built on speculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "built on speculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ideas, theories, or conclusions that are based on conjecture rather than solid evidence. Example: "The theory was built on speculation, lacking any substantial proof to support its claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The other one was built on speculation and eventually was leased by Novartis, a pharmaceutical company.

The New York Times

Close to 1.7 million square feet of space is currently being built on speculation statewide -- and two new speculative structures built at 8A -- Matrix Development's Centerpoint and Keystone's Cranbury West-Phase II -- are vacant.

The New York Times

"My husband wanted a new house, I wanted something older and this made us both happy," said Amanda Brown, who now lives in one of the houses that was built on speculation.

The New York Times

Venice, the city built on speculation,.

The New Yorker

The houses will be built on speculation.

The New York Times

The tower was built on speculation.

The New York Times

They may have been built on speculation and were most certainly occupied by local tradesmen.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We could do a built-to-suit" facility, tailored to one company's specifications, Mr. Griffin said, or build on speculation without a specific tenant.

The New York Times

But the company will not build on speculation.

The New York Times

But Mr. Cotter did decide to build on speculation.

The New York Times

For unlike other architects, he builds on speculation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "built on speculation", ensure the context clearly indicates the lack of concrete evidence or the presence of significant uncertainty. This helps avoid misinterpretations and strengthens your argument by acknowledging potential weaknesses.

Common error

Avoid presenting something "built on speculation" as a definitive fact. Qualify your statements to reflect the speculative nature of the foundation, using phrases like "it is believed" or "it is hypothesized".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "built on speculation" typically functions as a descriptive modifier, often used to characterize a noun (theory, idea, building, argument) whose basis lacks concrete evidence or is rooted in conjecture. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage is grammatically correct and quite common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "built on speculation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to describe something lacking a solid foundation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and understood. Its primary function is to express caution or skepticism, and its usage spans various registers, although it is most prevalent in news media. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly conveys the speculative nature of the subject to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like ""based on conjecture"" or ""founded on guesswork"" can offer similar nuances depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resting on speculation

Highlights the act of speculating as the basis.

reliant on conjecture

Highlights the reliance on a speculative claim.

based on conjecture

Focuses on the uncertainty inherent in the foundation.

founded on guesswork

Highlights the lack of solid evidence.

based on unsubstantiated claims

Points out the lack of support of the claims.

premised on assumptions

Emphasizes reliance on unproven ideas.

predicated on hypotheses

Suggests a scientific or theoretical basis that is yet unproven.

grounded in supposition

Similar to assumption, but slightly more formal.

dependent on unproven theories

Highlights that the base on theory is unproven yet.

contingent on uncertain events

Focuses on the dependence on future unknowns.

FAQs

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

You can use "built on speculation" to describe theories, projects, or arguments that lack solid evidence. For example, "The real estate market's growth was "built on speculation", leading to an unsustainable bubble".

What are some alternatives to "built on speculation"?

Alternatives include "based on conjecture", "founded on guesswork", or "premised on assumptions". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "based on speculation" or "built on speculation"?

Both "based on speculation" and "built on speculation" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Built on speculation" often implies a more elaborate or developed structure that is relying on uncertain foundations.

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

When something is described as "built on speculation", it means that its development or justification is based on uncertain or unproven ideas rather than concrete evidence or facts. This indicates a higher level of risk and uncertainty.