it posits that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it posits that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are introducing a hypothesis or a proposition. For example, "This paper it posits that new technology is the key to success in business."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Articulated by the 17th-century French philosopher and gambler Blaise Pascal, it posits that rational people should believe in God even if it is impossible to prove whether He exists, simply because it is a better bet.

The New York Times

For one thing, like Darwinism itself, it posits that characters operate from a small set of shared drives -- whereas novels interest us because they emphasize the idiosyncrasy of human behavior.

The New York Times - Magazine

It posits that instead of using tools, we should use our "hand motion vocabulary" to control devices, even when the devices aren't present.

TechCrunch

As such, it posits that narrative reliability is a false construct, something we hide behind because it's simpler and escapist.

Huffington Post

It posits that lowered tolerance in the shade should be counteracted by a greater resource allocation to chemical defenses that would confer increased resistance against herbivores, thus avoiding damage.

Plosone

It posits that positional authority is not a particularly strong lever for improving teacher practice, particularly if the principal lacks facility or interest in mathematics.

The Journal of Mathematical Behavior

The theory of American exceptionalism is no different: it posits that America is exceptional – in the most positive sense – because it is unique in the world, and that its uniqueness derives from its exceptional-ness.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It posits that it's either-or.

The New York Times

It posits that that relationship became a cancerous one, killing the government from the inside.

The Guardian - Books

It posits that the volatility so far in the Republican race implies continued volatility.

The New York Times

First, it posits that during peak fertility, women are more attracted to males who display characteristics of good genes.

Personality and Individual Differences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it posits that" to introduce a key assumption or idea in a formal or academic context. This phrase signals that you are presenting a foundational concept for further discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "it posits that" in casual writing. This phrase is best suited for formal and academic settings; in more relaxed contexts, use simpler alternatives like "it suggests that" or "it argues that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it posits that" functions as an introductory expression to present a theory, hypothesis, or fundamental concept. It is commonly used to introduce a key idea or assumption that will be further developed or explored, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

39%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase ""it posits that"" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression, primarily found in formal and academic writing. It serves to introduce a theory, hypothesis, or key assumption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's best suited for formal contexts, and writers should consider simpler alternatives like "it suggests that" in more casual settings. The phrase is very common in scientific and news media sources. Understanding these nuances will help ensure its effective use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it proposes that

Replaces "posits" with "proposes", suggesting a slightly less assertive introduction of an idea.

it suggests that

Uses "suggests" to indicate a more tentative or indirect presentation of the idea.

it hypothesizes that

Employs "hypothesizes" to specifically frame the idea as a testable hypothesis.

it postulates that

Substitutes "posits" with "postulates", implying a fundamental assumption or principle.

it theorizes that

Replaces "posits" with "theorizes", indicating the development of a formal theory.

it advances the argument that

Replaces the verb with a more elaborate phrase, explicitly framing the statement as an argument.

it puts forward the idea that

Uses a longer phrase to introduce the idea, emphasizing the act of presenting a new concept.

it assumes that

Uses "assumes" which indicates something is taken for granted as the basis for argument or action.

it presumes that

Similar to 'assumes that', but can indicate a belief based on probability rather than certainty.

the theory states that

Frames the statement as a formal declaration within a specific theory.

FAQs

How can I use "it posits that" in a sentence?

Use "it posits that" to introduce a hypothesis, theory, or key argument in a formal context. For example, "This study "it posits that" early intervention is crucial for long-term success".

What are some alternatives to "it posits that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it suggests that", "it proposes that", or "it hypothesizes that".

Is "it posits that" appropriate for informal writing?

No, "it posits that" is generally too formal for casual writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "it says that" or "it thinks that" in informal contexts.

What is the difference between "it posits that" and "it argues that"?

"It posits that" introduces a fundamental idea or assumption, while "it argues that" indicates a reasoned case or defense of a particular point of view. The former is more about laying a foundation; the latter is about making a persuasive case.