settled science

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settled science" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to scientific concepts or theories that are widely accepted and supported by substantial evidence. Example: "Climate change is often cited as an example of settled science, with overwhelming consensus among scientists regarding its causes and effects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Mr. Issa has focused on the so-called Climategate scandal involving alleged manipulation of data by British scientists: "For me, settled science starts out with settled raw data," Mr. Issa said.

The New York Times

This is settled science.

The Washington Post

Ah, settled science in action.

The Washington Post

The safety of glyphosate is not settled science.

The New York Times

"If the raw data's in doubt, then the idea that we have settled science doesn't exist.

The New York Times

Some things should not be under discussion; some things are known and settled science.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

I don't think science is settled.... Science is never settled.....".....

Huffington Post

This, however, is not settled political science.

The New York Times - Magazine

They can't be settled by science alone.

The Guardian

Human-caused global warming is as settled as science gets.

The Guardian

She then went on to question how settled the science of climate change is.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "settled science" to refer to concepts with a broad consensus and robust evidence base within the scientific community. This strengthens your argument by referencing widely accepted knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "settled science" to shut down legitimate scientific debate or to overstate the certainty of findings that are still subject to refinement and ongoing research. Acknowledge the nuances of scientific progress.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "settled science" is to act as a noun phrase that refers to scientific theories or concepts that are widely accepted and supported by substantial evidence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is generally used to describe topics where there is a strong consensus among scientists. For example, it might be used when discussing climate change or the theory of evolution.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

26%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Settled science" is a noun phrase used to describe scientific theories or concepts widely accepted and supported by substantial evidence. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news, science and academic contexts. While the phrase aims to convey certainty, it's important to remember that scientific understanding evolves, and even well-established concepts are subject to refinement. When using "settled science", it is crucial to represent scientific findings accurately and avoid using the phrase to stifle legitimate debate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

established scientific fact

Emphasizes the factual nature and acceptance of a scientific concept.

well-established scientific theory

Highlights the theoretical framework that is widely accepted.

proven scientific principle

Focuses on the proven and fundamental nature of the scientific idea.

undisputed scientific consensus

Stresses the agreement among scientists without disagreement.

accepted scientific knowledge

Highlights that the scientific community has widely embraced the concept.

scientifically irrefutable conclusion

Indicates that the scientific findings are impossible to disprove.

confirmed scientific understanding

Focuses on the validated and verified nature of the scientific concept.

scientifically validated theory

Emphasizes that theory has been rigorously tested and confirmed through experiments.

scientifically established consensus

Focuses on the agreement among scientists that has been proven by experiments.

certain scientific knowledge

Highlights that there is no more doubt about the concept.

FAQs

How is "settled science" used in arguments?

The term "settled science" is often used to emphasize that certain scientific findings are robust and widely accepted, thus supporting a particular position or policy. However, it's essential to recognize that science is an evolving process, and even well-established theories can be refined or challenged with new evidence.

What are some phrases similar to "settled science"?

You can use phrases such as "established scientific fact", "proven scientific principle", or "undisputed scientific consensus" to convey a similar meaning, emphasizing the robust nature of a scientific finding.

Can "settled science" be wrong?

While "settled science" refers to well-established and widely accepted scientific findings, it's important to acknowledge that scientific understanding can evolve. New evidence and research may lead to refinements or even revisions of existing theories. Therefore, while unlikely, it's not impossible for what is currently considered "settled science" to be modified in the future.

Is there a difference between "settled science" and "scientific theory"?

A scientific theory is 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. "Settled science" implies an even greater degree of certainty and consensus around a theory, suggesting that it is highly unlikely to be overturned by new evidence.