a good theory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good theory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the validity or strength of a theoretical concept in various fields such as science, philosophy, or social studies. Example: "In the realm of physics, Einstein's theory of relativity is often considered a good theory due to its extensive experimental support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was a good theory.

The Guardian - Books

A good theory should go in advance of the evidence.

The New York Times - Science

It's a good theory, but it comes with grave dangers.

The Guardian - Opinion

If so, it is a good theory for a time.

The Guardian - Books

That's a good theory — it rises above the pumpkin patch and beams right down.

The New Yorker

He probably will; the Kiwis rarely like to abandon a good theory.

The Guardian - Sport

Anomalies always exist, he says, but a good theory has few of them; what matters is how much it explains.

The New York Times - Books

I don't really have a good theory for why that is – perhaps in Britain we are trusting.

The Guardian

The mark of a good theory is that it makes unexpected predictions that can be put to the test.

The Guardian

But nobody before Kepler was able to offer a good theory for why these little pieces of curved glass had worked.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Further, the simulated performance is only 0.75 dB away from the asymptotic threshold of  dB (discussed before), showing a good theory-practice agreement.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing scientific concepts, ensure that "a good theory" is supported by empirical evidence and aligns with established principles within the relevant field.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a good theory" as an absolute truth or a definitive solution. Recognize that theories are subject to revision and refinement based on new evidence and evolving understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good theory" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and is commonly used to refer to a well-developed or valid explanation of a phenomenon.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a good theory" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression, as determined by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase to describe a robust and reliable explanation, particularly in academic and scientific contexts, but also in news and media. The phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media" and "Science" domains. Related phrases include "a sound hypothesis" and "a solid framework". When using the phrase, it is crucial to ground it in empirical evidence and avoid overstating its conclusiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sound hypothesis

Replaces "theory" with "hypothesis", suggesting a proposition made as a basis for reasoning, without any assumption of its truth.

a solid framework

Substitutes "theory" with "framework", emphasizing the structural aspect of the concept.

a plausible explanation

Focuses on the explanatory power of the theory, suggesting it offers a believable account.

a valid rationale

Highlights the logical basis of the theory, implying it's based on sound reasoning.

a compelling model

Uses "model" instead of "theory", presenting it as a simplified representation of a system.

a credible account

Emphasizes the believability and trustworthiness of the theoretical explanation.

a defensible position

Focuses on the ability to justify and support the theory with evidence and arguments.

a robust concept

Highlights the strength and resilience of the theoretical idea.

a tenable argument

Replaces "theory" with "argument", stressing the presentation of reasons for a conclusion.

a worthwhile perspective

Shifts the focus to the value and insight offered by the theoretical viewpoint.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good theory" to describe a well-supported explanation for a phenomenon. For example: "The scientist proposed "a good theory" to explain the migration patterns of birds".

What are some alternatives to "a good theory"?

You can use alternatives like "a sound hypothesis", "a solid framework", or "a plausible explanation" depending on the specific context.

What makes a theory "good"?

A "good theory" typically provides a clear explanation, generates testable predictions, is consistent with existing knowledge, and is supported by empirical evidence.

Is "a good theory" the same as a proven fact?

No, "a good theory" is an explanation that is well-supported, but it is still subject to revision and refinement. A proven fact is something that has been repeatedly verified and is generally accepted as true.