based on speculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on speculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing conclusions, theories, or ideas that are formed without firm evidence or certainty. Example: "The report's findings are based on speculation rather than concrete data, which raises questions about its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Kremlin has dismissed Britain's decision to cancel flights as one based on speculation, with Russian flights to Sharm el-Sheikh continuing as normal.

The Guardian

As Theranos pointed out in its response, the new estimate is based on "speculation and press reports" — but then, so was the old one.

The New Yorker

As Theranos pointed out in its response, the new estimate is based on "speculation and press reports"—but then, so was the old one.

The New Yorker

But it's all based on speculation.

The New York Times - Sports

Ferris acknowledged this was based on speculation.

The Guardian

Much of that was based on speculation.

The New York Times - Health

The National Farmers Unionn suggested the leaked list was not official and was based on speculation.

The Guardian

War should have been a last resort and not waged pre-emptively based on speculation.

The New York Times

Almost everything written since then has been based on speculation and, dare I say it, invention.

The Guardian

Her legal team has said the charges against her are based on speculation and imagination.

The Guardian

"After the DNA test, we will announce it, based on facts, not based on speculation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based on speculation", clarify the speculative nature of the information to avoid misleading the audience. For example, state explicitly that the conclusions are "based on speculation" rather than definitive evidence.

Common error

Avoid presenting information "based on speculation" as factual or certain. Clearly distinguish between evidence-based findings and speculative interpretations to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on speculation" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a statement, conclusion, or theory lacks solid empirical support and is instead founded on conjecture or guesswork. Ludwig confirms that the phrase serves to temper the certainty of a claim.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "based on speculation" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that a claim or conclusion is not supported by solid evidence but relies on conjecture. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to qualify statements and express uncertainty. It's frequently used in news, science and business, though its formality makes it less suitable for informal contexts. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly acknowledge the speculative nature of the information to avoid misleading the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grounded in conjecture

Replaces "based on" with "grounded in", emphasizing the lack of factual basis and reliance on guesswork.

founded on conjecture

Similar to "grounded in conjecture", but uses "founded on" to highlight that the speculation forms the basis of something.

built on conjecture

Emphasizes that the speculation is what an idea is built or constructed upon.

predicated on speculation

Replaces "based on" with "predicated on", indicating that the speculation is a necessary condition or basis.

derived from speculation

Indicates the speculation is the origin or source of an idea.

inferred from speculation

Highlights that the conclusion is reached by reasoning or deduction from speculative information.

assumed without evidence

Focuses on the lack of proof or supporting facts.

conjectured without proof

Highlights the element of conjecture and the absence of evidence.

hypothesized without verification

Implies a more formal proposition that lacks confirmation.

surmised on insufficient data

Indicates that a conclusion was reached with limited or inadequate data.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "based on speculation"?

When something is described as "based on speculation", it means that it is /s/derived+from+speculation and is therefore not based on concrete evidence or facts. It relies on guesswork, assumptions, or conjecture.

How can I use "based on speculation" in a sentence?

You can use "based on speculation" to indicate that a claim, theory, or report is not firmly supported by evidence. For example, "The analyst's predictions were /s/founded+on+conjecture and should be viewed with caution."

What's the difference between "based on conjecture" and "based on speculation"?

"Based on conjecture" and "based on speculation" are very similar. /s/Grounded+in+conjecture might imply a more formal or considered guess, while "based on speculation" can encompass a broader range of unverified assumptions.

What are some alternatives to saying "based on speculation"?

Alternatives to "based on speculation" include "/s/assumed+without+evidence", "/s/inferred+from+speculation", "/s/predicated+on+speculation", or "conjectured without proof", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.