a distant hypothesis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distant hypothesis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a theory or idea that is not currently supported by strong evidence or is unlikely to be true. Example: "While we have some evidence to support our main theory, a distant hypothesis remains that there may be other factors at play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nuclear disaster seems a distant hypothesis, improbable; the prospect of it is, however, always with us.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For now, that remains a distant possibility.

Los Angeles Times

For the sample restricted to patients with a distant tumor the null hypothesis of no regional variation in quality of care can be rejected for post-diagnosis employment, but only at the ten percent level of confidence.

BMC Health Services Research

The possibility is not a distant one.

The New York Times

Neurogenic switching is proposed as a hypothesis for a mechanism by which a stimulus at one site can lead to inflammation at a distant site.

Environmental Health Perspectives

A distant siren cried.

The New Yorker

A distant foghorn blows.

The New Yorker

They finished a distant third.

The New York Times

This is a distant prospect.

The Economist

That seems a distant prospect.

Independent

Catalina Island, a distant mirage.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distant hypothesis" when you want to express that an idea or explanation is possible but not strongly supported by evidence or current understanding. It suggests a degree of separation or unlikelihood.

Common error

Avoid using "a distant hypothesis" when a well-supported theory already exists. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where the explanation is speculative or lacks substantial backing, otherwise use a more precise and well-established term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distant hypothesis" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "distant" modifies the noun "hypothesis". The adjective indicates the hypothesis is not strongly supported or is remote in its likelihood or relevance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a distant hypothesis" is a grammatically correct construction used to describe a theoretical possibility that lacks strong supporting evidence. While Ludwig confirms its validity, its relatively low frequency suggests it is not a common expression. It finds usage in both news/media and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to convey the speculative nature of the idea and acknowledge its limited support. Alternatives such as "a remote possibility" or "an unlikely theory" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remote possibility

Replaces 'hypothesis' with 'possibility' emphasizing the low chance of something happening.

an unlikely theory

Substitutes 'distant' with 'unlikely' and 'hypothesis' with 'theory' to convey a low probability of being true.

a far-fetched idea

Uses 'far-fetched' to describe the idea, indicating it is difficult to believe or accept.

a slim chance

Replaces the original phrase with an idiom that conveys a very low probability.

a theoretical abstraction

Emphasizes the conceptual and potentially detached nature of the hypothesis.

a tentative conjecture

Highlights the provisional and speculative aspect of the hypothesis.

a vague proposition

Indicates the hypothesis is not well-defined or clear.

a speculative assumption

Stresses the reliance on conjecture rather than concrete evidence.

an unsubstantiated claim

Focuses on the lack of evidence supporting the hypothesis.

a long shot

An idiomatic expression signifying a low probability of success or occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "a distant hypothesis" in a sentence?

You can use "a distant hypothesis" to describe an idea that is theoretically possible but lacks supporting evidence. For example, "While the primary research suggests X, "a distant hypothesis" remains that Y may also be a contributing factor."

What are some alternatives to "a distant hypothesis"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a remote possibility", "an unlikely theory", or "a far-fetched idea depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey".

Is it appropriate to use "a distant hypothesis" in formal writing?

Yes, "a distant hypothesis" can be appropriate in formal writing, particularly in academic or scientific contexts where speculative ideas are being discussed. However, ensure that the context clearly indicates the speculative nature of the hypothesis.

What's the difference between "a distant hypothesis" and "a working hypothesis"?

"A distant hypothesis" suggests an idea that is not well-supported and may be unlikely, while "a working hypothesis" refers to a provisional explanation adopted as a basis for further investigation. A working hypothesis is actively being tested, whereas "a distant hypothesis" remains more speculative and detached.