ostensibly shown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ostensibly shown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something appears to be true or is presented as true, but there may be doubts about its authenticity or reality. Example: "The results were ostensibly shown to support the hypothesis, but further investigation revealed inconsistencies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

After all, events would have ostensibly shown, the Americans had proved unable to protect their own sporting events against the Chechens.

The Guardian - Books

While unemployment was ostensibly shown to be falling, tens of thousands were shunted on to incapacity benefit – by design rather than by accident – which doubled to represent more than a fifth of all 16 to 64-year-olds.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Martin Lindstrom ("Inhaling Fear," Op-Ed, Dec. 12) stakes very large claims on one brain-imaging study ostensibly showing that graphic negative images could encourage smokers to light up.

The New York Times

The foundation has filed documents obtained by Mr. Klein that ostensibly show detailed technical information on N.S.A. technology used to divert Internet data.

The New York Times

By James Thurber The New Yorker, December 24 , 1927P. 7 Street corner salesmen, ostensibly showing a card trick, is really selling "art pictures from France".

The New Yorker

The series in question is "Moonshiners," a new entrant on the Discovery Channel that ostensibly shows people in rural Virginia who make their own alcohol and the state agents who pursue them.

The New York Times

The early script, which was markedly similar to the final Eastwood film, was accompanied by an option agreement that ostensibly showed it already existed when Mr. Brooks was still a young ballplayer.

The New York Times

Foodieism is a natural hobby for first-world professionals, ostensibly showing an interest in the world, but referring back to domination and the perfection of the enriched, physical self.

The Guardian - Books

And is there a wider problem of European anti-Semitism, going beyond the Muslim-dominated ghettos?One trigger for recent accusations of endemic anti-Semitism in Europe was a poll conducted by the EU which ostensibly showed that Europeans rated Israel as the biggest threat to world peace.

The Economist

On the website of the conservative Weekly Standard, he posted a little squib titled "The Democrats' glass ceiling", which bemoaned the disrespect Obama ostensibly showed Clinton - and the cause of gender equality - by not choosing her as his vice-presidential nominee.

The Guardian - Opinion

Meanwhile, he retreated to his studio to set up carefully staged photographs, ghostly scenes, unlike his paintings, that looked eerier precisely because they weren't painted by hand but made by a machine that ostensibly showed the world just as it was.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ostensibly shown" when you want to highlight that something is presented as factual or proven but may not actually be the case upon closer examination. This adds a layer of critical analysis to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "ostensibly shown" when you want to convey genuine certainty or established fact. This phrase inherently implies a degree of doubt or skepticism, so reserve it for situations where the validity of the information is questionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ostensibly shown" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a passive verb phrase. It indicates how something is presented or perceived, implying that the presentation might be different from the reality. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ostensibly shown" is a grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something is presented or appears to be true, but with a hint of skepticism or doubt. As Ludwig AI states, it's a usable phrase in written English. It functions as an adverbial modifier plus a verb phrase, and its primary purpose is to introduce a degree of uncertainty regarding the presented information. Although found in various contexts, from news to scientific articles, it is relatively rare. Therefore, it is best suited for situations where you want to add a layer of critical analysis, signaling that what is "shown" may not be the whole truth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ostensibly demonstrated

Synonymous, replacing "shown" with a direct synonym to slightly alter the phrasing.

ostensibly indicated

Synonymous, replacing "shown" with indicated to shift the focus slightly

apparently demonstrated

Focuses on the demonstration aspect, implying a surface-level showing.

apparently revealed

Similar to "apparently demonstrated", focuses on the unveiling aspect.

seemingly indicated

Highlights the aspect of something seeming a certain way, possibly misleadingly.

supposedly proven

Highlights the assumption of proof rather than actual proof.

putatively proven

Suggests a claim of proof that is open to doubt or challenge.

professedly revealed

Emphasizes a declared revelation that might be questioned.

allegedly displayed

Implies the display is based on an allegation, not necessarily factual.

purportedly exhibited

Focuses on the exhibition or presentation, implying a potential deception.

FAQs

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

You can use "ostensibly shown" to indicate that something appears to be true, but there is reason to doubt it. For example, "The results were "ostensibly shown" to support the hypothesis, but further investigation revealed inconsistencies."

What are some alternatives to "ostensibly shown"?

Alternatives include "apparently demonstrated", "seemingly indicated", or "putatively proven". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "ostensibly shown"?

Use "ostensibly shown" when you want to suggest that something is presented as being true or factual, but you suspect that it might not be entirely accurate or reliable.

What's the difference between "ostensibly shown" and "clearly shown"?

"Ostensibly shown" implies a degree of doubt or skepticism, suggesting that something may not be as it appears. "Clearly shown", on the other hand, suggests that something has been proven or demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt.