a working hypothesis

USAGE SUMMARY

'a working hypothesis' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tentative explanation or theory about something (for example, a scientific phenomenon) that has yet to be tested. For example, "The researcher formulated a working hypothesis to explain the unexpected results of the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It means they take it as a working hypothesis.

The New York Times

The voice of a jock, but I just keep that as a working hypothesis awaiting more evidence.

The Guardian

IT WAS once a nightmare scenario; now it is becoming a working hypothesis.

The Economist

Evidence from literature provides a compelling case for a working hypothesis that plants can utilize the gases of incineration.

Advances in Space Research

Q: Could learning a language later in life keep Alzheimer's at bay? A: That is a working hypothesis.

The Washington Post

A low air temperature limit of 18 °C in freely available clothing may provide a working hypothesis.

Energy and Buildings

We conclude that there is sufficient experimental evidence for it to be offered as a working hypothesis.

Soil Biology and Biochemistry

A working hypothesis was that FGF-2 proliferationiferandon and OP-1 manntauricularuricular phenotype of these cells.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

But Arturo Sandoval, spokesman for the Chihuahua state prosecutors' office, said the vigilante claim is considered a working hypothesis in the crimes.

The Guardian

We present a working hypothesis where gas at transition region temperatures moves in flow channels from the surroundings into the sunspot.

Advances in Space Research

Therefore, I wouldn't necessarily subscribe to the benign interpretation that no one is out to get at this person; I'd be keeping that as a working hypothesis.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a working hypothesis", clearly state that it is a preliminary explanation subject to further testing and refinement. This ensures transparency and avoids misrepresenting it as a definitive conclusion.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a working hypothesis" as a proven fact. Always emphasize its tentative nature by using phrases like 'this suggests' or 'it is hypothesized that' to indicate that it requires further validation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a working hypothesis" primarily functions as a noun phrase that introduces a tentative explanation or assumption used as a basis for further investigation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a working hypothesis" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce a preliminary explanation or assumption that needs further examination. Predominantly found in scientific and formal contexts, the expression serves to propose a tentative idea as a starting point for research. Ludwig AI highlights that it's correct and usable in written English. Related phrases include "a tentative theory" and "a provisional assumption". When employing this phrase, it is essential to emphasize its tentative nature and avoid overstating its certainty. This approach ensures clear and accurate communication, reflecting the true purpose of hypothesis formulation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tentative theory

Replaces 'working hypothesis' with more general terms indicating a preliminary explanation.

a provisional assumption

Substitutes 'hypothesis' with 'assumption', highlighting the speculative nature and using 'provisional' to indicate its temporary acceptance.

an initial conjecture

Replaces 'working hypothesis' with 'initial conjecture', emphasizing the preliminary and speculative nature of the idea.

a starting premise

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the hypothesis as the beginning point for reasoning.

a preliminary explanation

Focuses on the explanatory aspect of the hypothesis, describing it as an early or initial attempt to explain something.

a hypothetical framework

Replaces 'hypothesis' with 'framework', suggesting a broader structure for understanding, which is tentative.

a speculative model

Uses 'model' instead of 'hypothesis', indicating a simplified representation that is based on speculation.

a proposed explanation

Highlights that the explanation is being put forward for consideration but is not yet proven.

a testable proposition

Focuses on the aspect of the hypothesis that allows it to be tested or verified.

a developing theory

Emphasizes the ongoing process of theory formation, suggesting that the theory is not yet fully formed.

FAQs

How do I use "a working hypothesis" in a sentence?

You can use "a working hypothesis" to introduce a tentative explanation that needs further investigation, such as, 'As "a working hypothesis", we propose that the observed effects are due to changes in temperature'.

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

"A working hypothesis" is a preliminary explanation that guides initial research, while "a theory" is a well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation.

What can I say instead of "a working hypothesis"?

Alternatives include "a tentative theory", "a provisional assumption", or "a preliminary explanation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, it's appropriate in formal and scientific writing to introduce tentative explanations that guide research. Just make sure to contextualize by stating that it is "a tentative theory", and open for scrutiny through testing and experimentation.