basis for conjecture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basis for conjecture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the foundation or reasoning behind a hypothesis or assumption. Example: "The data collected from the experiment provides a solid basis for conjecture about the potential outcomes of the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But a look at the list of speakers provides at least some basis for conjecture.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Many of these efforts are motivated by the hope that success in determining such a sequence will provide an objective basis for conjectures about the development of Plato's philosophical views over the course of his literary lifetime.

SEP

Across the data, participants described students in relation to the quadrilateral that they used as a basis for their conjecture and in relation to the number of students who would have their conjecture shared.

International Journal of STEM Education

The basis for this conjecture is the fact that the proportion of variation of average abnormal returns explained by the mood variable, as measured by the ratio of R2, does not show a declining trend over time.

Financial Innovation

Second, we should explain clearly the basis for the speculation and should not confuse conjecture with fact.

Independent

This conjecture forms the basis for our current hypothesis.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

But, as the noted fire scientist Craig Beyler writes in his recent report on the Willingham case for the Texas Forensic Science Commission (pdf), Vasquez never offers a rational basis for this or other conjectures; Beyler says that Vasquez's method was more characteristic of "psychics".

The New Yorker

By generalizing Mints' Rule, Visser and de Jongh identified a recursively enumerable sequence of successively stronger admissible rules ("Visser's rules") which, they conjectured, formed a basis for the admissible rules of IPC in the sense that every admissible rule is derivable from the disjunction property and one of the rules of the sequence.

SEP

This unproven conjecture has been the basis for designing numerous algorithms such as the A* algorithm, and its variants.

Artificial Intelligence

"It's a matter for conjecture.

The Guardian - Opinion

The hope is that this phrase will provide a legal basis to argue that sport can, in certain circumstances, be exempted from the usual strictures of the EU's single-market rules.What such an ambiguous qualifying clause will mean in practice is a matter for conjecture and argument.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basis for conjecture", ensure that the conjecture is clearly stated and that the basis is explicitly linked to it, providing a clear line of reasoning for your audience to follow.

Common error

Avoid presenting a weak or speculative "basis for conjecture" as definitive proof. Clearly indicate the level of uncertainty or limitations associated with the basis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basis for conjecture" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the foundation or reasoning behind a speculative idea or hypothesis. Ludwig shows examples where it's used to introduce and justify further exploration or discussion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basis for conjecture" serves to identify the foundational elements that support a speculative idea, frequently appearing in scientific and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its usage is relatively rare. To enhance clarity in writing, ensure that the "basis" is explicitly linked to the conjecture and avoid overstating the strength of the supporting evidence. Consider using alternatives like "foundation for speculation" or "grounds for hypothesis" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation for speculation

Replaces "conjecture" with "speculation", implying a more tentative or less substantiated idea.

grounds for hypothesis

Substitutes "conjecture" with "hypothesis", suggesting a more formal or testable proposition.

reason for assumption

Emphasizes the rational or logical justification behind an assumption.

justification for inference

Highlights the act of drawing a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning.

rationale for speculation

Focuses on the underlying logic or reasoning behind a speculative idea.

evidence for conjecture

Highlights the empirical or factual support for a conjecture.

premise for hypothesis

Indicates the foundational statement or argument upon which a hypothesis is built.

source of speculation

Identifies the origin or cause of a speculative idea.

starting point for assumption

Emphasizes the initial basis or point of departure for an assumption.

motivation for conjecture

Focuses on the driving force or reason behind making a conjecture.

FAQs

How can I use "basis for conjecture" in a sentence?

You can use "basis for conjecture" to describe the foundation or reasoning behind a hypothesis or speculation. For example: "The data collected from the experiment provides a solid basis for conjecture about the potential outcomes of the study."

What are some alternatives to "basis for conjecture"?

Some alternatives include "foundation for speculation", "grounds for hypothesis", or "reason for assumption", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "basis for conjecture" in formal writing?

Yes, "basis for conjecture" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing hypotheses, theories, or speculative ideas supported by evidence or reasoning. However, ensure the conjecture is well-defined and the basis is clearly articulated.

What distinguishes a "basis for conjecture" from a "basis for fact"?

A "basis for conjecture" supports a speculative idea or hypothesis, while a "basis for fact" supports a statement that is considered to be definitively true. A conjecture requires further investigation to be proven, whereas a fact is already established.