Supposedly, Supposed to, Suppose

Here are some examples that demonstrate how to use each.

SUPPOSEDLY (adverb)

Supposedly, the earth is flat.

= According to some people, the earth is flat.

= Rumor has it that the earth is flat.

Supposedly, drinking milk is good for your health.

= They say drinking milk is good for your health.

= According to popular culture, drinking milk is good for your health.

= Rumor has it that drinking milk is good for you.

Supposedly, she works from 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday.

= Supposedly, she works from 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday, but I have my doubts.

= Supposedly, she works from 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday, but I don't think that's true.

When you use "supposedly" you have no proof or evidence about the truthfulness of the independent clause that follows. Or when you use "supposedly" there is some doubt in your mind about the truthfulness of the independent clause that follows.

Supposedly, Jocelyn was helping me.

According to Jocelyn, she was helping me.

Rumor has it that Jocelyn was helping me.

Supposedly, Harry Potter is the best book in the world.

According to some people, Harry Potter is the best book in the world.

Rumor has it that, Harry Potter is the best book in the world.

Supposedly, women shouldn't have children after 35 years old.

People say, women shouldn't have children after 35 years old.

Supposedly, you shouldn't eat watermelon at night.

Rumor has it that you shouldn't eat watermelon at night.

TO BE SUPPOSED TO (acts like a modal)

Simple past

He was supposed to complete the update on Monday.

He should have completed the update on Monday.

I was supposed to leave that area 6 weeks ago.

I should have left that area 6 weeks ago.

I was supposed to complete my incomplete records in the system.

I should have completed my incomplete records in the system.

Simple present

We are supposed to floss our teeth at least once a day.

= We should floss our teeth at least once a day.

= We ought to floss our teeth at least once a day.

I

Simple future

not possible

Present continuous

not possible

Present perfect

not possible

SUPPOSE (verb)

to suppose (infinitive form)

= to guess, to think, to believe, to be of the opinion that, to surmise, to assume, to presume

Simple past

I supposed Michoacan would be a good choice for many reasons.

= I guessed Michoacan would be a good choice for many reasons.

= I thought Michoacan would be a good choice for many reasons.

= I believed Michoacan would be a good choice for many reasons.

= I was of the opinion that Michoacan would be a good choice for many reasons.

= I believed Michoacan would be a good choice for many reasons.

= I assumed Michoacan would be a good choice for many reasons.

= I presumed Michoacan would be a good choice for many reasons.

Simple present

I suppose Michoacan is a good choice for many reasons.

= I guess Michoacan will be a good choice for many reasons.

= I think Michoacan was a good choice for many reasons.

= I believe Michoacan has been a good choice for many reasons.

= I am of the opinion that Michoacan is a good choice for many reasons.

= I believe Michoacan was a good choice for many reasons.

= I assume Michoacan has been a good choice for many reasons.

= I presume Michoacan is a good choice for many reasons.

Simple future

not possible

Present continuous

not used

Present perfect

I have supposed Michoacan to be a good choice for many reasons.

I have guessed Michoacan to be a good choice for many reasons.

I have thought Michoacan to be a good choice for many reasons.

I have believed Michoacan to be a good choice for many reasons.

I have been of the opinion that Michoacan is a good choice for many reasons.

I have been of the opinion that Michoacan was a good choice for many reasons

I have been of the opinion that Michoacan will be good choice for many reasons.

I have believed Michoacan to be a good choice for many reasons.

I have believed Michoacan was a good choice for many reasons.

I have believed Michoacan would be a good choice for many reasons.

I have presumed that Michoacan is a good choice for many reasons.

I have presumed that Michoacan was a good choice for many reasons

I have presumed that Michoacan will be a good choice for many reasons.

I have assumed that Michoacan is a good choice for many reasons.

I have assumed that Michoacan was a good choice for many reasons

I have assumed that Michoacan will be a good choice for many reasons.