It would be so much easier if I could write that supposably wasn’t a word and encourage you to erase it from your vocabulary entirely: the problem is, supposably IS a word. At least, it is a valid word in American English, but not in British English; they refuse to accept it.
Let’s start off by defining these two words:
Supposedly – According to what is assumed, believed, rumored or reputed to be the case
Supposably – Capable of being conceived
Although their definitions are somewhat similar, supposedly and supposably are not synonyms, which means you cannot use them interchangeably.
When it came to lipstick and lollipops, Mildred was supposedly the expert.
It is believed (a bit tongue-in-cheek) that Mildred is the ‘go to’ for all things related to lipstick and lollipops. Note the tone of sarcasm. According to Grammar Girl, supposedly “almost always includes a hint of sarcasm or disbelief.”
In most cases, the word supposedly is the correct choice, but not always.
Supposably, you could eat one chocolate, and no one would ever know.
In this case, supposably, which means ‘supposable,’ ‘conceivable’, or ‘arguably’, is the correct choice.
What could supposably go wrong?
Supposably is only used when the intended meaning is capable of being supposed or conceived. For instance, we don’t know if something will go wrong, but we may suppose that it could.
If you are still confused, test the use of supposably by replacing the word with conceivably or possibly.
Supposedly, a secret admirer is in our midst.
It is believed, rumored or reported that a secret admirer is lagging about, so supposedly is correct. There is a level of uncertainty. You can test supposedly with the replacement adverb purportedly to see if it still makes sense.
Personally, I avoid using the word supposably when writing; unfortunately, many who do use it may not realize they mean supposedly.
Happy Valentine’s Day Y’all. Go forth correctly using “supposably” and “supposedly!”
Heather Sanders is a leading homeschooling journalist who desires to inspire families to live, love and learn. Married to Jeff, Heather lives in the East Texas Piney Woods where she currently homeschools three kids using Monarch, an online homeschool curriculum.