subject to conjecture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subject to conjecture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is uncertain or open to interpretation, often in academic or analytical contexts. Example: "The reasons for the sudden market shift are subject to conjecture, as analysts have not reached a consensus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Can I go back outside and play now?" Whether the March 5 or March 21 statements more accurately reflect Standard Chartered's true attitude is subject to conjecture.

Huffington Post

The biological mechanisms to explain this statistical model remain subject to conjecture.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

With reference to Salford's owner, Marwan Koukash, who has been quiet in recent times and whose future involvement has been subject to much conjecture, Watson said: "Marwan's position doesn't play a part.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a complex region of heterogeneous composition, the top few kilometres of which are known in some detail but the lower part of which is subject to some conjecture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He said: "There is no statutory underpinning from government or Serco to inform the local authority or local MP about this and these things become subject to rumour and conjecture; but as we found out in this case the rumour was accurate". One local resident said: "It must be an immense cost.

BBC

They are subject to unfounded, yet popular, conjecture of 'race-based' privileges.

Vice

Just as the lavish Newt Gingrich deal raised eyebrows precisely because Murdoch has such a groaning raft of currently pressing business before Congress and the regulatory agencies that its speaker oversees, this new arrangement has been subject to a good deal of conjecture, at the very least.

The New Yorker

The first exposition of foundational material on the arithmetic of fundamental groups with respect to the Section Conjecture of anabelian Geometry: from the history of the subject to the state of the art of the conjecture.

Springer

On this view, "the crucial function of a pattern of abduction … consists in its function as a search strategy which leads us, for a given kind of scenario, in a reasonable time to a most promising explanatory conjecture which is then subject to further test" (Schurz 2008, 205).

SEP

Previous studies exploring the social cognition of MDD have shown that depressed subjects showed impaired ability to conjecture the intentions of others [ 61- 63].

BMC Psychiatry

Foresight processes are often subject to bias due to semantic blurriness when making conjectures or predictions.

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "subject to conjecture" when you want to emphasize that a particular idea or situation is based on speculation or inference rather than concrete evidence. This adds a layer of scholarly caution to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "subject to conjecture" in casual conversation or informal writing. It is a formal phrase and sounds unnatural in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "open to speculation" or "up for debate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject to conjecture" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by indicating that the subject is open to interpretation or speculation. Ludwig AI's analysis and the provided examples show this phrase is used to express uncertainty or a lack of definitive information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "subject to conjecture" is a formal way to express that something is based on speculation or guesswork, rather than on solid evidence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and best suited for formal writing, academic discussions, and analytical contexts. While not exceedingly common, its presence in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times highlights its appropriate usage when acknowledging uncertainty. Alternatives such as "open to speculation" or "a matter of speculation" can be used in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open to speculation

Emphasizes the speculative nature, focusing on opinions and suppositions.

a matter of speculation

Highlights the topic as one involving speculation or guesswork.

speculative

Directly points out the presence of speculation and guesswork.

liable to be guessed

Focuses on guessing, implying a lack of concrete information.

open to debate

Indicates that the topic is not settled and invites discussion.

hypothetical

Implies that the subject is based on a hypothesis, not proven facts.

up for discussion

Similar to "open to debate", suggesting the matter is yet to be resolved.

debatable

Suggests that the topic is questionable and not universally accepted.

presumptive

Suggests reliance on presumptions or assumptions rather than firm evidence.

uncertain

A more general term indicating a lack of certainty or predictability.

FAQs

What does "subject to conjecture" mean?

The phrase "subject to conjecture" means that something is based on speculation or guesswork, rather than on solid evidence or facts. It implies that different interpretations or conclusions are possible.

How can I use "subject to conjecture" in a sentence?

You can use "subject to conjecture" when discussing uncertain or debatable topics. For example, "The motives behind his actions are "open to speculation", and thus, "subject to conjecture"."

What are some alternatives to "subject to conjecture"?

Some alternatives to "subject to conjecture" include ""open to speculation"", "a matter of speculation", and "uncertain". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "subject to conjecture"?

It is appropriate to use "subject to conjecture" in formal writing, academic papers, or analytical discussions where you need to indicate that a particular point is not definitively proven and is based on interpretation or speculation. Using it in casual conversation may sound overly formal.