theoretically viable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "theoretically viable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea, plan, or concept that is feasible or possible in theory, even if it may not be practical or achievable in reality. Example: "While the project is theoretically viable, we need to consider the practical challenges before moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

If the latter, the option of staying and fighting remains at least theoretically viable.

The New Yorker

Thus, such a stopping criterion is theoretically viable.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The adapted test had satisfactory internal consistency and retest reliability estimates, and fitted well to a one-factor CFA model which is theoretically viable.

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

The other major issue with the current pay system is that the base pay, while theoretically viable for having paid bloggers for writing regardless of their traffic, created some very difficult economics.

TechCrunch

Both routes are theoretically viable.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Some interactions, even though theoretically viable, may never occur in vivo because the proteins are not in proximity to each other or because they are asynchronized with respect to some process.

Briefings in Bioinformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Researchers annually germinate a selection of the seeds - which theoretically are viable up to 1,000 years – to confirm they are still alive.

The Guardian

This is theoretically feasible.

The Guardian - Tech

Theoretically, it is viable to retrofit CCS to all operating power plants; however, this potential reduces significantly when considering technical, economical, and realistic constraints.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

57 While the causal pathway is unknown, theoretically all are viable options.

British Medical Journal

The alternative dihydroquinone pathway (Scheme 3 b), in which only IrIII species are involved, appears not to be viable theoretically.

Angewandte Chemie - International Edition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "theoretically viable" to describe plans or ideas that have a sound basis in theory but may face practical challenges. This helps set realistic expectations while acknowledging the potential.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something "theoretically viable" will automatically succeed in practice. Always consider the real-world limitations and potential obstacles that could affect its implementation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "theoretically viable" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that something is possible or feasible only in theory, often implying that it may not be practical or realistic in actual circumstances. Examples from Ludwig illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "theoretically viable" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is possible in theory but may not be practical. As Ludwig AI points out, it's important to remember that just because something is "theoretically viable" doesn't mean it's guaranteed to succeed in the real world. The phrase appears most often in scientific and news contexts. Related phrases include "theoretically feasible" and "potentially achievable". When using this phrase, be sure to consider the potential for real-world limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

theoretically feasible

Focuses more on whether something is possible in theory, without necessarily implying it is practical.

theoretically possible

Emphasizes that something could happen in theory, though it may be unlikely or impractical.

potentially achievable

Highlights the potential for something to be realized, although it may not be certain.

conceptually sound

Indicates that the underlying idea or concept is valid and well-reasoned in theory.

hypothetically workable

Stresses that something could work under specific hypothetical conditions.

in theory, workable

Adds a comma for a different emphasis on the theoretical nature of the concept.

theoretically sound

Highlights the theoretical validity and logical consistency of a concept.

plausible in principle

Focuses on the plausibility of something based on theoretical principles.

theoretically attainable

Emphasizes the possibility of reaching a certain goal or state in theory.

conceivable in theory

Indicates that something is imaginable or thinkable within a theoretical context.

FAQs

How can I use "theoretically viable" in a sentence?

You can use "theoretically viable" to describe a concept or solution that is feasible in theory, but may not be so in practice. For example: "The approach is "theoretically viable", but it needs further testing."

What is a good alternative to "theoretically viable"?

Alternatives to "theoretically viable" include "theoretically feasible", "potentially achievable", or "conceptually sound" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "theoretically viable" and "practically viable"?

"Theoretically viable" means something is feasible in theory, while "practically viable" means it can be successfully implemented in the real world. A plan can be "theoretically viable" but not "practically viable" due to constraints.

Is it correct to say something is "theoretically viable"?

Yes, it is correct. Ludwig AI confirms that "theoretically viable" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English to describe something that is possible in theory.