Understanding the Correct Usage of Common Uncertainty Words in English

Uncertainty Words in English

Reportedly

Meaning: According to reports or what people say, but not confirmed.

• Example: "The CEO is reportedly considering stepping down next year."

Supposedly

Meaning: Believed or claimed to be true, often with some doubt.

• Example: "He’s supposedly a great chef, but I’ve never tasted his cooking."

Reputedly

Meaning: According to reputation or general belief, but not confirmed.

• Example: "The hotel is reputedly haunted, attracting many curious tourists."

Purportedly

Meaning: Claimed or alleged to be the case, often with doubt.

• Example: "The manuscript is purportedly the original, but experts have not verified it."

Ostensibly

Meaning: Seemingly or on the surface, but perhaps not actually.

• Example: "He was ostensibly there to help, but he didn’t do much."

Apparently

Meaning: As far as one knows or can see, based on available information.

• Example: "She’s apparently moving to New York next month."

By All Accounts

Meaning: According to everyone or everything said; based on all available information.

• Example: "By all accounts, the concert was a huge success."

So the Story Goes

Meaning: According to what people say; typically a narrative or rumor.

• Example: "He discovered the treasure by accident, or so the story goes."

Putatively

Meaning: Generally considered or reputed to be.

• Example: "He is putatively the next in line for the promotion."

Presumedly

Meaning: Assumed to be true based on reasonable grounds, though not certain.

• Example: "The artifact is presumedly from the 18th century, though further analysis is needed."

Presumably

Meaning: Likely or reasonably expected based on available information.

• Example: "She didn’t respond, presumably because she was busy."

Assumedly

Meaning: Something taken for granted or believed to be true without proof.

• Example: "He assumedly has the qualifications for the job, though I haven’t seen his resume."

Declaredly

Meaning: Openly or publicly claimed to be a certain way.

• Example: "He is declaredly against the new policy changes."

Avowedly

Meaning: Openly acknowledged or declared.

• Example: "She is avowedly in favor of environmental protection."

Be Accused of Being/Doing

Meaning: To be charged or blamed for being or doing something, typically without proof.

• Example: "He was accused of being involved in the scandal."

Be Alleged to Be/Have

Meaning: Said to be or to have done something, often without proof.

• Example: "The politician is alleged to have accepted bribes."

Be Said to Be/Have

Meaning: Commonly believed or rumored to be or have done something.

• Example: "She is said to have one of the best voices in the industry."

Be Rumored to Be/Have

Meaning: Suggested or whispered about, but not confirmed.

• Example: "They are rumored to be planning a surprise wedding."

Usage Explanation:

These words and phrases are used to indicate that something is believed, assumed, or rumored to be true, but not necessarily confirmed. They help in expressing uncertainty, doubt, or hearsay, and are often used in news reports, conversations about unverified information, and when discussing opinions or reputations.