The phrase "advances theory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the development or progression of a particular theory in a field of study.
Example: "The new research significantly advances theory in the field of cognitive psychology."
Alternatives: "promotes theory" or "enhances theory".
Like a lot of Bach's work -- especially the music written, or at least assembled, toward the end of his life -- the "Well-Tempered" makes statements, advances theories, pulls together bodies of knowledge.
Buchanan et al. (2000) note that as technology advances, theories of justice need no longer consider "natural inequalities" to be given, or outside the scope of distribution.
Advance theory of matter (whats the matter) that becomes obsession.
I'm amazed by Alex's essay snippet, in which he applies advanced theory to "The Shining".
Hudson River, Tenth Ave ., Eighth Ave .etc. Psychology has led some people to advance theory that when East River gets to Forty-second Street, there will be no EastrRiver at Forty-third Street.
Hudson River, Tenth Ave ., Eighth Ave .etc. Psychology has led some people to advance theory that when East River gets to Forty-second Street, there will be no EastrRiver at Forty-third Street... View Article By Jelani Cobb By Joan Acocella By David Remnick By Jia Tolentino.
Hudson River, Tenth Ave ., Eighth Ave .etc. Psychology has led some people to advance theory that when East River gets to Forty-second Street, there will be no EastrRiver at Forty-third Street... View Article By Phil Klay By Troy Patterson By Alan Burdick By Larissa MacFarquhar.
To advance theory, the paper also draws from the entrepreneurship and life cycle literatures.
When reservoir engineers analyze the waterflood performance, they resort to the conventional frontal advance theory of Buckley and Leverett (1942).
