a reasonable theory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable theory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a hypothesis or explanation that is logical and justifiable based on available evidence or reasoning. Example: "After reviewing the data, I believe that a reasonable theory for the observed phenomenon is that environmental factors play a significant role."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"They have a reasonable theory of adaptation to products, but it's not brought to mind at the time of acquisition".

The New York Times

Against this troubled backdrop, there is a reasonable theory that suggests Scottish football's sense of pantomime is essential to maintain interest.

The Guardian - Sport

Pitcher Alex Cobb says that the opposing hurler is forced to focus on Longoria, which opens up the possibility of issuing more mistakes to other less talented members of their lineup - a reasonable theory.

The Guardian - Sport

Post-conviction, though, the legal presumption is that the 12 citizen jurors made the correct decision and that the defense lawyers and prosecutors did their jobs honestly and to the best of their abilities – a reasonable theory, but unable to account for the 273 people exonerated (some posthumously) thanks to the efforts of the Innocence Project.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a reasonable theory backed by exhilarating evidence, albeit with the return legs still to come, and if it could be assumed that Bayern and Dortmund will continue to go from strength to strength while adding fresh faces to their squads, German optimism would be fully justified.

The Guardian - Sport

Thus, it is not just COMP which is necessary for a reasonable theory of infinite cardinality, but WOT itself.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

For reasons like these, Gabriel Uzquiano claims that Arbitrary Partition "seems far too strong to be classed as an axiom of any reasonable theory of location" (2011: 2011.

SEP

The application of Best Interests can, in many instances, procedurally resemble the application of Substituted Judgment because, on any reasonable theory of well-being, a large part of what counts as good for a person is attaining what she values or succeeding in what she cares about.

SEP

We created a huge relief program, only part of which should on any reasonable theory fall on New York.

The New York Times

Astronomers agree that these planets are oddballs according to any reasonable theory of planet formation.

The New York Times - Science

Loeb notes that on virtually any reasonable theory of language, meaning and reference are at least partly determined by the semantic intentions and commitments of ordinary speakers, suitably adjusted to account for performance errors and other deviations.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a reasonable theory" to introduce explanations that, while not definitively proven, are well-supported by available information. This sets the expectation that further investigation may be needed.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a reasonable theory" as an absolute truth or established fact. It's crucial to acknowledge its tentative nature and potential limitations to maintain intellectual honesty and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable theory" functions as a noun phrase that introduces an explanation or hypothesis considered logical and justifiable. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable expression. The examples show its use in various contexts, adding a layer of validation to its grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable theory" is a commonly used phrase to introduce an explanation or hypothesis that is logical and justifiable based on available evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, predominantly in science and news media. When using this phrase, it's essential to highlight the supporting evidence while avoiding overstating its certainty. Alternatives include "a plausible explanation" and "a sound hypothesis", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a logical explanation

Emphasizes the logical consistency of the explanation, rather than its comprehensiveness as a theory.

a plausible explanation

Replaces "theory" with "explanation", suggesting a more general account or reason.

a sound hypothesis

Substitutes "theory" with "hypothesis", indicating a more tentative or testable proposition.

a tenable argument

Uses "argument" instead of "theory", focusing on the reasoning and support behind an idea.

a valid justification

Highlights the legitimacy and support behind the rationale.

a credible assertion

Replaces "theory" with "assertion", emphasizing the confidence and believability of the statement.

a defensible rationale

Substitutes "theory" with "rationale", highlighting the justification or reasoning behind a decision or belief.

a well-founded assumption

Focuses on the basis and support for the underlying assumption.

a compelling interpretation

Replaces "theory" with "interpretation", suggesting a particular understanding or perspective.

a cogent analysis

Uses "analysis" instead of "theory", focusing on the structured examination and evaluation of an idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reasonable theory" to introduce a hypothesis or explanation that is logical and justifiable based on the available evidence. For example, "After reviewing the data, a reasonable theory suggests that environmental factors play a significant role."

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

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

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a reasonable theory"?

It's appropriate to use "a reasonable theory" when you're presenting an explanation that is well-supported by evidence but not definitively proven. It indicates a logical and justifiable hypothesis.

What distinguishes "a reasonable theory" from "a wild guess"?

"A reasonable theory" is based on evidence and logical reasoning, while "a wild guess" lacks such support. "A reasonable theory" is an informed proposition, whereas a wild guess is a speculation without foundation.