. Multiple Choice

Supposing you ___ (see) a ghost, what would you do?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: saw
We use the past tense for hypothetical present/future scenarios.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Supposing we ___ (not/meet) that day, we wouldn't be married now.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hadn't met
This is a past counterfactual, so we use the Past Perfect.
Find the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Supposing if you win the prize, how will you spend it?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: if
You cannot use 'Supposing' and 'if' together.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

[you / supposing / lost / passport / your / ?]

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Supposing you lost your passport?
The conjunction 'Supposing' usually starts the sentence.
Match the supposition with the logical result. Match Pairs

1. Supposing it rains... 2. Supposing you were rich... 3. Supposing you'd been late...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A. ...we'll stay home. B. ...would you quit your job? C. ...you'd have missed the flight.
Matches based on tense: Present -> Future; Past -> Would; Past Perfect -> Would have.
Change the 'If' sentence to a 'Supposing' sentence. Sentence Transformation

If you were the president, what would you change?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Supposing you were the president, what would you change?
Maintain the same tense (Past Simple) when switching from 'If' to 'Supposing'.
Is the following rule true or false? True False Rule

'Supposing' can be used to talk about things that actually happened in the past.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
'Supposing' is for hypothetical (imaginary) situations, not real past events.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: I'm worried about the presentation. B: ___, what's the worst that could happen?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Supposing you failed
The past tense 'failed' is used for a hypothetical present worry.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Choose the correct form. Fill in the Blank

Supposing you ___ (see) your favorite celebrity, what would you say?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: saw
Choose the correct form. Fill in the Blank

Supposing the flight ___ (be) delayed, how will we get to the meeting on time?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is
Find and fix the mistake. Error Correction

Supposing I had studied harder, I would pass the exam.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Supposing I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.
Find and fix the mistake. Error Correction

What would you do, supposing you will lose your wallet?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: What would you do, supposing you lost your wallet?
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Supposing he asks you, what will you say?
Which sentence uses 'Supposing' correctly for a formal, speculative scenario? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Supposing the economy collapsed, what actions would governments take?
Translate into English: 'What if she didn't come? What would we do then?' Translation

Translate into English: 'What if she didn't come? What would we do then?'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Supposing she didn't come? What would we do then?","Supposing she didn't come, what would we do then?"]
Translate into English: 'Imagine you lose your keys, where would you check first?' Translation

Translate into English: 'Imagine you lose your keys, where would you check first?'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Supposing you lost your keys, where would you check first?","Supposing you lose your keys, where will you check first?"]
Put the words in order. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Supposing you said yes, what then?
Put the words in order. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Supposing the project had failed, we would have lost everything.
Match each beginning with the correct ending. Match Pairs

Match the beginning of the sentence with the correct ending:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Match each hypothetical situation with its likely conditional outcome. Match Pairs

Match the 'supposing' clause with its appropriate main clause:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

Yes, they are interchangeable. `Suppose we go?` and `Supposing we go?` mean the same thing, though `Supposing` is slightly more common as a conjunction.

It is neutral. It works in a business meeting (`Supposing we increase the budget?`) and in a casual chat (`Supposing we get pizza?`).

Not always, but it's very common because you are usually asking someone to imagine something. You can also use it in a statement: `Supposing it rains, we will stay home.`

This is called the 'subjunctive' or 'hypothetical' past. It shows that the situation is not real. `Supposing I won` means I haven't won yet.

No. This is a common mistake. Use one or the other: `If it rains...` or `Supposing it rains...`.

`Assuming` implies you think it's likely true. `Supposing` is just for imagination and doesn't care if it's likely or not.

Yes, but you must use the Past Perfect: `Supposing you had told me?` (But you didn't).

Yes, to set up a premise for an argument. `Supposing the hypothesis were true, we would expect...`

Scaffolded Practice

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Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Suponiendo que

Spanish requires the subjunctive; English uses the indicative past.

French high

En supposant que

English 'Supposing' is more common in casual speech than the French equivalent.

German moderate

Angenommen

German uses a participle, while English uses a gerund/conjunction.

Japanese partial

もしも (Moshimo)

Japanese is a particle/adverb, while 'Supposing' is a conjunction.

Arabic moderate

بفرض أن (Bifardi anna)

Arabic is much more formal and less common in daily texting/chatting.

Chinese high

假如 (Jiǎrú)

Chinese doesn't have tense backshifting, so the context must provide the time.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Conditional 'In Case': Expressing Precautions

Learn These First

B1 Builds On

The Second Conditional: Dreaming with 'If' and 'Would'

Overview The **Second Conditional** is a fundamental grammatical structure in English used to discuss **hypothetical, un...

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