English grammar
Press language: reportedly, allegedly, supposedly
Understand how the press reports unconfirmed news, and keep your distance from a claim.
From the scene According to close sources
In short
Reportedly, allegedly and supposedly mark a claim that isn't confirmed. Put them before the main verb, after has or was.
Your turn
Which one goes with allegedly (unconfirmed, often wrongdoing)?
Options: the building was allegedly built without a licence · the owner has reportedly accepted the offer · a famous poet reportedly lived in the building
Show answer
allegedly (unconfirmed, often wrongdoing) → the building was allegedly built without a licence
How it works
Reportedly, allegedly and supposedly mark a claim that hasn't been confirmed.
Good to know
They usually go before the main verb, after has or was if there is one: has reportedly accepted, was allegedly built.
Good to know
They can also open the sentence: supposedly he lived on the third floor.
Good to know
Allegedly is especially common for wrongdoing; supposedly adds that the speaker has doubts.
reportedly (unconfirmed news) the owner has reportedly accepted the offer
Tomás
"According to sources close to the developer, the owner has reportedly accepted the offer."
"Según fuentes cercanas a la promotora, el propietario habría aceptado la oferta."
Your turn
What fills the gap?
"According to sources close to the developer, (blank)."
Options: the owner has reportedly accepted the offer · the building was allegedly built without a licence · a famous poet reportedly lived in the building
Show answer
Tomás
"According to sources close to the developer, the owner has reportedly accepted the offer."
"Según fuentes cercanas a la promotora, el propietario habría aceptado la oferta."
allegedly (unconfirmed, often wrongdoing) the building was allegedly built without a licence
Tomás
It doesn't say. "The building was allegedly built without a licence."
No lo dice. "El edificio presuntamente habría sido construido sin licencia."
Your turn
What fills the gap?
It doesn't say. "(blank)."
Options: The owner has reportedly accepted the offer · A famous poet reportedly lived in the building · The building was allegedly built without a licence
Show answer
Tomás
It doesn't say. "The building was allegedly built without a licence."
No lo dice. "El edificio presuntamente habría sido construido sin licencia."
reportedly (again) a famous poet reportedly lived in the building
Tomás
And listen: "A famous poet reportedly lived in the building."
Y escuchen: "En el edificio habría vivido un poeta famoso."
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And listen: "(blank)."
Options: The building was allegedly built without a licence · A famous poet reportedly lived in the building · The owner has reportedly accepted the offer
Show answer
Tomás
And listen: "A famous poet reportedly lived in the building."
Y escuchen: "En el edificio habría vivido un poeta famoso."
supposedly (people say so, but it's doubtful) supposedly he lived on the third floor
Ramón
It's an old story. Supposedly he lived on the third floor.
Es una vieja historia. Supuestamente vivió en el tercero.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
It's an old story. (blank).
Options: The owner has reportedly accepted the offer · The building was allegedly built without a licence · Supposedly he lived on the third floor
Show answer
Ramón
It's an old story. Supposedly he lived on the third floor.
Es una vieja historia. Supuestamente vivió en el tercero.
allegedly (again) he allegedly left owing three months' rent
Ramón
Yes. And according to the neighbourhood, he allegedly left owing three months' rent.
Sí. Y según el barrio, presuntamente se fue debiendo tres meses.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Yes. And according to the neighbourhood, (blank).
Options: the owner has reportedly accepted the offer · the building was allegedly built without a licence · he allegedly left owing three months' rent
Show answer
Ramón
Yes. And according to the neighbourhood, he allegedly left owing three months' rent.
Sí. Y según el barrio, presuntamente se fue debiendo tres meses.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| reportedly (unconfirmed news) | the owner has reportedly accepted the offer |
|---|---|
| allegedly (unconfirmed, often wrongdoing) | the building was allegedly built without a licence |
| reportedly (again) | a famous poet reportedly lived in the building |
| supposedly (people say so, but it's doubtful) | supposedly he lived on the third floor |
| allegedly (again) | he allegedly left owing three months' rent |
More lines from the story
- RamónAllegedly? My grandmother bought it with all the papers in order!¿Presuntamente? ¡Mi abuela lo compró con todos los papeles!