that is supposedly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is supposedly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when you are expressing doubt or uncertainty about something and it usually follows a statement. For example: "The food is supposed to be here soon, that is supposedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Elsewhere," the Boston hospital that is supposedly named St.

The New York Times - Arts

The tribe, just 403-strong, lives in a jungle reserve that is supposedly protected.

The Guardian

But wish lists matter, too, especially for a Party that is supposedly trying to change its public image.

The New Yorker

Nor is there going to be easy labor mobility around Europe, even though that is supposedly guaranteed now.

The New York Times

LAS VEGAS -- The electronics casemaker Speck has rolled out an iPhone cover that is supposedly kind to the thumbs.

The New York Times

Not bad for a legacy industry that is supposedly under sustained attack from insurgents and secular challenges.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"This is the problem that was supposedly addressed after Watergate".

The New York Times

"I retweeted somebody that was supposedly an expert," Trump said.

The Guardian

There are some plants that are supposedly edible but that you would struggle to eat.

Independent

"And it's all still coming from this thing that's supposedly losing value.

The New York Times - Arts

It is not even uncommon for investors to arrive on land that was supposedly empty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse. While useful, overusing "that is supposedly" can make your writing sound overly skeptical or indecisive. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "it is claimed that" or "it is believed that".

Common error

Don't use "that is supposedly" to lend false credibility to unreliable sources. Clearly indicate the source of the information and the reason for your skepticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is supposedly" functions as a hedge, qualifying a statement by indicating the speaker's uncertainty or skepticism about its truth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to introduce information that might not be entirely accurate or reliable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that is supposedly" is a versatile phrase used to introduce information with a hint of skepticism or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's prevalent in news and media, as well as academic writing, indicating a neutral register. While grammatically correct, it's essential to use it judiciously to avoid sounding overly doubtful and to clearly attribute sources of information. Consider alternatives like "that is allegedly" or "it is claimed that" to vary your phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is allegedly

Replaces "supposedly" with "allegedly", implying the information is based on unproven accusations.

that is purportedly

Substitutes "supposedly" with "purportedly", suggesting the information is presented as fact but may not be true.

that is ostensibly

Replaces "supposedly" with "ostensibly", highlighting that something appears to be the case but might not be in reality.

that is reputedly

Changes "supposedly" to "reputedly", indicating the information is based on widespread belief but lacks concrete proof.

that is rumored to be

Replaces "supposedly" with "rumored to be", indicating the information is based on hearsay and lacks confirmation.

it is claimed that

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal structure, "it is claimed that", emphasizing the lack of verification.

it is said that

Similar to "it is claimed that", but with a more generic attribution of the information's source.

that is believed to be

Shifts the focus to a belief, rather than a supposed fact, softening the assertion.

that is thought to be

Similar to "believed to be", but with a slightly more tentative tone.

that is considered to be

Indicates a common perception, but not necessarily a proven reality.

FAQs

How can I use "that is supposedly" in a sentence?

Use "that is supposedly" to introduce information you're uncertain about, like in "The new diet, "that is supposedly" a revolutionary approach, didn't work for me."

What are some alternatives to "that is supposedly"?

You can use alternatives like "that is allegedly", "that is purportedly", or "it is claimed that" depending on the context and the degree of doubt you want to express.

Is it better to say "that is supposedly" or "that is supposed to be"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "that is supposedly" conveys a sense of uncertainty or doubt, while "that is supposed to be" typically indicates an expectation or plan. For example, "That is supposedly a good restaurant" expresses skepticism, whereas "That is supposed to be a good restaurant" simply indicates a plan to try it.

When is it inappropriate to use "that is supposedly"?

Avoid using "that is supposedly" when you have concrete evidence that something is false. In such cases, a more direct statement is more appropriate. Also, be mindful of overuse, as it can make your writing sound overly doubtful.