When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To suppose (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to suppose" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I suppose to go with the original plan.
Supposing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "supposing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Supposing we leave now, we can still catch the train.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To suppose (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To suppose is a common way to approach a problem.
To suppose is a common way to approach a problem.
- "*To suppose*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common way to approach a problem).
- 2Object
She wants me to suppose that everything will be fine.
She wants me to suppose that everything will be fine.
- "Me *to suppose* that everything will be fine" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to suppose* that everything will be fine).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need more evidence to suppose a different outcome.
I need more evidence to suppose a different outcome.
- "*To suppose* a different outcome" modifies the noun "evidence."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (more evidence *to suppose* a different outcome).
Supposing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Supposing is a good way to explore alternative scenarios.
Supposing is a good way to explore alternative scenarios.
- "*Supposing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a good way to explore alternative scenarios).
- 2Object
I enjoy supposing what could have been.
I enjoy supposing what could have been.
- "*Supposing* what could have been" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*supposing* what could have been).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for supposing the future.
She has a talent for supposing the future.
- "For *supposing* the future" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *supposing* the future).
Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects
The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects
Example
They agreed to suppose that she was telling the truth.
He demanded to suppose that he would be compensated.
We wished to suppose that it was all just a dream.
She pretended to suppose that she didn't know what was going on.
They chose to suppose that there was a logical explanation.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He considered supposing a different outcome.
They avoid supposing that things will go wrong.
I recommend supposing the best-case scenario.
She can't imagine supposing anything other than success.
Do you mind supposing that it's not as easy as it seems?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to suppose that everything happens for a reason. She likes supposing that everything happens for a reason.
We started to suppose that there might be a better solution. We started supposing that there might be a better solution.
He began to suppose that he had made the wrong decision. He began supposing that he had made the wrong decision.
