English grammar
Assume and fear: I suppose, I take it · I'm afraid (bad news) vs I fear (a worry)
Think a decision through: state assumptions, imagine cases, voice fears and give bad news politely.
From the scene Suppose you say yes
In short
Assume with I suppose or I take it. I'm afraid softens bad news; I fear voices a real worry.
Your turn
Which one goes with a real possibility?
Options: I suppose it goes up · supposing they didn't keep you on · suppose you say yes
Show answer
a real possibility → suppose you say yes
How it works
I suppose and I take it (that) state what you assume: I take it you've already told them.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
I (blank) it you've already told them.
Options: take · make · get
Show answer
I take it you've already told them.
Supongo que ya se lo has contado.
Good to know
Suppose or supposing can also open a what-if, with a past tense for a less likely case.
Good to know
I'm afraid (that) softens bad news, and I'm afraid so or I'm afraid not answers a question.
Good to know
I fear (that) voices a real worry, and sounds formal or dramatic.
assuming I suppose it goes up
Javi
I suppose it goes up after the trial period.
Supongo que sube después del periodo de prueba.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank) after the trial period.
Options: Suppose you say yes · Supposing they didn't keep you on · I suppose it goes up
Show answer
Javi
I suppose it goes up after the trial period.
Supongo que sube después del periodo de prueba.
a real possibility suppose you say yes
Your turn
What goes with suppose you say yes?
Options: a less likely case · a real possibility · assuming
Show answer
suppose you say yes → a real possibility
a less likely case supposing they didn't keep you on
polite bad news I'm afraid the starting salary is somewhat lower
Nuria
"I'm attaching the terms. I'm afraid the starting salary is somewhat lower."
"Te adjunto las condiciones. Me temo que el sueldo inicial es algo más bajo."
Your turn
What fills the gap?
"I'm attaching the terms. (blank)."
Options: I suppose it goes up · Suppose you say yes · I'm afraid the starting salary is somewhat lower
Show answer
Nuria
"I'm attaching the terms. I'm afraid the starting salary is somewhat lower."
"Te adjunto las condiciones. Me temo que el sueldo inicial es algo más bajo."
a worry I fear they won't keep me on
Nuria
But I fear they won't keep me on. No degree, no experience.
Pero temo que no me renueven. Ni carrera ni experiencia.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
But (blank). No degree, no experience.
Options: I fear they won't keep me on · I suppose it goes up · Suppose you say yes
Show answer
Nuria
But I fear they won't keep me on. No degree, no experience.
Pero temo que no me renueven. Ni carrera ni experiencia.
Common mistake
Not fearing or feared here. Montse is softening a fact.
"I'm attaching the terms. I'm afraid the starting salary is somewhat lower."
"Te adjunto las condiciones. Me temo que el sueldo inicial es algo más bajo."
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| assuming | I suppose it goes up |
|---|---|
| a real possibility | suppose you say yes |
| a less likely case | supposing they didn't keep you on |
| polite bad news | I'm afraid the starting salary is somewhat lower |
| a worry | I fear they won't keep me on |
More lines from the story
- JaviI take it you've already told them.Supongo que ya se lo has contado.
- NuriaYes, after six months. If they keep me on.Sí, a los seis meses. Si me renuevan.
- NuriaI'm afraid so. And my mum has already told the whole village.Me temo que sí. Y mi madre ya se lo ha contado a todo el pueblo.