provisional hypothesis

USAGE SUMMARY

'provisional hypothesis' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are proposing a theory or idea that might be true, but that you are still looking for more evidence to support it. For example: "The provisional hypothesis is that the new drug will be effective in treating the condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Beginning with a provisional hypothesis about the world (there are, of course, no other kinds), we assign to it an initial probability called the prior probability or simply the prior.

The New York Times - Books

As a solution to the variation question, Darwin developed his "provisional hypothesis" of pangenesis, which he presented the year after the appearance of the Jenkin review in his two-volume Variation of Plants and Animals Under Domestication (1868).

SEP

Alternatively they were rejected if the data did not support the provisional hypothesis.

BMC Health Services Research

Note that the above results are to be treated with care when trying to validate provisional hypothesis.

BMC Infectious Diseases

As more B. thailandensis isolates are discovered, their phylogenetic and geographic associations will be critical for confirming or rejecting this provisional hypothesis.

BMC Biology

Within the Nemophini, this analysis provides an alternative phylogeny to the provisional hypothesis proposed by Smith-Vaniz [ 47] in which Meicanthus and Petroscirtes together were the sister group of Plagiotremus, Xiphasia, and Aspidontis[ 47].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He continued his advocacy by mail, offering the following rebuttal to Holmes's accusation: "Opinions are at best provisional hypotheses, incompletely tested.

The New York Times - Books

"Under pangenesis Mr. Mivart brings together an array of strong objections against Mr. Darwin's far-fetched provisional hypotheses".

Evolution: Education and Outreach

A hypothetico-deductive strategy was often used, by listing differential diagnoses and discussing what information guided the reasoning process and might confirm or exclude provisional hypotheses.

Advances in Health Sciences Education

This feeling may activate analytical reasoning in the diagnostic process by stimulating a GP to formulate provisional hypotheses involving potentially serious outcomes.

Advances in Health Sciences Education

One trainee explained that a sense of alarm may arise because patterns and provisional hypotheses no longer fit (see Text box  1 quotation m).

Advances in Health Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "provisional hypothesis", clearly state the limitations and potential areas of uncertainty to maintain scientific rigor.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "provisional hypothesis" as a definitive conclusion; always emphasize its tentative nature and the need for further investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provisional hypothesis" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a preliminary or tentative explanation that is subject to further investigation, consistent with examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provisional hypothesis" is a useful term to denote a tentative explanation that requires further investigation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in academic and scientific contexts. It's important to use it accurately, indicating the limitations of the proposed explanation. Alternatives include "tentative explanation" and "working theory", each with slightly different nuances. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively communicate the preliminary nature of an idea while maintaining scientific rigor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Preliminary assumption

Emphasizes the initial stage of accepting something as true before investigation.

Working theory

Suggests a theory that is being actively used and tested, but not yet fully validated.

Tentative explanation

Highlights the uncertainty and openness to revision in the proposed explanation.

Initial conjecture

Focuses on the speculative nature of the idea at its inception.

Proposed model

Implies a structured framework that is being put forward for evaluation.

Trial thesis

Suggests a thesis presented for initial examination and debate.

Developing concept

Highlights the ongoing evolution and refinement of the idea.

Early formulation

Emphasizes that the hypothesis is in its initial stages of development.

Unconfirmed theory

Highlights that the theory still needs confirmation.

Speculative idea

Focuses on the hypothetical and potentially unproven aspect of the idea.

FAQs

How do I use "provisional hypothesis" in a sentence?

You can use "provisional hypothesis" when introducing a theory or explanation that is not yet fully tested or confirmed. For example, "Our "provisional hypothesis" is that increased sunlight exposure correlates with higher vitamin D levels".

What are some alternatives to "provisional hypothesis"?

Alternatives to "provisional hypothesis" include "tentative explanation", "working theory", or "preliminary assumption", depending on the specific context.

What makes a hypothesis "provisional"?

A hypothesis is considered "provisional" when it is proposed as a starting point for further investigation, subject to revision or rejection based on new evidence. It implies a degree of uncertainty and openness to change.

Is there a difference between a "provisional hypothesis" and a "theory"?

Yes, a "provisional hypothesis" is a preliminary explanation that requires further testing and evidence, while a "theory" is a well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation.