Suppose and supposing can replace if to introduce a hypothetical, following the same tense patterns as conditionals: use the past simple plus would for present or future hypotheticals, as in suppose you won the lottery, what would you do, and the past perfect plus would have for past unreal situations.
Grammar Rule
Suppose and supposing can replace if to open a hypothetical, following the same tense patterns as conditionals. For present/future hypotheticals, use past simple plus would. For past unreal situations, use past perfect plus would have plus past participle. Never leave the verb in the present when describing a hypothetical.
Suppose / Supposing + Past/Past Perfect: Rules and Examples
| Time frame | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present/future hypothetical | Suppose + past simple, would | Suppose you won the lottery, what would you do? |
| Past unreal hypothetical | Suppose + past perfect, would have + p.p. | Suppose you had lost the documents, would you have told anyone? |
Remember: Use the past simple for present/future hypotheticals and the past perfect for hypotheticals about the past, always paired with would or would have.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using suppose or supposing correctly like if. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-12 Suppose / Supposing + Past/Past Perfect
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Frequently Asked Questions
What tense follows suppose for a present or future hypothetical?
The past simple, paired with would, as in suppose you won the lottery, what would you do.
What tense follows suppose for a past unreal situation?
The past perfect, paired with would have plus the past participle.
Can suppose replace if?
Yes, suppose and supposing can replace if to open a hypothetical, following the same tense patterns.
Can the verb stay in the present after suppose in a hypothetical?
No, the verb should never stay in the present when describing a hypothetical.