What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ostensibly
Example
The company's ostensibly eco-friendly practices were called into question by environmental activists. [ostensibly: adverb]
Example
He was ostensibly working on a research project, but his true intentions were unclear. [ostensibly: adverb]
supposedly
Example
Supposedly, the new restaurant in town has the best pizza in the city. [supposedly: adverb]
Example
The book supposedly contains secret codes and hidden messages. [supposedly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Supposedly is more commonly used than ostensibly in everyday language, and is often used in informal contexts. Ostensibly is more formal and is typically used in academic writing or news articles.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ostensibly and supposedly?
Ostensibly is more formal than supposedly, and is often used in academic writing or news articles. Supposedly is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
