What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reportedly
Example
Reportedly, the new restaurant in town has amazing food. [reportedly: adverb]
Example
The celebrity reportedly bought a new mansion in Beverly Hills. [reportedly: adverb]
ostensibly
Example
The company's decision to lay off employees was ostensibly due to budget cuts. [ostensibly: adverb]
Example
He ostensibly went to the party to socialize, but really he was there to network. [ostensibly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reportedly is more commonly used in news reporting or journalism, while ostensibly is more commonly used in academic or analytical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reportedly and ostensibly?
Ostensibly is generally considered more formal than reportedly, as it is often used in academic or analytical writing where a more formal tone is expected.
