consistent with theory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consistent with theory" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that a particular set of facts, observations, or measurements agrees with a particular theory. For example: "The data collected from the experiment was consistent with theory, further supporting our hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The experimental current-time transient are consistent with theory.

Electrochimica Acta

Again, all pattern coefficients were statistically significant and consistent with theory.

International Journal of STEM Education

Consistent with theory, this study indicates a high preference manipulation rate under Boston.

Journal of Economic Theory

Consistent with theory and practice, the most prominent CSFs for project supervisors are design and monitoring.

International Journal of Project Management

Consistent with theory, participation in the MILC program is negatively correlated with the price of milk.

Journal of Dairy Science

The relationship between the bandwidth and channel diameter is consistent with theory.

Journal of Chromatography A

Consistent with theory, empirical research generally finds increased levels of fragmentation near the urban fringe.

Applied Geography

Consistent with theory, such a level can be split into four sub-levels.

Physics Letters A

The temperature dependence of gas diffusivity was consistent with theory of gas diffusion.

Chemical Engineering Journal

Results from these two-phase test cases are consistent with theory.

Journal of Computational Physics

These results suggest a MJH labor supply increase due to a negative income shock within households, consistent with theory.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "consistent with theory", ensure that the theory you are referencing is well-established and relevant to the context of your writing. Provide sufficient background information or citations to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid claiming that results are "proof" of a theory when they are merely "consistent with" it. Consistency does not equal proof; further research may be needed to validate the theory fully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consistent with theory" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun (often 'results', 'data', or 'observations'), indicating that the noun aligns with or supports an existing theoretical framework. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

98%

Formal & Business

1%

News & Media

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "consistent with theory" is a common and grammatically correct expression, primarily used in formal and scientific writing to indicate that results or observations align with established theoretical frameworks. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples confirms its frequent use in ScienceDirect, BioMed Central and Springer. While alternative phrases like "in agreement with theory" or "as predicted by theory" exist, "consistent with theory" maintains its relevance and authority in academic discourse. When employing this phrase, writers should ensure that the referenced theory is well-established and that they avoid overstating the strength of the evidence. Overall, its prevalence underscores its importance in scientific and academic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in agreement with theory

This alternative emphasizes the alignment or correspondence between findings and theoretical predictions.

in line with theory

This suggests that the results or observations are following the path or direction predicted by the theory.

as predicted by theory

This explicitly states that the observed outcome was expected based on the theoretical framework.

supportive of theory

This indicates that the evidence lends credence or validation to the theory.

validating the theory

Implies a stronger confirmation or verification of the theory based on empirical evidence.

corroborating the theory

This suggests the presence of additional evidence that strengthens or confirms the theory.

in accordance with theory

Similar to 'in agreement', but may suggest a more formal or structured alignment.

fits with the theoretical model

This indicates that the data or observations align well with the model's predictions or structure.

aligns with theoretical expectations

This alternative underscores the concordance between the outcomes and what the theory anticipates.

bears out the theory

This idiom means that the theory is confirmed or proven to be true by the evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "consistent with theory" in a sentence?

You can use "consistent with theory" to describe results or observations that align with established theoretical frameworks. For example, "The experimental results were "consistent with theory", supporting the hypothesis that...".

What are some alternatives to saying "consistent with theory"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in agreement with theory", "in line with theory", or "as predicted by theory". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "consistent with theory" in formal writing?

Yes, "consistent with theory" is entirely appropriate for formal writing, particularly in academic and scientific contexts. It's a precise way to describe the relationship between data and theoretical expectations.

What does it mean when results are described as "not consistent with theory"?

If results are "not consistent with theory", it suggests a discrepancy between the observed data and the predictions of the theory. This may indicate a need to revise the theory or to re-evaluate the experimental methods.