ostensibly caused by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ostensibly caused by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something appears to be caused by a particular factor, but there may be doubt or uncertainty about that cause. Example: "The delay in the project was ostensibly caused by a lack of resources, but there may be other underlying issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In view of our results, hypoperfusion may be explained by a reduction of the renal perfusion pressure ostensibly caused by the increase of intrarenal pressure due to the volume increment.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

This latter effect, ostensibly caused by contamination from the adjacent normal brain tissue, limits the utility of these microRNAs to serve as biomarkers for differentiating between brain primary tumors and brain-located metastases (AUC of 0.85∼0.95, see Table 2 and Figure S5).

Brain Pathology

The finding of a high prevalence of ORVs in the community and the overall temporal increase in resistance demonstrates that the previously documented reduced fitness of viruses bearing the H275Y mutation, ostensibly caused by structural and functional constraints (10 ), has been overcome in currently circulating influenza viruses A (H1N1).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That crisis was caused by a dispute ostensibly over payments and terms of shipping natural gas to the European Union.

The New York Times

In the 1930s, hundreds of thousands of sheep were slaughtered in the federal government's stock reduction programs, ostensibly undertaken to reduce soil erosion caused by overgrazing.

The New York Times - Travel

They constitute not just an attack on ordinary people, but a desperate re-affirmation of neoliberal policies, designed ostensibly to reduce a budget deficit which was caused by precisely the same deregulation and privatisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

She specifically cites the troubles caused by her plain speaking in the ostensibly integrated and sophisticated downtown milieu, centered around Café Society, where she became a celebrity in the early forties.

The New Yorker

The $10,000 payment, Mr. Fuller said, was made in five installments in meetings at the Maplewood Diner in Maplewood, and was ostensibly for his vote to approve a payment to the main contractor on the school project for work delays caused by board inaction.

The New York Times

A peculiar ordeal in ostensibly the world's most peaceful nation began when, leaving Davos after four days covering the World Economic Forumsummit, my taxi to the Swiss resort's railway station got clogged in traffic caused by an anti-capitalist demonstration.

The Guardian - Business

1,572 deaths caused by guns.

The New York Times

The SMSBF's idea of of Smart Growth--ostensibly endorsed by GM executives by virtue of their being a founding member--depends on a de facto agreement with the thesis that environmental degradation is caused by human factors, known more commonly as 'global warming.' Too bad GM executives have spit on the idea of global warming in other contexts.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ostensibly caused by" when you want to express that something appears to be the cause, but you have doubts or reservations about its accuracy. This adds a layer of critical analysis to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "ostensibly caused by" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and overly cautious. Use synonyms like "apparently caused by" or "seemingly caused by" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ostensibly caused by" functions as a causal connector, linking an event or situation with its apparent, but potentially not actual, cause. It introduces an element of doubt or skepticism, indicating the stated cause may be superficial. Ludwig AI confirms this interpretation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ostensibly caused by" is a phrase used to indicate that something appears to be the cause of a situation, but there's reason to believe the actual cause might be different or more complex. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase functions as a causal connector, often employed in neutral and formal contexts like news and scientific writing. When you want to express that the cause is what it appears to be at first glance you can use "seemingly caused by". Use it to add a layer of critical thought to your writing, implying that the obvious explanation may not be the full story.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apparently caused by

Highlights that the cause is based on appearance, and might not reflect the underlying reality.

seemingly caused by

Emphasizes the impression given, suggesting the cause is what it appears to be at first glance.

supposedly caused by

Indicates the stated cause is doubtful or based on hearsay, implying skepticism.

ostensibly due to

Similar in meaning, but using 'due to' instead of 'caused by' to denote reason or explanation.

allegedly caused by

Used when the cause is claimed but not yet proven, often in legal or contentious contexts.

putatively caused by

A more formal way to say 'thought to be caused by' suggesting a hypothesis.

professedly caused by

Suggests the cause is declared or claimed openly, possibly with insincerity.

purportedly caused by

Indicates that the cause is presented as true, but its veracity is questionable.

ostensibly resulting from

Focuses on the outcome or consequence and suggests the reason for it.

apparently stemming from

Implies that the cause originates or develops from a particular source.

FAQs

How can I use "ostensibly caused by" in a sentence?

Use "ostensibly caused by" to indicate that something appears to be the reason for an event or situation, but you suspect or know that other factors may be involved. For example: "The project's delay was ostensibly caused by funding issues, but mismanagement also played a role."

What's a good alternative to "ostensibly caused by"?

Alternatives include "apparently caused by", "seemingly caused by", or "supposedly caused by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "ostensibly" really mean?

"Ostensibly" means outwardly appearing to be true or real, but with a possible underlying difference or deception. It suggests that the stated reason might not be the actual or complete reason.

Is it appropriate to use "ostensibly caused by" in formal writing?

Yes, "ostensibly caused by" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to convey a sense of doubt or reservation about a stated cause. It is often found in academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts.