a working theory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a working theory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a hypothesis or explanation that is currently being tested or considered but is not yet proven. Example: "The researchers proposed a working theory to explain the unexpected results of their experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Finally, the investigation had a working theory.

The Guardian

By the lunch hour, the S.E.C.'s trading and markets team had a working theory for the cause of the chaos: a BATS server, it suspected, had malfunctioned.

The New York Times

Darfur, in short, has shown that there is a great difference between gaining acceptance for a working theory and making the theory work.

The New York Times

A working theory is that Trump has met a force of equal and opposite self-regard and bombast, a voluble troll with all the same moves.

The New Yorker

He proposes a working theory of filmmaking as world-making: "No matter how weird something is, no matter how strange the world is that you're making a film about, it's got to be a certain way.

The New Yorker

Of five lawyers interviewed this week about the case, none said that they understood the overall status of the investigation or whether the prosecutors had a working theory of how Mr. Novak had obtained Ms. Plame's name.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

But the problem is no one has ever developed a full working theory of "atoms of space-time" -- formally called a theory of Quantum Gravity.

HuffPost

A cognitive ecology is a system crafted to enable certain kinds of thinking, indeed, to confirm and to conform to a specific working theory of mind.

University of Pennsylvania

A common working theory for AD pathogenesis, the amyloid hypothesis [ 16], was formulated based on the genetics of familial or inherited AD.

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

Before I knew the name of the interviewee I'd exhaustively tracked down every reference to a local shop, made obsessive notes on her glasses, and come up with a (completely bogus) working theory of what happened and whodunnit.

The Guardian - Tech

That's the working theory.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a working theory", clearly state its limitations and the evidence supporting it. Avoid presenting it as a definitive truth.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a working theory" as a fully validated or conclusive explanation. Ensure you acknowledge that it is still under investigation and may be subject to change based on new evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a working theory" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces an explanation or hypothesis that is currently being explored or tested. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies that the theory is not yet fully proven but is being used as a basis for further investigation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a working theory" is a noun phrase used to introduce a preliminary explanation or hypothesis under investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's common in News & Media, Science, and Academia, suggesting broad applicability. When using this phrase, remember to acknowledge its provisional nature and avoid overstating its certainty. Consider alternatives like "a tentative hypothesis" or "a preliminary explanation" for subtle differences in meaning. Be aware that its frequent use across various contexts makes it a valuable asset in different communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tentative hypothesis

Emphasizes the provisional nature of the explanation.

a preliminary explanation

Highlights the initial stage of the explanatory process.

a developing concept

Focuses on the evolving nature of the idea.

a hypothetical model

Suggests a structured, but unproven, framework.

a proposed mechanism

Implies a specific process under consideration.

a conceptual framework

Highlights the theoretical structure supporting the idea.

a current understanding

Emphasizes the present state of knowledge.

an initial assessment

Highlights the early evaluation of a situation.

a possible explanation

Focuses on the potential for explaining something.

a plausible scenario

Suggests a believable but not confirmed sequence of events.

FAQs

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

Use "a working theory" to introduce a preliminary explanation or hypothesis that is currently being explored or tested. For example: "The detectives developed "a working theory" about the motive behind the crime".

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

"A working theory" is a preliminary explanation still under investigation, while a "proven theory" has been extensively tested and validated through evidence.

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

You can use alternatives like "a tentative hypothesis", "a preliminary explanation", or "a developing concept" depending on the context.

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

Yes, it is appropriate, but ensure you clearly indicate that it's a preliminary explanation and not a definitive conclusion. Context matters; always assess if a more precise term, such as "a tentative hypothesis", might be more suitable.