Suppose that, let's assume that and what if set up an idea to reason from, without claiming it is true.
Setting up an idea
Not "The funding is cut next year. (stated as a fact you do not have)" — say "Suppose that the funding is cut next year.". Without suppose, you claim something you have not shown.
Try it: Mei: We don't actually know if the library will open on Sundays next term. Ethan: Fair point. ___ it does, though, would you study there? Choose the words for the blank. (Suppose that / Because / It's obvious that) Answer: Suppose that — Suppose that sets up an idea to explore, which fits "we don't actually know".
Word
Pronunciation
Example
suppose that
/səˈpoʊz ðæt/
Suppose that the funding is cut next year; which programs would we protect?
let's assume that
/lɛts əˈsum ðæt/
Let's assume that the survey data is reliable and see where that leads.
what if
/wʌt ɪf/
What if the trial were extended to a full year instead of six months?
A known fact or an open condition
Given reasons from a known fact, while as long as, provided that and in the event that set a condition that may not happen.
Not "Suppose that the sample was small, we should treat the result cautiously." — say "Given the sample size, we should treat the result cautiously.". The sample size is already known, so use Given, not suppose.
Try it: Ethan: We already know the concert ends at midnight. Mei: Right. ___ that, we should book a taxi home. Choose the word for the blank. (Given / Supposing / Assuming) Answer: Given — The end time is already known, so Given fits, while "Supposing" treats it as unproven.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
given
/ˈɡɪvən/
Given the sample size, we should treat the result cautiously.
as long as
/əz ˈlɔŋ əz/
The pilot can continue as long as the funding holds.
provided that
/prəˈvaɪdɪd ðæt/
We'll publish in March, provided that the review finishes on time.
in the event that
/ɪn ði ɪˈvɛnt ðæt/
In the event that the trial is halted, participants will be contacted directly.
Drawing a careful conclusion
It stands to reason that marks a logical conclusion, one could argue that a debatable one, and it's conceivable that a mere possibility.
Not "It makes to reason that smaller classes need more teachers." — say "It stands to reason that smaller classes need more teachers.". The verb is always stand (it stands / it stood to reason), never make.
Try it: Mei: Not everyone will agree that longer terms help students. Ethan: True. ___ they reduce the summer learning gap, but the evidence is mixed. Choose the words for the blank. (One could argue that / It stands to reason that / Suppose that) Answer: One could argue that — "Not everyone will agree" calls for a debatable view: One could argue that.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
it stands to reason that
/ɪt stændz tə ˈrizən ðæt/
If classes shrink, it stands to reason that we'll need more teachers.
one could argue that
/wʌn kʊd ˈɑrɡju ðæt/
One could argue that remote work widens access to jobs.
it's conceivable that
/ɪts kənˈsivəbəl ðæt/
It's conceivable that the results were affected by the small sample.
Hedging how likely something is
May well and could well mean quite possibly, but unlike will definitely, they do not claim certainty.
Not "Prices will definitely go up next year." — say "Prices may well go up next year.". A hypothesis does not claim certainty.
Try it: Mei: What happens to the bus routes if the city cuts the funding? Ethan: Nobody knows yet, but waiting times ___ increase. Choose the words for the blank. (may well / will definitely / cannot) Answer: may well — "Nobody knows yet" needs a hedge, so may well fits, while "will definitely" claims certainty.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
may well
/meɪ wɛl/
Costs may well rise before the new supplier is in place.
could well
/kʊd wɛl/
Smaller towns could well benefit from the shift.
What are the common mistakes?
Incorrect
Correct
Why
The funding is cut next year. (stated as a fact you do not have)
Suppose that the funding is cut next year.
Without suppose, you claim something you have not shown.
Suppose that the sample was small, we should treat the result cautiously.
Given the sample size, we should treat the result cautiously.
The sample size is already known, so use Given, not suppose.
It makes to reason that smaller classes need more teachers.
It stands to reason that smaller classes need more teachers.
The verb is always stand (it stands / it stood to reason), never make.