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English grammar

Arguably, admittedly, supposedly: adverbs that show a stance

C1 · Advanced Referring to people and things Questions 10

The rule

Stance adverbs comment on a whole statement and show the speaker’s attitude to it. Some mark certainty: undoubtedly, clearly, obviously, evidently, certainly. Some mark doubt or distance: presumably (I assume), apparently (people say), supposedly, allegedly, seemingly, ostensibly — the last four hint that the claim may not be true. Some evaluate: arguably (it can be argued), admittedly (I concede), understandably, surprisingly, inevitably, ironically, thankfully, unfortunately. Some limit the viewpoint: technically, legally, financially, personally. Choosing between them changes the message: He is apparently rich (so people say), He is evidently rich (the evidence shows it), He is supposedly rich (so they claim — I doubt it). They usually open the sentence with a comma, or sit before the main verb.

Pattern

certainty: undoubtedly / clearly / evidently · doubt: presumably / apparently / supposedly / allegedly / seemingly · evaluation: arguably / admittedly / understandably / ironically / inevitably / thankfully · viewpoint: technically / legally / financially / personally

Examples

  1. Arguably, this is the most important decision of the decade.

  2. The shop was supposedly open until nine, but it was closed.

  3. Understandably, the residents were angry about the delay.

  4. Ironically, the fire station itself caught fire.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong: Arguable, it was her best film.

    Right: Arguably, it was her best film.

    The sentence adverb is arguably.

  • Wrong: He is evidently a millionaire, but I doubt it.

    Right: He is supposedly a millionaire, but I doubt it.

    evidently means the evidence shows it; supposedly casts doubt.

  • Wrong: Hopeful, the rain will stop soon.

    Right: Hopefully, the rain will stop soon.

    Use the adverb form: Hopefully.

Practice questions

Try each one yourself first, then open “Show answer” for the solution and the reason.

  1. 1Choose the correct sentence.

    What does supposedly suggest?

    The car was supposedly in perfect condition.

    1. The speaker checked the car.
    2. The car was clearly perfect.
    3. The speaker doubts the claim.
    4. The car was sold quickly.
    Show answer

    Answer: C The speaker doubts the claim.

    supposedly = so it was claimed, but perhaps not true.

  2. 2Choose the correct sentence.

    1. Arguable, the book is better than the film.
    2. Arguably, the book is better than the film.
    3. Arguing, the book is better than the film.
    4. Argued, the book is better than the film.
    Show answer

    Answer: B Arguably, the book is better than the film.

    Arguably = it can be argued that.

  3. 3Fill in the gap.

    _____, the most expensive option was also the least reliable.

    1. Ironically
    2. Ironical
    3. Ironic
    4. Irony
    Show answer

    Answer: A Ironically, the most expensive option was also the least reliable.

    Ironically comments on an unexpected contrast.

  4. 4Choose the correct sentence.

    Which adverb shows the writer is sure?

    Talking about a crowded train.

    1. The train was supposedly overcrowded.
    2. The train was clearly overcrowded.
    3. The train was allegedly overcrowded.
    4. The train was apparently overcrowded.
    Show answer

    Answer: B The train was clearly overcrowded.

    clearly expresses certainty.

  5. 5Change the sentence.

    Add the comment with understandably.

    The staff were upset about the cuts.

    1. Understandingly, the staff were upset about the cuts.
    2. Understandable, the staff were upset about the cuts.
    3. The staff understanding were upset about the cuts.
    4. Understandably, the staff were upset about the cuts.
    Show answer

    Answer: D Understandably, the staff were upset about the cuts.

    Understandably = it is easy to understand why.

  6. 6This sentence is wrong. Choose the fix.

    Personal, I think the plan is too expensive.

    1. Personally thinking, the plan is too expensive.
    2. Personaly, I think the plan is too expensive.
    3. In personally, I think the plan is too expensive.
    4. Personally, I think the plan is too expensive.
    Show answer

    Answer: D Personally, I think the plan is too expensive.

    The viewpoint adverb is Personally.

  7. 7Choose the correct sentence.

    What does technically mean here?

    Technically, you are not allowed to park here after six.

    1. Using a machine
    2. In a skilful way
    3. In the near future
    4. According to the exact rules
    Show answer

    Answer: D According to the exact rules

    technically = according to the strict rules.

  8. 8Put the words in the right order.

    Inevitably the project took longer than planned

    Show answer

    Answer: Inevitably the project took longer than planned.

    Inevitably = as could only be expected.

  9. 9Choose the correct sentence.

    1. The minister alleged accepted gifts from the company.
    2. The minister allegedly accept gifts from the company.
    3. The minister allegation accepted gifts from the company.
    4. The minister allegedly accepted gifts from the company.
    Show answer

    Answer: D The minister allegedly accepted gifts from the company.

    allegedly = it is claimed, not proven.

  10. 10Choose the correct sentence.

    What is the difference?

    A: She is apparently leaving. B: She is evidently leaving.

    1. A is what people say; B is clear from the evidence.
    2. A is certain; B is impossible.
    3. They mean exactly the same.
    4. A is clear from the evidence; B is a rumour.
    Show answer

    Answer: A A is what people say; B is clear from the evidence.

    apparently = reportedly; evidently = obviously, from evidence.

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