a reasonable conjecture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable conjecture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an assumption or hypothesis that is logical and based on available evidence or reasoning. Example: "Based on the data collected, it seems like a reasonable conjecture that the new marketing strategy will increase sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A reasonable conjecture?" It might also be a reasonable conjecture that there are a number of scientists out there who are deeply concerned about the misinformation that the duo wantonly spreads.

The Guardian - Opinion

His end is a mystery, but a reasonable conjecture is that he was killed in the siege of Ojinaga in January 1914.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The general belief that Homer was a native of Ionia (the central part of the western seaboard of Asia Minor) seems a reasonable conjecture for the poems themselves are in predominantly Ionic dialect.

Britannica

For years, it's been a reasonable conjecture that intelligence agencies such as the NSA and GCHQ were stockpiling zero-day exploits for use in the wars against cybercrime and global terrorism.

The Guardian - Opinion

If hedonically adjusted constant quality prices of phones declined due to newer or better features — a reasonable conjecture — then the lift would be even greater, though past iPhone releases don't bear a visible impact on the relevant CPI components.

The New York Times

Step (ii) is the judgment that the premise of the argument is a reasonable conjecture.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Leedy and Ormrod [2] define hypothesis as "a logical supposition, a reasonable guess, and an educated conjecture".

The Journal of Headache and Pain

This finding is consistent with the presence of a corporate governance clientele effect and the reasonable conjecture that institutions have more reason to prefer well-governed companies than retail investors.

University of Chicago

René Thomas has suggested the reasonable conjecture that this must be a negative feedback loop [ 48].

BMC Systems Biology

Thus, reasonable conjecture based upon these observations is that Gayal is a hybrid descendant from crossing of male wild gaur and female domestic cattle.

Nature

Never straying beyond reasonable conjecture, Monash's script is historically on the mark.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a reasonable conjecture" when you want to introduce an idea that is based on logical inference but may not be definitively proven.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a reasonable conjecture" as an absolute truth. Always frame it as a possibility that requires further investigation or validation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable conjecture" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It introduces a proposed explanation or interpretation of facts based on limited evidence, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable conjecture" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce a logical assumption or educated guess. It is most commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is often used to propose a tentative explanation or hypothesis. When using this phrase, it's best to support the conjecture with evidence and avoid presenting it as an established fact. Alternative phrases include "a plausible hypothesis" or "a logical supposition". The register is typically formal, reflecting its use in academic and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a plausible hypothesis

Replaces "conjecture" with "hypothesis", suggesting a more formal and testable proposition.

a logical supposition

Uses "supposition" instead of "conjecture", implying an assumption made as a basis for reasoning.

a sound assumption

Emphasizes the reliability of the assumption being made.

a well-founded theory

Suggests the conjecture has a robust basis of evidence.

a justified inference

Highlights the reasoning process leading to the conjecture.

a credible speculation

Indicates the conjecture is believable and worthy of consideration.

a sensible deduction

Focuses on the logical derivation of the conjecture.

a tenable proposition

Suggests the conjecture is defensible and can be maintained against objections.

a defensible assertion

Implies the conjecture can be supported with evidence and reasoning.

a rational guess

Replaces "conjecture" with "guess", which is less formal. This phrase highlights the rationality behind the guess.

FAQs

How can I use "a reasonable conjecture" in a sentence?

You can use "a reasonable conjecture" to introduce a hypothesis or assumption that is based on logical inference. For example: "Based on the available data, "a reasonable conjecture" is that the new policy will reduce crime rates."

What are some alternatives to saying "a reasonable conjecture"?

Alternatives to "a reasonable conjecture" include "a plausible hypothesis", "a logical supposition", or "a sound assumption".

Is it appropriate to use "a reasonable conjecture" in formal writing?

Yes, "a reasonable conjecture" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic, scientific, or professional contexts where hypotheses are presented based on available evidence.

What's the difference between "a reasonable conjecture" and "a wild guess"?

"A reasonable conjecture" is based on some evidence or logical reasoning, while "a wild guess" is made without any supporting evidence or rational basis.