ostensibly because

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ostensibly because" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something appears to be true or is stated to be true, but there may be other underlying reasons. Example: "She declined the invitation, ostensibly because she was busy, but I suspect she just didn't want to go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I say ostensibly because Acaster is a slippery customer.

The Guardian

The work done by the detainees was secret, ostensibly because "V" weapons were being, produced.

Yale University

The gift received national attention, ostensibly because it was named after such a recognizable figure.

The New York Times - Sports

Radios and monitors were too, ostensibly because they could be used to provide an unfair advantage.

The New York Times - Sports

They ran their own brothel until the politicians closed them down, ostensibly because of unpaid taxes.

Independent

By then, Moody's had downgraded the securities — ostensibly because of the credit crisis.

The New York Times

The building is known locally as "The Crack", ostensibly because it houses the elite police force.

The Guardian

An officer returned both items to her, ostensibly because they posed safety hazards.

The New Yorker

Unsurprisingly, the marriage didn't happen, ostensibly because the couple couldn't find a place to live.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) opposed the idea ostensibly because of its implications for students' privacy.

Stanford University

He disagreed with his colleagues on a large increase in naval expenditure and finally resigned ostensibly because sight and hearing were failing on March 3 , 1894

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ostensibly because" to introduce a reason that is given or appears to be the case, but might not be the actual or complete explanation. This adds nuance and invites the reader to consider alternative possibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "ostensibly because" when you are certain and have evidence that the stated reason is the real reason. Using it in such cases can make your writing sound unnecessarily skeptical or sarcastic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ostensibly because" functions as a causal connector, linking an event or situation with a stated reason that may not be the actual or complete explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces an element of doubt or skepticism regarding the given reason.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

16%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ostensibly because" is a causal connector used to introduce a reason that is stated or appears to be true, but which may not be the actual or complete explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's commonly found in news and media, academic, and wiki contexts. While grammatically sound, writers should be mindful of its implication of skepticism, avoiding its use when the stated reason is genuinely known to be true. Related phrases include "seemingly because" and "apparently due to". The phrase serves to invite critical analysis and consideration of underlying motives. Ludwig's analysis highlights its role in adding nuance and complexity to writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seemingly because

Emphasizes that the reason is how it appears, but may not be the truth.

apparently due to

Highlights that the reason is based on outward appearances.

purportedly because

Indicates the reason is claimed but of uncertain validity.

allegedly due to

Indicates that the reason is claimed but not proven.

on the surface, because

Implies the reason is true only from a superficial examination.

supposedly on account of

Suggests the reason is based on hearsay or assumption.

professedly because

Suggests the reason is openly declared, but may be insincere.

avowedly because

Suggests the reason is openly acknowledged, but sincerity is questionable.

on the face of it, because

Indicates the reason is true based on initial assessment.

under the pretext of

Highlights the reason is a deceptive excuse.

FAQs

What does "ostensibly because" mean?

The phrase "ostensibly because" means seemingly or apparently for a stated reason. It suggests the given reason might not be the real or complete reason.

How can I use "ostensibly because" in a sentence?

Use "ostensibly because" to introduce a reason that is presented as the explanation for something, but which you suspect may not be the full or genuine reason. For example, "She resigned, "ostensibly because" of health reasons, but many believe she was forced out."

What are some alternatives to "ostensibly because"?

Alternatives include "seemingly because", "apparently due to", or "professedly because", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "ostensibly because" and "actually because"?

"Ostensibly because" introduces a stated reason that might not be the real one, while "actually because" introduces the real, often hidden, reason. They are used to contrast a superficial explanation with the true explanation.