How to Use the Words SUPPOSE ,SUPPOSED TO, and WONDER

How to Use the Words SUPPOSE ,SUPPOSED TO, and WONDER

by Srinivas
(India)

Hello,

I have got two questions for you:

1) Could you please explain how to use the words SUPPOSE and SUPPOSED TO in English? I have some confusion with these two words. I learned that in fact they have different meanings.

2) How should I use the word WONDER? What is the meaning of WONDER?

Please help.

Thanks.

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Mar 17, 2013
Answer
by: Chelsey

These are good questions.

1) Could you please explain how to use the words SUPPOSE and SUPPOSED TO in English? I have some confusion with these two words. I learned that in fact they have different meanings.

Yes, I can explain the differences in these words.

Suppose – transitive verb.

Suppose is used to say that you have an opinion or you believe something to be true.

1. Who do you suppose will win the championship game tonight? (Who do you think will win?)
2. I suppose I could help you. (I believe I can help you.)

It can also be used to say that you agree with something.

1. Will you have time to take me to the dentist tomorrow? Yes, I suppose so. (I believe I will have time.)
2. Do you want me to come with you? I suppose. (Yes)

Supposed to (be supposed) - verb

We use supposed to to say what we expect someone to do or what someone should do.

1. You are supposed to clean your room before Mom comes home. (She expects you to clean it.)
2. The gift was supposed to be a surprise for Sally, but you told her about it. (It should have been a surprise.)
3. The children were not supposed to eat candy before bed. (They should have waited.)

2) How should I use the word WONDER? What is the meaning of WONDER?

The word wonder can be used as a noun or verb. Let’s look at each one.

Wonder – noun

Definition 1: Someone or something that is shocking, surprising, beautiful, or amazing; a miracle

1. It is a wonder that she can keep her house clean with four children. (It is surprising.)
2. She is a wonder at the piano. (She is an amazing piano player.)
3. It is a wonder he survived the crash. (It is a miracle.)

Definition 2: A feeling someone has from seeing something shocking, surprising, beautiful, amazing

1. The child was filled with wonder when she saw the large elephant. (The child was amazed.)
2. We watched the launch of the ship with wonder. (We felt shocked and amazed.)

Wonder – verb

To feel curious; to want to know something

1. I wonder why the sky is blue.
2. I wonder if you could tell me where the bathroom is.
3. My mom was wondering if you wanted to come for supper.

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