multiple theories

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "multiple theories" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing various explanations or models that attempt to explain a particular phenomenon or concept. Example: "In the field of psychology, there are multiple theories that attempt to explain human behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Communism merged multiple theories, events and experiences.

Cornell University

There's "a dispute among theologians" and "there are multiple theories".

The New York Times

The board had been considering allowing multiple theories of origin in classrooms, particularly creationism.

The New York Times

There are multiple theories that could explain this apparent paradox, Amon said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

An argument that offers multiple theories without having real proof for any of them is in some ways not an argument at all.

The New York Times - Books

The paper describes a study conducted to explicate the multiple theories underlying Chile's national teacher evaluation program.

Evaluation and Program Planning

Multiple theories have been suggested to explain the mechanisms underlying this clinical condition, and these hypotheses are currently under investigation.

Encyclopedia of Basic Epilepsy Research

We tested the efficacy of an integrated dual-process, dual-phase model derived from multiple theories to predict sugar consumption.

Appetite

There are multiple theories explaining Rivers's slump, from a secret injury to lockout rust; "small sample size" was rejected for making too much sense.

The New York Times

As to why Zika virus was linked to microcephaly in the 2015 Brazilian outbreak but not previous (or subsequent) outbreaks, multiple theories have been offered.

Columbia University

Better reasoners, we found, weigh all of a conflicting body of evidence against multiple theories (of what happened) -- a process that leads away from the extreme theories represented by opposing lawyers' closing arguments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "multiple theories", ensure each theory is clearly defined and distinct from the others to avoid confusion. Use transitional phrases to guide the reader through each theory.

Common error

Avoid presenting "multiple theories" as completely independent if they share common ground. Acknowledge any overlap or synthesis to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "multiple theories" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the existence of more than one explanation or model for a particular phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "multiple theories" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate the existence of several explanations or models for a given phenomenon. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it appears most commonly in scientific, news media, and academic contexts, signifying its suitability for analytical and informative discussions. When using this phrase, ensure each theory is clearly defined to avoid confusion. Alternative phrases, such as "various explanations" or "different perspectives", can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

various hypotheses

Replaces "theories" with "hypotheses", implying a more tentative or unproven set of explanations.

several explanations

Substitutes "theories" with "explanations", offering a broader term for different accounts of something.

different perspectives

Focuses on viewpoints rather than formal theories, highlighting diverse ways of understanding a subject.

competing accounts

Emphasizes that the theories may be in disagreement or contention with each other.

alternative viewpoints

Stresses the idea of different and contrasting angles or standpoints.

a range of interpretations

Highlights the spectrum of possible understandings or readings of a phenomenon.

diverse explanations

Similar to "several explanations", but emphasizes the variety and heterogeneity of accounts.

plausible explanations

Focuses on the believability and credibility of the different explanations.

possible scenarios

Presents the different theories as potential courses of events or outcomes.

various schools of thought

Emphasizes established theoretical frameworks within a discipline.

FAQs

How can I use "multiple theories" in a sentence?

You can use "multiple theories" to introduce various explanations for a phenomenon. For example, "There are multiple theories about the cause of the economic recession."

What's the difference between "multiple theories" and "several hypotheses"?

"Multiple theories" often refers to well-developed frameworks, while "several hypotheses" suggests more tentative explanations. The choice depends on the context and the stage of understanding.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use the phrase "multiple theories"?

If you are only presenting one explanation, or if the explanations are not truly distinct, avoid using "multiple theories". Instead, consider "a theory" or "different aspects of the same theory".

What are some alternatives to "multiple theories"?

You can use alternatives like "various explanations", "different perspectives", or "competing accounts" depending on the context.