the theory is that

USAGE SUMMARY

"the theory is that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to introduce or explain an often assumed opinion or point of view. For example, "The theory is that human behavior is motivated by a desire for self-fulfillment".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The theory is that Hughes looks fragile.

The Guardian - Sport

The theory is that liars' physical responses are unique.

The New York Times

The theory is that it might calm him down.

The New York Times

"The theory is that there is no big time.

The New York Times - Sports

"The theory is that it will go up".

The New York Times

The theory is that they come from looted sites.

The Guardian - Arts

The theory is that parents giving their time helps everyone.

The New York Times

The theory is that the distinctions among devices have blurred.

The New York Times

McAleer said "the theory is that with automation there's a reduced requirement for workers.

The Guardian

"The theory is that there'd be a clumping of mail," a postal inspector said.

The New York Times

The theory is that this keeps the blood moving in the steak.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the theory is that" to introduce explanations or hypotheses, especially when presenting a widely held or commonly understood viewpoint. It works well in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid overuse by varying sentence structure. Instead of always saying "the theory is that", consider alternatives like "research suggests that" or "evidence indicates that" to create a more dynamic writing style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the theory is that" functions as a discourse marker to introduce a theoretical explanation, assumption, or hypothesis. It sets the stage for presenting a reason or a widely held belief. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI analysis and examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the theory is that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce explanations, assumptions, or hypotheses. It is grammatically sound and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While its register is mostly neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, it's most frequently found in news and media sources. Remember to use it to clearly introduce a rationale or belief, while being mindful of overuse and exploring alternative expressions for sentence variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the idea is that

This alternative replaces 'theory' with 'idea', suggesting a less formal or less established concept.

the assumption is that

Using 'assumption' implies that the statement is taken for granted without proof.

the hypothesis is that

Substituting 'theory' with 'hypothesis' suggests a more tentative and testable proposition.

the belief is that

Replacing 'theory' with 'belief' indicates a personal conviction rather than a reasoned explanation.

the rationale is that

Using 'rationale' emphasizes the logical basis behind the statement.

the thinking is that

This alternative is more conversational and suggests a general line of reasoning.

it is believed that

This alternative changes the sentence structure, making it more passive and formal.

it is thought that

This option is similar to 'it is believed that', but slightly less assertive.

the general consensus is that

Replacing "the theory" with "the general consensus" suggests a widely held view.

the prevailing wisdom is that

This alternative implies that the statement is a commonly accepted truth.

FAQs

How can I use "the theory is that" in a sentence?

You can use "the theory is that" to introduce an explanation or a widely held belief, such as "The theory is that a cooler brain creates happier feelings".

What's the difference between "the theory is that" and "the hypothesis is that"?

"The theory is that" suggests a general explanation, while "the hypothesis is that" implies a testable proposition.

Is "the theory is that" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "the theory is that" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure the theory you're referencing is well-established or properly cited.

What are some alternatives to "the theory is that"?

Alternatives include "the idea is that", "the assumption is that", or "it is believed that", depending on the context and the level of formality required.