build a theory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'build a theory' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to the process of forming an idea about something based on evidence or observation. For example, "The professor built a theory about why the climate has been changing so drastically."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The handpicked case study, which is Christensen's method, is a notoriously weak foundation on which to build a theory.

The New Yorker

"What I'd learned from the failure of inclusive fitness is that you can't build a theory out of thin air," Wilson says.

The New Yorker

It could be regretted that Hauser does not challenge the received view of Bacon, but in a book resting mostly on secondary sources it would be a mistake to build a theory on the mythologies that envelop this artist.

The Guardian - Books

And while it may be specious to build a theory on an empirical sample of two, the experience of belonging to such a counterintuitive migration seems to produce writers preoccupied with places and the spaces in between them.

The Guardian - Books

Then, after a (very) short course on nonsmooth analysis, we build a theory around these tools.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

With the aid of nonsmooth analysis, we build a theory around these tools.

Annual Reviews in Control

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The adaptation of cognitive psychology script theory [ 7, 8] to the characteristics of reasoning in the health professions provides a promising way to build a theory-based assessment tool.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

At a time when cognitive psychology has become the major conceptual framework in the education of professions [ 9], the adaptation of script theory [ 10, 11] to the characteristics of reasoning in the health professions provides a promising way to build a theory-based assessment tool.

BMC Medical Education

My father compares BEN research to the story of the blind men and the elephant: everyone noticed something different and built a theory around it, and nobody saw the whole picture.

The New Yorker

To be able to discuss it in polite company, economists renamed it "maximization of utility," and built a theory of the world that everyone benefits when we seek to maximize our own individual welfare.

The New York Times

He built a theory of reality around zero and infinity.

Zero A Landmark Discovery, the Dreadful Void, and the Ultimate Mind

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "build a theory", ensure your writing clearly indicates the foundation upon which the theory is being constructed. Specify the evidence, observations, or assumptions that support the theoretical framework.

Common error

Avoid constructing a theory based on limited or biased data. Ensure your evidence is robust and representative to prevent flawed conclusions. Always consider potential counter-evidence and alternative explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build a theory" functions as a verb phrase acting as the predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of creating, developing, or constructing a theoretical framework. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and serves to express the process of forming an idea based on evidence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "build a theory" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the development of a systematic explanation for a phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility in written English. Predominantly found in scientific and academic contexts, it denotes a formal and rigorous process of constructing a framework based on evidence and reasoning. While alternatives like "formulate a theory" or "develop a theory" offer nuanced variations, the core meaning remains consistent: the creation of a coherent theoretical explanation. When employing "build a theory", emphasize the evidence and logical connections supporting your theoretical framework to avoid overgeneralization and ensure a robust conclusion. The frequent use of the phrase across scientific and news media confirms its relevance in both expert and general discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulate a theory

Emphasizes the precise and systematic articulation of a theory.

develop a theory

Focuses on the gradual and progressive evolution of a theory.

construct a theory

Highlights the deliberate and methodical assembly of a theory.

establish a theory

Suggests the solidifying or confirming of a theory.

create a theory

Implies the original and inventive design of a theory.

hypothesize a framework

Shifts focus to a tentative framework, rather than a fully formed theory.

devise a model

Implies creating a simplified representation of a system or phenomenon.

formulate a hypothesis

Focuses on creating a testable statement, a preliminary step to building a theory.

establish a rationale

Refers to creating a set of reasons or a logical basis for something.

develop a perspective

Suggests adopting a particular viewpoint or way of understanding.

FAQs

What is another way to say "build a theory"?

You can use alternatives such as "formulate a theory", "develop a theory", or "construct a theory" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "build a theory"?

It's suitable when describing the process of developing a systematic explanation for a phenomenon, based on observation, evidence, and reasoning.

What elements are essential when attempting to "build a theory"?

Key elements include a clear research question, a thorough review of existing literature, collection and analysis of relevant data, and a logical framework that connects the evidence to the proposed explanation.

How does "building a theory" differ from "testing a hypothesis"?

"Building a theory" involves creating a comprehensive explanation, while "testing a hypothesis" focuses on evaluating a specific prediction derived from an existing theory. Building often comes first, and hypothesis testing is a method to validate/invalidate the theory over time.