on theoretical grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on theoretical grounds" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is offering an opinion based on a theoretical or philosophical idea instead of facts or evidence. For example: "The professor argued that the universe is infinite on theoretical grounds, but we need to see more evidence to confirm it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On theoretical grounds, one can suspect that an inflammatory process is present.

EJNMMI Research

I don't think there's a coherent group of economists that argue for it on theoretical grounds.

The New Yorker

And, he has suggested that on theoretical grounds, such capabilities are unlikely to exist.

The New York Times - Science

On theoretical grounds, he should have an iron will, instead of being pliant, docile, compromising.

The New Yorker

On theoretical grounds, such a function is to be expected.

Advances in the Study of Behavior

Yet it is often thought that cash is preferable to in-kind transfers on theoretical grounds.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

On theoretical grounds, such changes in bonding environment are likely to drive Fe isotope fractionation.

Chemical Geology

This amounts to say that, on theoretical grounds, place-based policies might have the potential to increase local efficiency.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

We argue on theoretical grounds that research on interdependence should revisit the relationship between design and behavior.

Journal of Organization Design

The study aims to challenge MacSwan's (2000, 2005, 2010) Minimalist model of intra-sentential CS on theoretical grounds.

Lingua

Curve fitting technique was used to extract the values of the circuit components and explain experimental results on theoretical grounds.

Journal of Food Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on theoretical grounds" to clearly indicate when an argument or conclusion is based on theoretical reasoning rather than empirical evidence. This helps avoid confusion and sets appropriate expectations for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "on theoretical grounds" when you actually have empirical data to support your claim. Using it inappropriately can weaken your argument by suggesting a lack of real-world evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on theoretical grounds" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the basis for a statement or belief. It specifies that the justification stems from theoretical reasoning, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on theoretical grounds" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that a statement or conclusion is based on theoretical reasoning rather than empirical evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in scientific and academic writing. When using the phrase, be mindful of the context and ensure that the claim is genuinely supported by theory, not misrepresented as factual. Alternatives like "in theory" or "from a theoretical perspective" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Remember to avoid confusing theoretical support with empirical data, and to use the phrase accurately to strengthen your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on theoretical considerations

This alternative emphasizes the deliberative process behind the conclusion.

theoretically

This alternative is a single-word adverb that conveys the same meaning more succinctly.

from a theoretical perspective

This alternative is more academic and emphasizes the viewpoint.

on a purely theoretical level

This alternative highlights that the statement lacks practical validation.

in theory

This alternative is more concise and general, suitable for less formal contexts.

as a matter of theory

This alternative suggests the statement is a fundamental tenet of a theory.

according to theory

This alternative directly attributes the statement to a theoretical framework.

from a conceptual standpoint

This alternative emphasizes the abstract nature of the basis for the statement.

hypothetically speaking

This alternative emphasizes the speculative nature of the statement.

in principle

This alternative suggests something is true in ideal circumstances but may not be in practice.

FAQs

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

You can use "on theoretical grounds" to introduce a statement that is based on reasoning and principles rather than direct observation or experimentation. For example, "On theoretical grounds, we expect this new drug to be effective, but further testing is needed."

What are some alternatives to saying "on theoretical grounds"?

Alternatives include "in theory", "from a theoretical perspective", or "based on theoretical considerations". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is it better to say "on theoretical grounds" or "in practice"?

"On theoretical grounds" and "in practice" are contrasting phrases. Use "on theoretical grounds" when discussing theoretical possibilities, and use "in practice" when discussing how things actually work in the real world. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "on theoretical grounds" and "on logical grounds"?

"On theoretical grounds" implies that the reasoning is based on a specific theory or set of principles. "On logical grounds" suggests that the reasoning is based on general principles of logic and reason, without necessarily relying on a specific theory.