scientific theory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scientific theory" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an explanation based on observations and experimentation that has been tested and verified and is accepted as a general truth. For example: The Big Bang Theory is a widely accepted scientific theory.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a scientific theory.

The New York Times - Magazine

What, then, is a scientific theory?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Do we verify a scientific theory?

The Guardian

I consider evolution to be more than a scientific theory.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tells about their struggle on scientific theory which Dyson won.

The New Yorker

A new scientific theory emerged at the symposium.

The New York Times - Sports

Actual evidence is necessary to qualify as scientific theory.

The New York Times

Like any scientific theory, Wilson's is hotly contested.

Independent

Indian atomism has, however, not developed into a scientific theory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Admittedly, that is more of a hunch than a scientific theory.

The Guardian - Sport

Eugenides gets the scientific theory right and lets us understand it in laughter and astonishment.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "scientific theory", ensure you differentiate it from a hypothesis or a conjecture. A theory has undergone rigorous testing and is widely accepted within the scientific community.

Common error

Avoid using "scientific theory" interchangeably with hypothesis. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation, while a theory is a well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scientific theory" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment, as Ludwig indicates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scientific theory" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse sources like news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Its primary function is to describe and explain concepts within scientific contexts, maintaining a formal and scientific register. While alternatives such as "theoretical framework" or "scientific principle" exist, "scientific theory" emphasizes the rigorous testing and validation that characterizes scientific knowledge. A key point to remember is the distinction between a hypothesis and a "scientific theory"; the latter has undergone extensive scrutiny and is widely accepted in the scientific community. Understanding this distinction is critical for using the term accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scientific principle

Emphasizes a fundamental concept in science.

theoretical framework

Focuses on the structure of ideas rather than the scientific validation.

theoretical model

Emphasizes the use of models to represent and understand phenomena.

testable hypothesis

Focuses on the aspect of testability within scientific inquiry.

established principle

Highlights the acceptance and reliability of the concept.

evidence-based explanation

Highlights the importance of empirical evidence.

accepted hypothesis

Suggests that the idea is well-supported but may still be subject to further testing.

body of knowledge

Focuses on the collection of information and understanding related to a specific subject.

explanatory paradigm

Emphasizes the role of explanation within a broader framework of understanding.

conceptual understanding

Highlights the mental grasp and comprehension of an idea.

FAQs

What is the difference between a "scientific theory" and a scientific law?

A "scientific law" describes what nature does under certain conditions, often expressed mathematically. A "scientific theory" explains why nature behaves that way. Theories offer comprehensive explanations, while laws are descriptive.

How does a hypothesis become a "scientific theory"?

A hypothesis can become a "scientific theory" if it is rigorously tested through experimentation and observation, and consistently supported by evidence. It also needs to be widely accepted within the scientific community after scrutiny and validation.

What are some examples of well-known "scientific theories"?

Examples include the theory of evolution, the theory of general relativity, the germ theory of disease, and the Big Bang theory. These theories are supported by vast amounts of evidence and are fundamental to their respective fields.

Can a "scientific theory" ever be disproven?

Yes, even well-established "scientific theories" can be revised or disproven if new evidence contradicts them. Science is a self-correcting process, and theories are always subject to further testing and refinement. As Ludwig AI explains, even the most well-established "scientific theory" can be disproved by new contradictory evidence.