on a speculative basis

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a speculative basis" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when taking a risk or making a guess about something, often when making an investment. For example, "The investor purchased the stock on a speculative basis, hoping that the market would rise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

As often happens in advertising, the agency had developed the campaign on a speculative basis.

The New York Times

"These landlords who were suffering with unoccupied buildings were not asked to invest on a speculative basis," Ms. Gibbs said.

The New York Times

Plans for BioBat have dismayed Joel S. Marcus, the chief executive of Alexandria, which is developing East River Science Park on a speculative basis.

The New York Times

Use different methods such as word of mouth, keeping in touch with old colleagues and managers, and contacting organisations where your skills and background is relevant on a speculative basis.

The Guardian

But for a prebuilt space, the landlord builds out the entire interior of the office on a speculative basis, so a tenant could walk in off the street and start business tomorrow.

The New York Times

"We're going to see much bigger builders and much bigger lenders facing bankruptcy because so much of the building has been on a speculative basis," said Jack McCabe, a real estate consultant in Deerfield Beach, Fla.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The difference is that the retained recruiter typically is paid a portion or all of their fee in advance by the employer, and the contingency recruiter is working on somewhat of a speculative basis until the new employee is in place.

Science Magazine

On a purely speculative basis, we could consider that one MFH subgroup would be genetically characterised by gain of 17q, and clinically by a less aggressive course with a low risk of metastases and local recurrences, and hence a better survival.

British Journal of Cancer

So there is little chance for an imaginative reporter to hop off abroad on the basis of a speculative tip.

The Guardian - Opinion

In order to clarify the rationale behind this process, a speculative explanation was provided on basis of the experimental results and the theory of Uras (Uras & Devlin, 2000).

Carbohydrate Polymers

On a financial basis, meh.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a speculative basis" when you want to emphasize that an action or investment is being undertaken with a significant degree of uncertainty and potential risk. Ensure the context clearly communicates this element of speculation.

Common error

Avoid using "on a speculative basis" when you actually mean a well-informed prediction. The phrase implies uncertainty, not foresight. If you have solid evidence, use language that reflects that, rather than suggesting you are simply guessing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a speculative basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something is done with an element of risk or uncertainty, relying on conjecture or prediction rather than concrete evidence, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a speculative basis" is an adverbial phrase used to describe actions taken with a degree of risk or uncertainty, often involving investments or predictions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees use in News & Media, Scientific, and Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly reflects the element of uncertainty and avoid substituting it for well-informed predictions. Alternatives like "as a calculated risk" or "based on conjecture" may be more appropriate depending on the nuances you wish to convey. Remember that it implies uncertainty, not foresight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a gamble

This alternative is a strong synonym, implying a high degree of risk and uncertainty.

as a calculated risk

This alternative suggests that the speculative action is taken after considering potential outcomes.

on a contingency basis

This suggests the action is conditional on a specific event or outcome.

based on conjecture

This phrase emphasizes the reliance on guesswork rather than concrete evidence.

at one's own risk

This highlights the personal responsibility and potential negative consequences of a speculative venture.

with no guarantee of success

This alternative directly states the absence of assured positive results.

as a venture

This focuses on the inherent uncertainty and potential for profit or loss.

without firm assurances

This emphasizes the lack of solid promises or warranties.

subject to market fluctuations

This highlights the dependence of outcomes on unpredictable market conditions.

depending on future outcomes

This stresses the reliance on events yet to occur.

FAQs

How can I use "on a speculative basis" in a sentence?

You can use "on a speculative basis" to describe situations where decisions or actions are taken with an element of risk or uncertainty about the outcome. For example, "The company invested in the new technology "on a speculative basis", hoping it would revolutionize their industry."

What are some alternatives to "on a speculative basis"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "as a calculated risk", "based on conjecture", or "with no guarantee of success" to convey a similar meaning to "on a speculative basis".

Is it appropriate to use "on a speculative basis" in formal writing?

Yes, "on a speculative basis" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business or academic contexts where discussing investments, research, or strategic decisions involving uncertainty is common. However, ensure the tone remains objective and professional.

What's the difference between "on a speculative basis" and "on a tentative basis"?

"On a speculative basis" implies a willingness to take risks with uncertain outcomes, often in the hope of significant gains. "On a tentative basis", by contrast, suggests a provisional or experimental approach, where decisions are subject to change based on new information. Use "on a tentative basis" in order to express the provisional approach to a decision.