theory that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "theory that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a hypothesis or idea that is thought to explain or account for a situation or phenomenon. For example, "There is a theory that the dinosaurs became extinct due to a large asteroid impact, though some scientists dispute this explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In theory, that is possible.

The Economist

In theory, that offers lesbians greater freedom.

The New York Times

In theory that might work for Europe.

The Economist

In theory, that would mean lower fares.

The New York Times

In theory, that is his only choice.

The Economist

In theory that make sense.

The New York Times - Arts

In theory, that may make sense.

The New York Times

In theory, that should help exporters.

The New York Times

In theory, that could make Bobby Phoenix.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In theory, that was Colonel Qaddafi's idea.

The New York Times

In theory, that should be good for passengers.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "theory that", ensure the "theory" is well-defined and clearly distinguishable from a mere guess or opinion. Provide supporting evidence or reasoning to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "theory that" as an absolute fact without acknowledging potential limitations or counterarguments. Use qualifiers like "suggests", "implies", or "indicates" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "theory that" functions as a connector introducing a specific explanation, hypothesis, or model. It is used to present an idea that seeks to clarify or interpret a phenomenon. Ludwig confirms its proper usage to introduce hypotheses or ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "theory that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an explanation, hypothesis, or model. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the theory is well-defined and that you acknowledge any limitations. While "theory that" is suitable for various registers, it's important to avoid overstating theories as absolute facts without evidence or further discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hypothesis stating that

Replaces "theory" with "hypothesis" which emphasizes a testable explanation.

explanation suggesting that

Uses "explanation" which focuses on clarifying or interpreting something.

idea suggesting that

Substitutes "theory" with "idea", making it more informal and less definitive.

concept proposing that

Uses "concept" which frames the statement as an abstract notion being put forward.

notion asserting that

Employs "notion" which suggests a belief or opinion, possibly lacking strong evidence.

understanding postulating that

Employs "understanding" with more emphasis on the concept under discussion

argument claiming that

Replaces "theory" with "argument", indicating a position being defended.

belief holding that

Frames the statement as a "belief", implying a personal conviction more than a factual claim.

premise indicating that

Frames the statement as a foundational "premise" upon which an argument is based.

supposition implying that

Replaces "theory" with "supposition", suggesting a conjecture based on incomplete evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "theory that" to introduce an idea, explanation, or hypothesis. For example, "There's a "theory that" the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate."

What are some alternatives to "theory that"?

Alternatives include "hypothesis stating that", "idea suggesting that", or "concept proposing that", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "theory that" or "the theory that"?

Both are correct. Using "the theory that" implies you're referring to a specific, previously mentioned or well-known theory. Using "theory that" introduces a theory in a more general sense.

What's the difference between a "theory that" and a fact?

A ""theory that"" is an explanation or model that attempts to explain something, but it's not definitively proven. A fact is a verified and indisputable piece of information.