English Lessons and Exercises
Conditionals - Suppose that - What if

How to use "Suppose that" and " What if"

We use "suppose that", "supposing that" and "what if" to talk abot the imaginary situations.
We just imagine the opposite of the current situation and want to guess or learn possible results of this imaginary situation.

suppose that / supposing that

  • Suppose that you failed the test, what would you do then?

  • Suppose that hadn't bought that car, what else would you have done with your money?

  • Suppose we miss the train - what will we do then?

  • Supposing that I lost all the money, what would you do?

  • We'd love to come and see you on Saturday, supposing  I don't have to work that day.

  • Suppose you lost your job tomorrow, what would you do? 



what if


What if I tell you lies?                       =      What will happen if I tell you lies?    (type 1)

What if
 I didn’t pay my debt?          =      What would happen if didn’t pay my debt?  (type 2)

What if
 I hadn’t called you?            =       What would have happened  if I hadn’t called you?   (type 3)    

  • What if  the train's late?

  • What if you hadn’t passed your exams?

  • What if you were late for work?

  • What if  it rains?

  • What if  he told you a lie?

  • What if  I hadn't warned you?

we can also use "suppose that" and "what if" as possibility or suggestion.


Suggestions

"suppose, supposing and what if + present verb"  form can be used to make suggestions about what may happen:

    A:     Where should we meet?
    B:     Suppose we meet an the cafe at six?
    A:     That’s great. I’ll call others and let them know.

    A:     We have a little money left. We caoonot go to a restaurant today.
    B:      What if we buy some thing from the market and cook at home?
    A:       Okay. Good idea. 

Possibility

"suppose, supposing and what if + past form" can also be used to talk about future possibilities:

    Suppose we hire Sam as  a new assistant? Do you think he’d do it?


    A:      What if I shaved off my hair. I’d love that.
    B:      You must be  joking!!


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