Suppose/ think

Question

The correct use of "suppose and think"and differences. My English book has two sentences: Everyboy THINKS they know this story.... How do you SUPPOSE the third little pig thanked the wolf? I want to know the correct use between "think"and "suppose"

Answer 1

I am a native English speaker so thought I should have a go at answering. However, I looked it up on the internet, because I can tell if a sentence is correct but, I cannot always explain the rules or why. Here 'everybody thinks they know etc - it is similar to sure or certain but the teller is explaining many of the people are wrong. In the second part it is nearer to guess or imagine BUT when I looked it up I found a good article on the BBC which also refers to a completely different meaning for the construction suppose to [ie should/obliged to]

use of suppose

If having read the article you still have doubts, post again and I will answer and/or give some sample sentences.

Hola Mardle -The BBC has some of the very best articles on the internet for learners of English. - ian-hill, Mar 3, 2014

Answer 2

I think so.== vague agreement.

I suppose so=== much vaguer, probably disagrees in his/her heart

Example: Pig 1:'' I think you're a right pig!'' (indicating certainty and disapproval)

Pig 2 ( sadly) : ''I suppose so''. ( Indicating that he feels forced to agree.)

:) - ian-hill, Mar 3, 2014