based on the theory that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on the theory that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a premise or foundation for an argument, hypothesis, or conclusion that relies on a specific theory. Example: "The research findings are based on the theory that social behavior is influenced by environmental factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Bush has pursued a tax policy based on the theory that tax cuts would produce such robust economic growth that they would substantially decrease the deficit.

Forbes

While POMDP problems are intractable to solve exactly, principled approximation methods can be devised based on the theory that characterizes optimal solutions.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Up until then, the explanation for antibody diversity had been based on the theory that one gene provides the recipe for one protein, or polypeptide chain.

The Economist

Some say the problem is "broken windows" policing, an approach to law enforcement based on the theory that cracking down on minor crimes helps to prevent major ones.

The Economist

Instead, prosecutors built a case based on the theory that the victims each posed a threat to Mr. Krivoi.

The New York Times

But that refusal was based on the theory that making sequestration less painful would make it more permanent.

The Washington Post

It is based on the theory that pub-goers want to be both among a crowd, and to themselves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was based on the theory that prices will be restrained when the supply of money is controlled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Social-reconstructionist education was based on the theory that society can be reconstructed through the complete control of education.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His proposals are based on the theory that the quality of teachers is the most significant factor within a school's control in improving student achievement.

The New York Times

Ironically, Communism, which is based on the theory that the economy is the basis of all human activity, collapsed for economic reasons.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based on the theory that", ensure the theory you are referencing is well-established and relevant to your argument. Avoid using it to justify claims based on unproven or speculative ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "based on the theory that" when your argument is only loosely connected to the theory. Overstating the connection can weaken your credibility if the link is not clear or strong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on the theory that" functions as a causal connector, introducing an explanation or justification rooted in a specific theoretical framework. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting its role in establishing a link between an idea and its theoretical basis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "based on the theory that" is a versatile phrase functioning as a causal connector, commonly used across diverse contexts such as news media, science, and encyclopedias. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and effectively introduces explanations or justifications grounded in established theoretical frameworks. While suitable for formal writing, it's crucial to ensure the referenced theory is relevant and well-established. Alternatives like "grounded in the concept that" or "predicated on the idea that" offer nuanced variations, and users should avoid overstating the connection to the theory to maintain credibility. This detailed analysis provides a thorough understanding of the phrase's proper usage and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grounded in the concept that

Changes the base from "theory" to "concept" emphasizing a foundational idea instead of a formal theory.

predicated on the idea that

Replaces "based on" with "predicated on", indicating a fundamental reliance on a specific idea.

founded on the principle that

Uses "founded on" to highlight the establishment of something on a core principle.

stemming from the belief that

Shifts the focus to the origin of an idea, using "stemming from" to indicate a source belief.

derived from the notion that

Indicates that something is obtained or inferred from a particular notion or idea.

reasoning from the assumption that

Emphasizes the logical process of making a conclusion based on a presupposition.

premised on the understanding that

Highlights that the foundation is an agreed or assumed comprehension of something.

in light of the theoretical framework that

Positions the statement within a specific theoretical context, making it more formal.

informed by the perspective that

Implies that a particular viewpoint has influenced or shaped the idea.

taking as a starting point the thesis that

Presents a thesis as the initial proposition from which further arguments are built.

FAQs

How can I use "based on the theory that" in a sentence?

You can use "based on the theory that" to introduce an explanation or justification that relies on a specific theoretical framework. For example, "The marketing strategy is based on the theory that consumers are more likely to purchase products endorsed by celebrities".

What are some alternatives to "based on the theory that"?

Alternatives include "grounded in the concept that", "predicated on the idea that", or "founded on the principle that", each offering a slightly different emphasis on the foundation of the idea.

Is it appropriate to use "based on the theory that" in formal writing?

Yes, "based on the theory that" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in academic or scientific contexts where theoretical frameworks are often referenced. However, ensure the theory is relevant and well-established.

What's the difference between "based on the theory that" and "based on the assumption that"?

"Based on the theory that" implies a reliance on a formal, tested explanation or model. "Based on the assumption that", on the other hand, suggests a reliance on a belief or presupposition that may not be fully proven or tested.