likely hypothesis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely hypothesis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a hypothesis that has a reasonable chance of being true or valid based on available evidence or reasoning. Example: "Based on the preliminary data, we can formulate a likely hypothesis regarding the cause of the observed phenomenon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One official close to the federal investigation called the Rosenberg theory "the most likely hypothesis".

The New York Times

The most likely hypothesis seems to be that the original class system deployed a set of prefixes.

Britannica

The most likely hypothesis is that Burr, the supreme opportunist, had no fixed design and was content to follow events as they unfolded.

The New York Times - Books

Based on these results, microbially mediated processes are postulated as the most likely hypothesis to explain the measured increase of dissolved bicarbonates and sulphates after tunnel construction.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

The most likely hypothesis is that the name derives from the pine branches -- bousche in old French -- put over the doors of cabarets to indicate that wine could be drunk there.

The New York Times - Travel

The most likely hypothesis is chosen as background model.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

So, the physiotherapist decided to perform a lung ultrasound examination to retain the more likely hypothesis.

Annals of Intensive Care

The final track of the object is the most likely hypothesis over the time period.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The most likely hypothesis is that graphene crystallite edges are bound to the SiC surface.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The most prominent instance of this strategy is his embrace of an atomist matter theory as a 'most likely hypothesis'.

SEP

A likely hypothesis is that these patients had concomitant CAD with recanalisation of the occlusive coronary artery or had an embolic event.

Insights into Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "likely hypothesis" to introduce a proposition that you believe has a good chance of being true, but acknowledge that it still requires further investigation or validation.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "likely hypothesis" as an established fact. Use language that reflects the level of uncertainty involved, such as "suggests", "indicates", or "implies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely hypothesis" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "likely" modifies the noun "hypothesis". This identifies a proposition that is considered probable or has a good chance of being true. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it’s used to frame potential explanations in various fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

17%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely hypothesis" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce a proposition considered probable based on current evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It is most commonly used in scientific and news media contexts. When using this phrase, remember to clearly state the supporting evidence and avoid presenting the hypothesis as an established fact. Alternatives include "plausible hypothesis" and "probable hypothesis".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plausible hypothesis

Emphasizes the believability and reasonableness of the hypothesis.

probable hypothesis

Highlights the high likelihood of the hypothesis being correct.

credible hypothesis

Focuses on the trustworthiness and reliability of the hypothesis.

tenable hypothesis

Suggests the hypothesis is defensible and can be maintained against objections.

reasonable hypothesis

Indicates the hypothesis is logical and aligns with available information.

a good working hypothesis

Implies the hypothesis is useful for guiding further investigation or experimentation.

promising hypothesis

Highlights the potential of the hypothesis to lead to valuable insights or results.

potential explanation

Shifts the focus from a formal hypothesis to a possible explanation.

possible scenario

Broadens the scope to consider a broader range of factors and outcomes.

a leading theory

Suggests the explanation is more established and widely accepted than a hypothesis.

FAQs

How can I use "likely hypothesis" in a sentence?

You can use "likely hypothesis" to introduce an explanation that seems most probable based on current evidence. For example, "A "likely hypothesis" is that the increase in temperature is due to greenhouse gas emissions".

What are some alternatives to "likely hypothesis"?

Some alternatives include "plausible hypothesis", "probable hypothesis", or "credible hypothesis". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "likely hypothesis" versus "leading theory"?

"Likely hypothesis" is suitable when presenting a potential explanation that requires further investigation. "Leading theory" suggests a more established and widely accepted explanation. Thus, you can introduce an idea with "likely hypothesis", and later if it get accepted turn into the "leading theory"

Is it correct to say "more likely hypothesis" instead of "most likely hypothesis"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct. "Most likely hypothesis" indicates the single most probable explanation. "More likely hypothesis" suggests one explanation is simply more probable than another, but might not be the absolute most probable one. So, depending on your intention, both might be correct.