but supposedly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but supposedly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is claimed or believed to be true, but you are expressing doubt or uncertainty about it. Example: "He is the best player on the team, but supposedly he has been struggling with injuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Frugal and boring... but supposedly smart.

The New York Times

But supposedly greener alternatives are more costly and less effective.

The Economist

That did not sound very long to me, but supposedly it is.

The New York Times - Sports

These are not retail buyers but supposedly sophisticated investors, some of whom issue bonds themselves.

The Economist

But supposedly intelligent, morally upstanding people had been indulging in it right in Langley, Va.

The New York Times

They are funded, but supposedly not armed, by the US military.

The Guardian

It was operated manually, but supposedly could pick up the barest whisper.

The New York Times

Just as the first name of Ron Paul's son evokes Ayn Rand but supposedly wasn't intended to, that of Victor Niederhoffer's daughter evokes John Galt, the hero of "Atlas Shrugged," but supposedly wasn't intended to, either.

The New Yorker

Luckily the police turned them away, but supposedly they  were brought back secretly by some of the people here".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Also known as the pain beam, it heats skin painfully but supposedly harmlessly with microwaves.

The Economist

Wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) live in the same places and eat the same foods as these big cats, but supposedly hunt much differently.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "but supposedly" with citations or sources when possible to strengthen your writing's credibility. This helps show where the information is coming from and why you are including it despite any doubts.

Common error

Relying too heavily on "but supposedly" can weaken your writing. Overuse makes your stance seem uncertain and undermines your authority. Vary your language with stronger verbs or direct statements when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but supposedly" serves as a qualifying conjunction. It connects two contrasting ideas, where the latter part introduces information that is presented as a common belief or assumption, yet the speaker implies a degree of skepticism or uncertainty. This function is evident in Ludwig's examples, as it indicates a reported statement that may or may not be reliable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but supposedly" functions as a qualifying conjunction used to introduce information that is alleged to be true, but with the speaker signaling doubt or uncertainty. Ludwig AI data indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and very common, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, writers should be mindful of overuse and ensure its usage aligns with their intended tone and degree of skepticism. Always consider alternative phrasing for clarity and impact. This phrase is a good choice when you want to introduce information you are skeptical about.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but allegedly

Replaces "supposedly" with a term that suggests the information is based on an allegation that may not be proven.

but allegedly

This phrase implies something is claimed to be true, but it has not been proven, thus suggesting uncertainty.

but purportedly

Similar to "supposedly", but implies the information is based on what is claimed or appears to be true.

but reportedly

Indicates the information comes from a report, suggesting a degree of verification but not necessarily certainty.

but ostensibly

Implies the reason or purpose is what is stated, though not necessarily the real reason.

but seemingly

Suggests something appears to be the case, but there's a hint of doubt or uncertainty.

but apparently

Similar to "seemingly", but suggests the information comes from an observation or something noticed.

but theoretically

Highlights that something is true in theory, but may not be in practice.

but nominally

Suggests that something is true in name only, differing from the reality.

but presumptively

Indicates that something is supposed to be true until proven otherwise, suggesting an assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "but supposedly" in a sentence?

You can use "but supposedly" to introduce an idea or statement that you find questionable or are not entirely convinced of. For example: "The new diet is effective, "but supposedly" it requires cutting out all carbs."

What are some alternatives to "but supposedly"?

Alternatives include phrases like "but allegedly", "but reportedly", or "but ostensibly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "but allegedly" or "but supposedly"?

The choice between "but allegedly" and ""but supposedly"" depends on the context. "But allegedly" is more appropriate when referring to something not yet proven in court, whereas "but supposedly" is more general and indicates a lack of certainty or belief in the claim.

What does "but supposedly" imply about the speaker's belief?

"But supposedly" suggests that the speaker is relaying information without necessarily endorsing it. They may doubt the truth or accuracy of the statement and are signaling this to the listener or reader.