a comprehensive theory

USAGE SUMMARY

"a comprehensive theory" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to an idea or concept that covers all the relevant components of a topic or subject. For example, "His comprehensive theory of linguistics was groundbreaking and widely accepted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Cavendish worked out a comprehensive theory of electricity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He had a comprehensive theory, called "self psychology," with a self-this and a self-that.

The New Yorker

Because Mr. Hamilton never codified his approach into a comprehensive theory, disagreements among followers persist.

The New York Times

What is needed to sort out these difficulties is a comprehensive theory of refereeing, which is inextricably tied to a conception of soccer at its best.

The New York Times

It was introduced independently in 1948 by Maria Goeppert Mayer of the United States and Johannes Hans Daniel Jensen of West Germany, and it developed in succeeding decades into a comprehensive theory of the nucleus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While biologists are far from a comprehensive theory that predicts the hues and patterns of coloration of plants and animals, such a theory will have to integrate the optical, visual, and physiological functions of biological coloration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During the following years other theorists began to extend Dirac's ideas to form a comprehensive theory of quantum electrodynamics (QED) that would account fully for the interactions of charged particles not only with radiation but also with one another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For a comprehensive theory of -semigroups we refer to [2].

Advances in Difference Equations

This chapter provides a comprehensive theory on engine brake performance.

Diesel Engine System Design

were known in mathematics well before the construction of a comprehensive theory [16].

Nanoscale Research Letters

This understanding will be crucial for integrating experimental observations into a comprehensive theory of cortical function.

Neurocomputing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a comprehensive theory", ensure you clearly outline its core tenets, supporting evidence, and any limitations. This will help your audience fully grasp its scope and significance.

Common error

Avoid claiming that your theory is "a comprehensive theory" if it only addresses a narrow aspect of a subject. Clearly define the scope and boundaries of your theory to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a comprehensive theory" functions as a noun phrase, where 'comprehensive' modifies 'theory'. It describes a theory that is thorough, complete, and covers a wide range of aspects related to a particular subject. The Ludwig examples confirm its role in academic, scientific, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

Encyclopedias

11%

News & Media

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a comprehensive theory" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a thorough and complete explanation of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for various contexts. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, this phrase appears frequently in scientific, encyclopedic, and news-related contexts, signifying its importance in academic discourse and general knowledge. When using this phrase, ensure that the theory is indeed broad and detailed to avoid overstating its scope. Alternatives like "a holistic theory" or "a thorough theory" can be used to convey different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a holistic theory

Emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of elements within the theory.

a thorough theory

Highlights the completeness and meticulousness of the theoretical framework.

a broad theory

Focuses on the extensive scope and range of the theory.

a sweeping theory

Suggests the theory covers a wide array of aspects or phenomena.

a complete theory

Underscores the finished and all-encompassing nature of the theory.

an exhaustive theory

Implies a detailed and comprehensive examination of all relevant factors.

an all-encompassing theory

Stresses the theory's ability to include and explain everything.

a unified theory

Indicates the theory brings together different concepts or areas of knowledge.

an overarching theory

Suggests the theory provides a high-level framework for understanding something.

a far-reaching theory

Highlights the extensive implications and applications of the theory.

FAQs

How can I use "a comprehensive theory" in a sentence?

You can use "a comprehensive theory" to describe a detailed and thorough explanation of a phenomenon. For example: "The scientist developed "a comprehensive theory" to explain the origins of the universe."

What are some alternatives to saying "a comprehensive theory"?

Alternatives to "a comprehensive theory" include "a holistic theory", "a thorough theory", or "a broad theory", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "a comprehensive theory" differ from a hypothesis?

While a hypothesis is a proposed explanation that requires testing, "a comprehensive theory" is a well-substantiated explanation supported by a large body of evidence and repeated testing.

What makes a theory "a comprehensive theory"?

A theory is considered "a comprehensive theory" when it accounts for all known facts and observations related to a phenomenon, provides a clear and coherent explanation, and has predictive power. It leaves no loose ends.