What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
presumably
Example
The train is presumably delayed due to bad weather. [presumably: adverb]
Example
He's not here yet, presumably stuck in traffic. [presumably: adverb]
supposedly
Example
The movie is supposedly based on a true story. [supposedly: adverb]
Example
She's supposedly an expert in the field, but her credentials are questionable. [supposedly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Supposedly is more commonly used than presumably in everyday language. Supposedly is often used in news articles, gossip, and rumors, while presumably is more commonly used in academic or technical writing.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between presumably and supposedly?
Presumably is generally considered more formal than supposedly. It is often used in academic or technical writing to express a likely or probable outcome based on available evidence. Supposedly is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
