ostensibly for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ostensibly for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something appears to be true or is presented for a particular purpose, but there may be an underlying reason or different reality. Example: "The event was ostensibly for charity, but many suspected it was a publicity stunt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In March they accepted his resignation, ostensibly for health reasons.

The Economist

Mozambique's Eurobond was ostensibly for a state-backed fishing venture.

The Economist

Another route is through dieting, ostensibly for health.

The Guardian - Books

Recently it was shut down, ostensibly for tax evasion.

The New York Times

No camps were built, ostensibly for historical and political reasons.

The Guardian

His tangled hair was inspected, ostensibly for bugs.

The New York Times - Arts

Consider that the state and the city each allotted $100 million, ostensibly for infrastructure like utilities.

The New York Times - Sports

In 1978, Eno returned to New York, ostensibly for a short stay, but remained until 1984.

The New Yorker

See articlePeru's long-standing finance minister, Luis Miguel Castilla, resigned, ostensibly for personal reasons.

The Economist

He raised taxes on alcohol and on vehicles, ostensibly for environmental reasons (see article).

The Economist

Several have been held without charge for almost two years, ostensibly for corrupt practices.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ostensibly for" to introduce a reason that may not be the complete or genuine explanation. It adds a layer of nuance and invites critical thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "ostensibly for" when the stated reason is clearly genuine. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily cynical or suspicious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ostensibly for" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating the stated or apparent purpose or reason behind an action or event. As Ludwig AI explains, it introduces an element of doubt or potential hidden motives. Examples in Ludwig illustrate this in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ostensibly for" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to introduce a stated or apparent reason that may not be the complete or genuine explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It functions to add nuance and invite critical thinking about the motives behind actions or events. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources and holds a neutral register making it suitable for a variety of contexts. Alternatives like "supposedly for" or "allegedly for" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of doubt. When using "ostensibly for", be mindful of overuse to avoid sounding cynical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ostensible purpose of

Focuses on the stated aim, which might differ from the real motivation.

apparently for

Indicates that something appears to be the reason based on the information available.

supposedly for

This phrase implies the reason is commonly believed but possibly untrue.

seemingly for

Suggests a reason that appears to be true based on initial observation.

allegedly for

This alternative suggests the reason is doubtful or unconfirmed.

for the stated reason of

This emphasizes the officially declared justification.

on the surface for

This alternative highlights the superficial or apparent reason.

professedly for

This implies the reason is openly declared but potentially insincere.

putatively for

This option suggests the reason is based on assumption or hearsay.

under the guise of

This option implies deception or a hidden agenda.

FAQs

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

Use "ostensibly for" to introduce a reason or purpose that is stated or apparent but may not be the real or complete reason. For example: "The meeting was "ostensibly for" team building, but it seemed like a way to monitor employees".

What can I say instead of "ostensibly for"?

You can use alternatives like "supposedly for", "apparently for", or "allegedly for", depending on the context and the degree of doubt you want to express.

What is the difference between "ostensibly for" and "supposedly for"?

"Ostensibly for" implies that a reason is presented as the true reason, but there might be a hidden or different motive. "Supposedly for" suggests that something is generally believed to be the reason, but it may not be accurate or confirmed.

Is "ostensibly for" formal or informal language?

"Ostensibly for" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and general conversations.