on speculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on speculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is based on conjecture or guesswork rather than solid evidence or facts. Example: "The investor bought the stock on speculation, hoping that its value would increase in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I'm not going to speculate on speculation".

The New York Times

A: I'm not going to speculate on speculation about that.

TechCrunch

I can't comment on speculation.

The Guardian - Sport

The BBC refused to comment on speculation.

The Guardian

Venice, the city built on speculation,.

The New Yorker

"We will not comment on speculation".

The New York Times

But it's all based on speculation.

The New York Times - Sports

'We never comment on speculation,' she said.

The Guardian - Business

Ferris acknowledged this was based on speculation.

The Guardian

The houses will be built on speculation.

The New York Times

The tower was built on speculation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on speculation", ensure that the context clearly indicates the absence of concrete evidence or factual basis. This clarifies that the statement or action is based on conjecture rather than verifiable information.

Common error

Avoid using "on speculation" when the basis is actually an informed prediction derived from data analysis or expert opinion. Speculation implies a lack of concrete evidence, so using it in place of informed analysis weakens the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on speculation" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the basis or reason for an action or belief. As Ludwig AI shows, it typically suggests an action or statement is made without concrete proof.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on speculation" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something is based on conjecture rather than solid evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts. While it's a useful phrase, it's important to ensure that it's used appropriately, differentiating it from informed predictions. Alternatives like "based on conjecture" or "based on assumption" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding its proper use helps maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on conjecture

Focuses on the formation of opinions or conclusions based on incomplete information.

based on guesswork

Emphasizes the reliance on random or unfounded estimations.

based on prediction

Highlights the aspect of foretelling future events without concrete evidence.

based on forecast

Similar to prediction, but often implies a more formal or data-driven approach.

based on assumption

Implies taking something for granted without proof.

based on hypothesis

Highlights a tentative explanation or starting point for further investigation.

relying on supposition

Similar to assumption, but can suggest a more tentative or less certain basis.

depending on presumption

Indicates taking something as true until proven otherwise.

betting on anticipation

Emphasizes a belief or expectation about future occurrences.

grounded in rumor

Highlights the unverified or gossipy nature of the information.

FAQs

What does it mean to act "on speculation"?

Acting "on speculation" means making decisions or taking actions based on guesses, assumptions, or unproven ideas rather than on solid facts or evidence. It implies a degree of risk and uncertainty.

How can I use "on speculation" in a sentence?

You can use "on speculation" to indicate that something is based on conjecture. For example, "The investor bought the stock "on speculation", hoping the price would increase quickly".

Which is the correct term, "based on speculation" or "on speculation"?

Both "based on speculation" and "on speculation" are correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on sentence structure and personal preference. For example, you could say "The theory is based "on speculation"" or "They acted "on speculation"".

Are there situations where relying "on speculation" is acceptable?

Relying "on speculation" might be acceptable in exploratory or innovative contexts where concrete data is scarce. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the inherent uncertainty and potential risks.