by theory

USAGE SUMMARY

"by theory" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most commonly used to refer to the principles or ideas underlying a particular concept or phenomenon. Here are some examples of how it can be used: - "By theory, the stock market should be driven by supply and demand." - "According to economic theory, lower taxes should lead to increased consumer spending." - "The experiment did not produce the expected results, but it was a success by theory." - "By theory, time travel may be possible through the manipulation of space-time." - "The book explores the concept of democracy and its application by theory and in practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Martin worked by theory, Denniz by feel.

The New Yorker

"But innovation must be preceded by theory".

The New York Times

Disappointing things first: the introduction is weighed down by theory.

The New Yorker

Nursing is a hands-on job, underpinned by theory.

The Guardian

Now she's become so studied and swamped by theory".

The Guardian - Books

This integrated model is also informed by theory and research.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This has yet to be confirmed by theory.

Current Opinion in Food Science

Good observations are clear, specific, and supported by theory.

User-Centered Design Stories Real-World UCD Case Files

Jess wears top, £250, and trousers, £210, both by Theory, from net-a-porter.com.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Suppose instead of being fixed by theory, it was random from universe to universe.

The New York Times - Science

"In all of the cases studied, decoherence behaves as predicted by theory," Dr. Zurek said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by theory" when explaining predictions or expectations based on established theoretical frameworks. This is especially useful in scientific, academic, and formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "by theory" as a substitute for definitive evidence. While theory provides a framework, it doesn't always reflect reality. Always clarify the distinction between theoretical expectation and empirical validation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by theory" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is understood, predicted, or expected based on theoretical principles. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across multiple contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

26%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by theory" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that something is expected or predicted based on a theoretical framework. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in scientific, academic, and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you are clearly distinguishing between theoretical expectations and empirical evidence to avoid misinterpretations. Alternative phrases such as "in theory" or "according to theory" can provide similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. Understanding the nuances of these alternatives enhances the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in theory

Focuses on the theoretical possibility rather than practical application.

according to theory

Emphasizes that something aligns with or follows a specific theoretical framework.

theoretically speaking

Highlights that the statement is based on theoretical considerations.

based on theoretical principles

Stresses the foundation of the idea in established theoretical concepts.

from a theoretical perspective

Indicates the viewpoint is rooted in theoretical analysis.

in accordance with theory

Highlights adherence to a theoretical model or framework.

as theory suggests

Implies that the current expectation aligns with theoretical predictions.

by logical extension

Focuses on a conclusion reached through logical deduction from established principles.

on theoretical grounds

Emphasizes that the justification is purely theoretical without necessarily implying practical support.

per theoretical models

Emphasizes alignment with established theoretical representations.

FAQs

How can I use "by theory" in a sentence?

Use "by theory" to indicate that something is expected or predicted based on a theoretical framework. For instance, "By theory, increased investment in renewable energy should reduce carbon emissions".

What's the difference between "in theory" and "by theory"?

"In theory" describes something that should happen ideally, while "by theory" suggests an expectation or prediction derived from an established theoretical framework. For example, the result can be predicted by theory but differ "in theory".

Which is correct, "according to theory" or "by theory"?

Both "according to theory" and "by theory" are correct. "According to theory" emphasizes a reliance on established theoretical knowledge, while "by theory" directly links a prediction or expectation to theoretical principles.

Can "by theory" be used in informal conversation?

While "by theory" is more common in formal or academic contexts, it can be used in informal settings to explain expectations rooted in generally understood principles. The formality will depend on the topic discussed.