a reasonable hypothesis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable hypothesis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a theory or assumption that is logical and based on available evidence. Example: "After reviewing the data, we can propose a reasonable hypothesis about the relationship between the two variables."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a reasonable hypothesis," Dr. Sloan responded.

The New York Times - Health

You don't see enough of a pattern to put together a reasonable hypothesis.

MIT Technology Review

"We've now really got a reasonable hypothesis that these organisms are causing sudden infant death, at least in some cases".

The Guardian

A reasonable hypothesis is that the likelihood of each type depends on the relative abilities of the teams taking part.

The Guardian - Sport

"While the facts support the allegation that Mr Lewandowski did grab Ms Fields' arm against her will, Mr Lewandowski has a reasonable hypothesis of innocence.

The Guardian

"It does not require a referee to tell whether it is a reasonable hypothesis that terrestrial life stems from interstellar bacteria," he wrote in a valedictory essay.

The Economist

I have not studied whether conventions produce bounces in Congressional races and the model makes no assumptions about it, but it is a reasonable hypothesis.

The New York Times

What at first glance might look to be a reasonable hypothesis, couched in the familiar, pseudoscientific terms of cause and effect, is in fact something else entirely.

The New York Times - Books

Based on the thermo-chemical considerations and a reasonable hypothesis, the computer code, STASCOR was formulated by reflecting suitable chemical reaction processes and various system models.

Annals of Nuclear Energy

It's a reasonable hypothesis.

Forbes

"But it seems like a reasonable hypothesis".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a reasonable hypothesis", clearly state the evidence and reasoning that support its plausibility. This enhances its credibility and encourages further investigation.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a reasonable hypothesis" as a definitive fact. Emphasize its tentative nature and the need for further validation to prevent misleading interpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable hypothesis" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces an idea that is presented as a logical and testable explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for formal writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable hypothesis" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a logical and testable explanation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific and academic contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in scientific and news media sources. Alternatives such as "a plausible explanation" or "a well-founded theory" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly state the evidence and reasoning supporting the hypothesis, while avoiding overstating its certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a well-founded theory

Replaces "reasonable" with "well-founded" emphasizing that the hypothesis is based on solid evidence or reasoning and using the word theory.

a plausible explanation

Replaces "hypothesis" with "explanation" focusing on the explanatory power of the idea.

a sound assumption

Substitutes "hypothesis" with "assumption", suggesting a belief taken for granted based on some evidence.

a logical proposition

Uses "proposition" instead of "hypothesis", highlighting the statement's logical structure and testability.

a tenable conjecture

Replaces "reasonable" with "tenable", suggesting the idea is defensible and sustainable; "conjecture" replaces "hypothesis".

a credible supposition

Emphasizes the believability of the assumption by using "credible" and "supposition" to mean something assumed.

a defensible claim

Highlights the assertiveness of the statement using the words "defensible claim".

a justifiable inference

Focuses on the reasoning process, suggesting the hypothesis is a conclusion drawn from evidence.

an educated guess

A less formal way to express the idea, implying a degree of knowledge informs the hypothesis.

a valid speculation

Replaces "hypothesis" with "speculation", implying it's a thought or theory, often without firm evidence, but "valid" adds a sense of legitimacy.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reasonable hypothesis" to introduce an explanation or idea that is logical and supported by evidence. For example, "A reasonable hypothesis is that increased sunlight exposure correlates with higher vitamin D levels."

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

Instead of "a reasonable hypothesis", you could say "a plausible explanation", "a sound assumption", or "a well-founded theory", depending on the context.

What makes a hypothesis "reasonable"?

A hypothesis is "reasonable" if it's based on existing evidence, logical reasoning, and can be tested through experimentation or observation. It should also be consistent with established scientific principles.

Is there a difference between "a reasonable hypothesis" and "a reasonable assumption"?

Yes, "a reasonable hypothesis" is a proposed explanation that can be tested, while "a reasonable assumption" is a belief taken for granted, often without rigorous testing. A hypothesis is more formal and requires validation.