the theory that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the theory that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a specific theory or hypothesis in academic or formal writing. Example: "The theory that climate change is primarily caused by human activity has gained significant support among scientists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The theory that does the best job is the strongest.

The New York Times

Now there is just one more particle predicted by the theory that has not been seen.

The New York Times

The theory that answered these questions came from John Dalton.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The theory that describes such coupling is termed chemo-elasticity.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Is there any questionable material within the theory that is worth investigating?" Green wonders.

Vice

Discusses the theory that they were cannibals.

The New Yorker

"The theory that opposites attract is a myth".

The New York Times

Russian reports stressed the theory that he had been abducted.

The New York Times

Ms. Oates plunges into the theory that Monroe was assassinated.

The New York Times

I functioned on the theory that I'm pure of heart".

The New York Times

The theory that these observations challenge is called inflation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a scientific concept or explanation, use "the theory that" to clearly signal a formal theoretical framework.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "the theory that" in casual conversation or informal writing, where simpler phrasing like "the idea that" or "the belief that" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the theory that" functions as a preparatory phrase introducing a proposition, explanation, or model. It sets the stage for presenting a specific theoretical framework. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across varied domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the theory that" serves as a pivotal element in introducing structured explanations and concepts, especially within academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While interchangeable with alternatives like "the hypothesis that" or "the idea that" depending on the nuance desired, it's crucial to avoid overuse in overly casual settings. As a versatile tool for expressing theoretical frameworks, mastering its usage enhances clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the hypothesis that

Replaces "theory" with "hypothesis", suggesting a more tentative explanation.

the idea that

Substitutes "theory" with "idea", indicating a more general or preliminary notion.

the concept that

Replaces "theory" with "concept", emphasizing the conceptual framework involved.

the belief that

Changes "theory" to "belief", highlighting a subjective or personal conviction.

the argument that

Substitutes "theory" with "argument", focusing on the presented reasoning.

the notion that

Replaces "theory" with "notion", suggesting a vague or unsubstantiated idea.

the principle that

Changes "theory" to "principle", emphasizing a fundamental rule or guideline.

the assumption that

Substitutes "theory" with "assumption", highlighting an underlying presupposition.

the rationale that

Replaces "theory" with "rationale", focusing on the underlying reasons or justification.

the conjecture that

Changes "theory" to "conjecture", emphasizing a speculative or uncertain conclusion.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "the theory that"?

You can use alternatives like "the hypothesis that", "the idea that", or "the concept that" depending on the context.

How is "the theory that" used in a sentence?

Use "the theory that" to introduce a formal explanation or scientific principle. For example, "The scientific community largely accepts the theory that climate change is caused by human activity".

When is it appropriate to use "the theory that"?

It is appropriate to use "the theory that" when discussing a well-developed explanation or framework, especially in academic or scientific contexts. In less formal settings, consider alternatives like "the belief that" or "the idea that".

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

"The theory that" refers to a well-substantiated explanation, while "the hypothesis that" refers to a testable prediction or proposed explanation that is not yet fully supported by evidence.