ostensibly (adv.)

apparently, but perhaps not truly

Examples

• Ostensibly he left for health reasons.

Key rules

• Ostensibly means apparently, though maybe not truly
• It goes before the main verb or at the start
• Ostensible is the adjective

Common mistakes

• He ostensible left for health → Ostensibly he left for health
• He left ostensibly for the health → He left ostensibly for health reasons

Use cases

• Discussing hidden motives
• Describing stated reasons
• Writing analysis