as a first conjecture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a first conjecture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing an initial hypothesis or assumption that will be explored or tested further. Example: "As a first conjecture, we might consider that the observed phenomenon is influenced by environmental factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The naïve reading is regarded as a first conjecture and it has to be validated or invalidated by the subsequent structural analysis [ 4].

BMC Medical Ethics

The naive reading is regarded as a first conjecture and it has to be validated or invalidated by the subsequent structural analysis [ 19, 26].

BMC Nursing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We developed a new Bochner formula and it becomes useful with the first conjecture we proved.

Journal of Functional Analysis

as a first indemonstrable.

SEP

As a first step, we would like to compare observed networks to established network models, under the aspect of small subgraph counts, as these are conjectured to relate to functional modules in the PPI network.

Bioinformatics

To accept the cell as a computer conjecture first requires an exploration of the concept of information, in relation to the concept of genetic program.

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

The conjecture is that Staal is: (a) seeking the kind of top-six ice time he cannot get as a third center behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and (b) wants to play alongside his brother Eric in Carolina.

The New York Times

But we don't have to leave this as a mere conjecture.

The New York Times

On the basis of (ii), we have already noted that the argument establishes its conclusion as a reasonable conjecture.

SEP

As a tentative conjecture, however, considerable deviations of α from 1 are more likely to occur than deviations of β.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

In the second gallery, drawing expands to provide knowledge itself with an infinitely flexible linear framework and to serve, as perhaps no other medium can, as a form of conjecture or speculation.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a first conjecture" to clearly signal that the idea presented is a preliminary one, open to further investigation and potential revision.

Common error

Avoid presenting "as a first conjecture" as a definitive statement. Emphasize its tentative nature to prevent misunderstandings and encourage critical evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a first conjecture" functions as an introductory phrase, specifically designed to introduce an initial hypothesis or assumption that requires further investigation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English and it appears in scientific and academic texts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a first conjecture" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a preliminary hypothesis or assumption. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is deemed correct and most appropriately utilized in formal, scientific, and academic contexts. While examples are relatively rare, the phrase effectively signals the tentative nature of the statement, encouraging further scrutiny and validation. To ensure clarity, it is best to avoid presenting it as a definitive fact and instead, emphasize its role as a starting point for exploration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an initial hypothesis

Replaces "conjecture" with a more formal term, "hypothesis".

as a preliminary assumption

Substitutes "conjecture" with "assumption", indicating a starting point.

as a working hypothesis

Suggests a hypothesis used for practical purposes.

as a starting point

Focuses on the beginning aspect of the conjecture.

initially hypothesizing

Uses a verb form to express the act of forming an initial hypothesis.

as a tentative theory

Replaces "conjecture" with "theory", implying a more developed idea, but still tentative.

provisionally considering

Highlights the provisional nature of the consideration.

for the sake of argument

Indicates a temporary acceptance of an idea for discussion.

assuming for the moment

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the assumption.

to begin with, let's assume

Adds an introductory phrase to highlight the initial assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "as a first conjecture" in a sentence?

You can use "as a first conjecture" to introduce an initial hypothesis or assumption that requires further validation. For example, "As a first conjecture, we propose that increased sunlight exposure correlates with higher vitamin D levels."

What is a more formal alternative to "as a first conjecture"?

A more formal alternative would be "as an initial hypothesis" or "as a preliminary assumption".

Is "as a first conjecture" interchangeable with "as a hypothesis"?

While similar, "as a first conjecture" implies a more tentative and less developed idea compared to "as a hypothesis", which typically has some supporting evidence or theoretical basis.

When should I use "as a first conjecture" instead of "initially"?

Use "as a first conjecture" when you want to specifically highlight that you are presenting an initial idea that needs further exploration or testing. "Initially" is a more general term indicating the beginning of a process or thought, while "as a first conjecture" refers to a specific type of beginning – an assumption or guess.