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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Suppose I were vs. Suppose I am

1. Do you think the word 'suppose' should always be followed by the subjunctive 'were' or a past tense verb since when you say 'suppose', an imaginary world is meant?

Suppose I were...
Suppose I gave, changed, etc...

2. Is it never correct to say the following? If not, when do we use the present tense with 'suppose'?

Suppose I am...
Suppose I give, change, etc...

3. Does the word 'imagine' has the same usage as 'suppose' as you would explain?

Kindly advise. Thanks.
  

Top answer

suppose that and imagine that work the same as if does, namely, in the present if a real possibility, in the past (subjunctive) if hypothetical possibility. [Suppose that / Imagine that / If] I am ... [Suppose that / Imagine that / If] I were ...

— CalifJim

  • suppose that and imagine that work the same as if does, namely, in the present if a real possibility, in the past (subjunctive) if hypothetical possibility.
  • [Suppose that / Imagine that / If] I am ...
  • [Suppose that / Imagine that / If] I were ...
  • CJ
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2 Answers
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suppose that and imagine that work the same as if does, namely, in the present if a real possibility, in the past (subjunctive) if hypothetical possibility.

[Suppose that / Imagine that / If] I am ...
[Suppose that / Imagine that / If] I were ...

CJ
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I see the use of 'suppose' and 'imagine' is the same as that of if.

Thanks so much for your helpful response. I really aprreciate it.
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