ostensibly committed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ostensibly committed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that appears to be committed or dedicated, but there may be doubts about the sincerity or depth of that commitment. Example: "The politician was ostensibly committed to environmental issues, but many questioned the authenticity of his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The S.L.A. divided its romantic attachments between poor people and short-order tactical violence ostensibly committed in their behalf.

The New York Times - Magazine

Despite being a Republican ostensibly committed to free markets, Mr. Bush has abdicated America's leadership role in championing them.

The New York Times

Ostensibly committed to deliver cellular phone service wherever they won a license, many winners instead immediately sold the license to a bona fide phone operator.

The New York Times

I talked to Volkov the day after he returned from an interrogation in Novosibirsk, where the crime was ostensibly committed and where he will eventually stand trial.

The New Yorker

Alexander brings this legal issue to vivid life with a series of daring house robberies (and attendant murders) ostensibly committed by a gang of black brigands.

The New York Times - Books

At the so-called Earth Summit in Rio 20 years ago, the nations of the world ostensibly committed themselves to broad actions to improve the environmental situation as well as reduce risks to human society.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

That focus is thus far unprecedented in nearly 15 years of post-9/11 counter-terrorism, which has yet to confront a known case of a suspected closeted LGBT individual ostensibly committing a mass murder in the name of a homophobic terrorist organization.

The Guardian

Philadelphia police are on the hunt for a serial retail thief who stole a bunch of power tools from a Home Depot, punched a cop in the face, and jumped onto the hood of a Honda, high-tailing it away from the crime scene like Paul Walker in Furious 7. Ostensibly Diperso had just committed a crime when this was taken, before getting caught.

Vice

In November 2014 two Americans, Kenneth Bae and Matthew Miller were released after receiving similar sentences for committing ostensibly minor crimes in the country.

The Guardian

If Bravo is the network devoted to baroque expressions of coastal affluence, TLC exists as its spirit cousin and opposition: a cable channel committed to the ostensibly bizarre habits of non-elites.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, both stars get off light compared to poor Eddie Redmayne, playing the villainous Balem, who finds himself in the unfortunate circumstance of campaigning for an Oscar (for his turn as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything) while theaters are showing him deliver one of the most unintentionally hilarious performances ever committed to an ostensibly serious production.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about actions or policies, pairing the phrase with specific examples will strengthen the argument. For example: "The company was "ostensibly committed" to sustainability, but continued to prioritize short-term profits."

Common error

Avoid using "ostensibly committed" in every sentence where you need to show skepticism. Overuse can weaken your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to convey doubt without sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ostensibly committed" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a state of apparent commitment. As Ludwig AI states, it describes something or someone that appears committed, but whose true dedication is uncertain. This phrase often introduces an element of skepticism or doubt.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ostensibly committed" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express skepticism about the genuineness of a stated commitment. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase "is correct and usable in written English", serving to highlight potential discrepancies between outward appearances and underlying realities. It is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, where critical analysis is common. While its usage is somewhat uncommon, overuse should be avoided to prevent weakening your writing. When deploying the phrase, consider its implications and aim to provide concrete examples and verifiable facts. The phrase should only be used when you are making an argument that the commitment is only apparent and not real.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ostensibly supportive

Mirrors the original phrase but uses "supportive" instead of "committed", indicating a similar degree of superficiality.

apparently dedicated

Focuses on outward appearance of dedication, potentially masking underlying motives.

seemingly devoted

Highlights the superficial appearance of devotion, implying possible insincerity.

professedly dedicated

Emphasizes a declared dedication, which may not align with actual actions.

nominally pledged

Indicates a commitment in name only, lacking substantial action or support.

avowedly bound

Stresses a publicly acknowledged commitment, which may not be genuinely felt.

allegedly faithful

Suggests a supposed faithfulness that is questionable or unproven.

purportedly loyal

Indicates a claimed loyalty that might not be entirely trustworthy or reliable.

outwardly invested

Highlights the external signs of investment, potentially concealing a lack of deeper involvement.

superficially engaged

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the engagement, suggesting a shallow commitment.

FAQs

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

Use "ostensibly committed" to describe someone or something that appears dedicated but whose true commitment is questionable. Example: "The government was "ostensibly committed" to reducing poverty, yet funding for social programs remained inadequate."

What phrases are similar to "ostensibly committed"?

Alternatives include "seemingly devoted", "apparently dedicated", or "professedly dedicated". Each suggests a commitment that may not be entirely genuine.

When is it appropriate to use "ostensibly committed"?

It is appropriate when you want to express doubt or skepticism about the sincerity or depth of a stated commitment. It implies a discrepancy between outward appearance and underlying reality.

What is the difference between "ostensibly committed" and "truly committed"?

"Ostensibly committed" suggests a commitment that is superficial or questionable, while "truly committed" implies a genuine and unwavering dedication. Use "ostensibly committed" when you suspect insincerity.