"Supposably" means capable of being supposed or imagined, while "supposedly" means according to what is generally assumed or believed. "Supposably" is rarely used, and confusion often arises, but "supposedly" is the correct term for expressing common beliefs or assumptions.
📝 Despite being supposably secure, the outdated system had vulnerabilities that were eventually exposed during the cybersecurity audit.
In this sentence, "supposably" is used to suggest that there was an assumption or belief that the system was secure. However, the later revelation of vulnerabilities during the cybersecurity audit challenges or contradicts that initial belief, highlighting the system's actual state of insecurity.
📝 Despite the product supposedly having the latest technology, many users reported experiencing issues and glitches, casting doubt on the manufacturer's claims of superior performance and reliability.
In this sentence, "supposedly" indicates that the product is believed or claimed to have the latest technology. However, the subsequent revelation of issues and glitches among users raises skepticism, suggesting that the initial belief or claim may not be entirely accurate.
When to use supposably
- Expressing possibility or speculation: "The new restaurant is supposably the best in town." (Implies doubt or lack of confirmation)
- Distancing yourself from the information: "The company is supposably going through a merger." (Suggests you haven't verified the information)
- Adding a slight air of mystery or intrigue: "She supposably has a hidden talent." (Hints at something unknown or unconfirmed)
Points to Consider:
- Supposably is less common than "supposedly": Many people consider it less formal or even incorrect.
- Alternatives often work better: In most cases, you can replace "supposably" with "supposedly," "possibly," or "apparently" without changing the meaning significantly.
- Overuse can sound awkward: Avoid using "supposably" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or unsure.
Examples:
- Instead of: "Supposably they're on vacation."
- Use: "They're possibly on vacation." or "Apparently they're on vacation."
When to use supposedly
You want to express uncertainty or doubt about information: "Supposedly, they're launching a new product next month, but I haven't seen any official announcements."
- You're distancing yourself from the information or it's hearsay: "The neighbors supposedly had a big party last night, but I didn't hear anything."
- You want to add a touch of irony or humor: "She supposedly hates horror movies, but I caught her peeking behind her fingers during the scary scene."
- You're writing in a casual or informal style: "We supposedly have a meeting tomorrow, but I haven't received an agenda yet."
Avoid supposedly when:
- You're writing in a formal context: Opt for "allegedly" or "reportedly" in formal writing.
- You're sure about the information: If you know something for a fact, use "according to," "as of," or another phrase that conveys certainty.
- You want to sound clear and concise: Replacing "supposedly" with "it seems" or "it's said" can sometimes achieve the same meaning with better clarity.
- You're unsure about the word's appropriateness: If you're hesitant, choose a safer alternative like "apparently" or "it appears."
Remember:
- "Supposedly" isn't inherently "wrong," but it carries a sense of uncertainty and informality.
- Consider your audience and purpose when choosing whether to use it.
- There are often alternative words that can convey the same meaning more effectively.
Examples from the web
Supposably
"He thought that he coped fairly well during slippages: 'For one thing, I found this store where you can get twenty cups of noodles, the supposably shrimpy kind, for four dollars and forty cents'." - The New Yorker
Supposedly
"Supposedly, or so I have heard, some expect my speech to pave the way for a fundamental reform of the European architecture, which will satisfy all kinds of alleged or actual British wishes." - The Guardian
"The supposedly leaked list contained the names of Kate Winslet (Holy Smoke) and Gwyneth Paltrow (The Talented Mr Ripley) as nominees but neither appeared in the final lists." - The Guardian - Film
Remember that "supposably" is often considered nonstandard and can be confused with "supposedly." To stay accurate, opt for "supposedly" when expressing assumptions or claims, and be cautious with "supposably," leaning towards more widely accepted alternatives like "presumably" or "allegedly."
Looking at the graph below, we can see that "supposedly" has increased in use since the 1890s, while "supposably" has low usage.
Synonym/Related Phrases for supposedly
- Presumably
- Allegedly
- Ostensibly
- Apparently
- Seemingly
Common Idioms/Phrases for supposedly
"Take it with a grain of salt": to approach information or advice with skepticism and not to fully believe or trust it.
Summary
Distinguishing between "supposably" and "supposedly" is crucial for clear and accurate communication. While "supposably" implies a possibility that may not align with general acceptance, "supposedly" underscores information based on common understanding or available evidence. By navigating these distinctions, you empower yourself to wield these words with precision in your linguistic endeavors.
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