on a theoretical basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a theoretical basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, ideas, or arguments that are based on theory rather than practical application or empirical evidence. Example: "On a theoretical basis, the proposed model suggests that increased investment in education will lead to higher economic growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Every denomination attempted to implement Yogic practices on a theoretical basis derived from its own teachings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These disciplines the Sophists founded by distilling from experience their general principles and logical structures, thus making possible their transmission on a theoretical basis from master to pupil.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The importance of personal relationships isn't to soften judgment but to get a firsthand view and account of artists' experience — particularly those artists whose work a critic is inclined, on a theoretical basis, to disdain.

The New Yorker

Although the changes are defensible on a theoretical basis (and although it's much better to disclose the changes than not to do so), it's awfully late in the game to be doing that, and makes it harder to compare recent Gallup results to past ones.

The New York Times

Whereas Becker explored matters more on a theoretical basis, Mincer took a more empirically-oriented approach.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

The dyes were investigated on a theoretical basis using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT methods.

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

This chapter focuses on the development of a theoretical basis for understanding and predicting the outcomes of high-temperature alloy corrosion reactions.

Corrosion Series

Instead, they have looked for a theoretical basis on which we might hold that a future contingent is true (or false).

SEP

A number of the other aspects (particularly those about incentives) must be argued on more a theoretical basis.

BMC Health Services Research

There are two important limitations of relying on SID as a theoretical basis for understanding the effects of ownership.

Health Economics Review

With the actual law of motion of the screen and the behavior of a particle on the screen, a theoretical basis for design optimization of the screen is provided.

Particuology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on a theoretical basis", ensure that you clearly distinguish between theoretical considerations and empirical evidence or practical applications. This avoids confusion and strengthens the clarity of your argument.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something that holds true "on a theoretical basis" will automatically work in practice. Always acknowledge the potential gap between theory and real-world outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a theoretical basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is being considered or justified from a theoretical perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. The examples show it introducing ideas that stem from theoretical reasoning rather than empirical data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

77%

News & Media

13%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a theoretical basis" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to indicate that a statement or argument is rooted in theory rather than empirical evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. As shown by Ludwig, its primary contexts are science, news and media and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, it is crucial to distinguish theoretical considerations from practical applications and empirical data. Alternatives include "in theory" and "theoretically". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "on a theoretical basis" to add precision and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

theoretically

This is a shorter, adverbial form that emphasizes the theoretical aspect but can be less specific.

in theory

This phrase highlights the contrast between theoretical possibility and practical reality.

from a theoretical standpoint

This alternative emphasizes the perspective or viewpoint being theoretical.

based on theoretical principles

This option focuses on the foundational rules and concepts underlying the idea.

on a purely theoretical level

Emphasizes the absence of practical considerations or empirical evidence.

as a thought experiment

Implies a hypothetical scenario used for theoretical exploration.

hypothetically speaking

This phrase introduces a statement that is based on a hypothesis or conjecture.

conceptually

This highlights the idea's existence as a mental concept rather than a practical reality.

from a philosophical perspective

Indicates the idea is examined using philosophical reasoning and principles.

in abstract terms

Highlights that the discussion is about general ideas rather than specific instances.

FAQs

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

You can use "on a theoretical basis" to introduce an idea, argument, or approach that is based on theory rather than practical evidence. For example: "On a theoretical basis, the new policy should reduce unemployment."

What phrases are similar to "on a theoretical basis"?

Alternatives to "on a theoretical basis" include "in theory", "theoretically", or "from a theoretical standpoint". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "on a theoretical basis" or "in theory"?

Both "on a theoretical basis" and "in theory" are correct, but "on a theoretical basis" is generally more formal. "In theory" is often used to contrast with practical reality, while "on a theoretical basis" simply indicates a foundation in theory.

When should I use "on a theoretical basis" instead of "hypothetically"?

"On a theoretical basis" is appropriate when you're discussing ideas grounded in established theory. "Hypothetically" "hypothetically" is better suited when you're exploring speculative or unproven ideas.