on a theoretical level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a theoretical level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, ideas, or principles in an abstract or hypothetical context, rather than in practical or real-world applications. Example: "On a theoretical level, the principles of quantum mechanics challenge our understanding of reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Broadband, like modern art, is one of those things that I understand on a theoretical level but don't really "get," so I reached out to Chris Mitchell, who heads the nonprofit Community Broadband Networks Initiative, to learn about why my internet is so damn slow.

Vice

On a theoretical level, this is a mechanism to take account of cyclical conditions.

The New York Times

On a theoretical level, it can be, at best, a rough approximation.

The New Yorker

Moreover, we discuss the conditions that, on a theoretical level, guarantee the convergence of this method.

Journal of Computational Physics

In this work, we analyze on a theoretical level whether cognitive architectures are also biased.

Procedia Computer Science

This approach is explained on a theoretical level and illustrated with examples drawn from design transcripts.

Design Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Partners of the accounting firm told Mr. Valukas that at the time, Ernst had not signed off on Repo 105 on anything more than a "theoretical" level, and gave approval only of Lehman's internal policy regarding the practice.

The New York Times

They come to the conclusion that personality traits introduced both on an empirical and a theoretical level into economics can be fruitful for economic theory.

IZA Journal of Migration

In accordance with Kvale's methodology [ 30], the interviews were analyzed on a thematic and a theoretical level.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

At a theoretical level, discussion on the structural determinants of reproductive rights has focused on the influence of political and economic development (58, 31).

Global Health Action

At a theoretical level, our study draws on the concept of "field" developed by sociologist Pierre Bourdieu (1991; 1993a; 2004).

Advances in Health Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a theoretical level" when you want to discuss the abstract principles or concepts behind something, rather than its practical application. This phrase is useful for clarifying that your analysis is not necessarily reflective of real-world outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "on a theoretical level" when you are actually discussing practical implications or real-world results. This phrase should be reserved for purely conceptual discussions to prevent misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a theoretical level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify that a statement or analysis is being made from a theoretical, rather than practical, perspective. Ludwig confirms that this usage is grammatically sound and appears in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a theoretical level" is a grammatically sound and useful adverbial phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to specify that a statement or analysis is based on abstract principles rather than practical realities. While not extremely common, the phrase finds consistent use across diverse fields like science, news, and academia. According to Ludwig's analysis, it is particularly valuable in qualifying statements and clarifying the scope of discussions that are rooted in conceptual models and frameworks. Be mindful to reserve it for these contexts to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in theory

This alternative is more concise and commonly used, implying something is true according to theory but not necessarily in practice.

from a theoretical standpoint

This alternative emphasizes the perspective or viewpoint being used to analyze the situation.

conceptually speaking

This alternative focuses on the idea or concept being discussed, often implying abstraction.

in principle

Similar to "in theory", this suggests something is valid as a general rule or idea, though exceptions may exist.

from an abstract perspective

This alternative highlights the abstract nature of the viewpoint, removing practical considerations.

purely theoretically

This alternative emphasizes the complete absence of practical application or empirical evidence.

at a conceptual level

Focuses on the understanding and ideas rather than practical implementation.

as a thought experiment

Implies the situation is being considered hypothetically, often to explore consequences or possibilities.

on paper

Suggests that an idea seems good when written down but might not work in reality.

in the realm of ideas

Emphasizes that the discussion is confined to the sphere of abstract thought, not practical action.

FAQs

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

You can use "on a theoretical level" to introduce abstract concepts or hypothetical situations, for example: "On a theoretical level, the principles of quantum mechanics challenge our understanding of reality."

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

Alternatives include "in theory", "from a theoretical standpoint", or "conceptually speaking". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "on a theoretical level"?

Use "on a theoretical level" when you want to emphasize that your discussion is based on abstract principles and may not directly translate to real-world applications. This is particularly useful in academic, scientific, or philosophical discussions.

What's the difference between "on a theoretical level" and "in practice"?

"On a theoretical level" describes abstract ideas, while "in practice" refers to how things actually work in the real world. They often contrast, highlighting the difference between what is expected and what actually happens. For example, "In theory, this should work, but "in practice", there are many challenges."