preliminary hypothesis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary hypothesis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an initial assumption or theory that is subject to further investigation or testing. Example: "Before conducting the experiment, we formulated a preliminary hypothesis regarding the outcome based on previous research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Our preliminary hypothesis is that the creatures were green or blue, with long cartilaginous beaks.

The New Yorker

However, this is only a preliminary hypothesis that will require further more detailed study.

Chemistry Central Journal

From this, a preliminary hypothesis was proposed, which was then further developed.

Security Informatics

The paper offers a preliminary hypothesis of how the global system is controlled.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Considering the sequential EMT-MET, the preliminary hypothesis that an optimal mesenchymal may function as intermediate for efficient cell fate conversions might be more reasonable.

Protein & Cell

Information on how radionuclides migrate in the environment were obtained and preliminary hypothesis on how to design the environmental monitoring network of the investigated site were deduced.

Energy Procedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Preliminary hypotheses are developed, explored and refined in order to develop a comprehensive model which is then presented.

Security Informatics

Perhaps the speculative adaptationist stories are appropriately described as "just so stories"; the question is whether such stories, treated as preliminary hypotheses, are problematic in themselves.

SEP

We also provided some preliminary hypotheses on the mechanisms that connect cell state transitions and cell fate conversions based on results collected from cell cycle, epigenetic regulation, and stemness acquisition.

Protein & Cell

A preliminary hypothesis-generating assessment was made with some of the currently available data.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The results of this study should be interpreted as preliminary hypothesis-generating data because of its important limitations.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "preliminary hypothesis", clearly state that it is subject to further testing and refinement. Frame it as a starting point for investigation, not a definitive conclusion.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "preliminary hypothesis" as a proven fact. Always emphasize its tentative nature and the need for further validation to prevent misleading interpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary hypothesis" functions as a noun phrase that introduces an initial explanation or assumption to be tested. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its role in setting up a research question or argument.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

90%

News & Media

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preliminary hypothesis" is a common and correct phrase used to introduce an initial, untested explanation. Ludwig indicates its primary function is to set the stage for further investigation, predominantly in scientific and academic contexts. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to emphasize its tentative nature to avoid misinterpretations. Related phrases like "initial hypothesis" and "tentative hypothesis" offer similar meanings. Remember to use "preliminary hypothesis" when outlining the first stage of inquiry, indicating that more research is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial hypothesis

Replaces "preliminary" with "initial", emphasizing the starting point of the hypothesis.

tentative hypothesis

Substitutes "preliminary" with "tentative", highlighting the uncertain and provisional nature of the hypothesis.

working hypothesis

Replaces "preliminary" with "working", indicating a hypothesis used as a basis for further investigation.

provisional hypothesis

Uses "provisional" instead of "preliminary", stressing the temporary and conditional aspect of the hypothesis.

exploratory hypothesis

Emphasizes the investigative nature of the hypothesis with "exploratory".

starting hypothesis

Highlights the hypothesis as a point of commencement.

early hypothesis

Uses "early" to denote the initial stage of the hypothesis.

initial assumption

Replaces "hypothesis" with "assumption", shifting the focus to an unproven belief.

test hypothesis

Indicates the hypothesis needs to be tested.

untested theory

Focuses on the lack of validation of the theoretical concept.

FAQs

How is a "preliminary hypothesis" used in research?

A "preliminary hypothesis" guides initial research directions and data collection. It's a starting point that is refined or rejected based on evidence gathered during the study.

What's the difference between a "preliminary hypothesis" and a final hypothesis?

A "preliminary hypothesis" is a tentative explanation, while a final hypothesis is a more refined and tested explanation supported by evidence. The "final hypothesis" has undergone more scrutiny.

What are some synonyms for "preliminary hypothesis"?

Alternatives include "initial hypothesis", "tentative hypothesis", or "working hypothesis", each emphasizing different aspects of its provisional nature.

How do I formulate a "preliminary hypothesis"?

Start with observations or existing knowledge, identify a pattern or relationship, and formulate a testable statement that explains it. The hypothesis should be specific and measurable.