we postulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "postulate" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a verb that means to put forward (a theory or idea) as a basis for reasoning or discussion. You can use it when you would like to express a theory or idea as part of a written argument. For example: "We postulate that increased investment in education can lead to improved outcomes in the long-term."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We postulate the existence of multiple relationships between the coevolving collocation, communication, and nomination layers.

Computational Social Networks

"Dark Matter" is the mysterious stuff which we postulate to explain several anomalous astrophysical observations.

The Guardian

"We postulate," Dr. Hulot and his co-authors wrote, that the new evidence reflects how "the geodynamo operates before reversing".

The New York Times - Science

We postulate that such modification can lead to improved behaviour.

Computer Aided Geometric Design

We postulate that HDV arose from the human transcriptome.

Science Magazine

We postulate that sleep might play a pivotal role in neurorehabilitation following stroke.

Neurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms

We postulate an in-rotation skills curriculum is feasible and minimizes time away from clinical experiences.

The American Journal of Surgery

We postulate that because of their innate characteristics, ferrets have great potential in neonatal neurodevelopmental studies.

International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience

Instead, we postulate that amphipod behavioral processes likely represent good explanatory factors.

Journal of Sea Research

From this literature, we postulate that preferences for goods correlate with individuals' choices of occupation.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

We postulate that it is necessary to place an catheter to quickly administer anticholinergic drugs.

JA Clinical Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we postulate" in formal writing, especially when presenting a new idea or hypothesis that requires further investigation. Ensure your postulate is clear, specific, and supported by evidence or logical reasoning.

Common error

Avoid presenting a postulate as an absolute truth. A postulate is a proposed idea that needs further examination and evidence. Qualify your statement to indicate its speculative nature, such as "It is possible that..." or "This suggests that...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we postulate" functions as a performative verb phrase used to introduce a hypothesis or theory. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a statement of proposed fact that serves as a basis for reasoning. Examples show it commonly introduces scientific claims.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we postulate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, especially within scientific and academic writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to introduce a hypothesis or theory that requires further investigation. While it is most common in the realm of science, its formality makes it suitable for other contexts that demand precision. When using this phrase, it's crucial to present the postulate as a suggestion open to testing rather than a definitive truth. Consider alternatives like "we hypothesize" or "we suggest" depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we hypothesize

Replaces "postulate" with "hypothesize", a slightly more common and interchangeable term in scientific contexts.

we posit

Replaces "postulate" with "posit", a formal synonym conveying the act of assuming something as a fact or basis for reasoning.

we theorize

Employs "theorize" in place of "postulate", directly referring to the formation of a theory.

we propose

Uses "propose" instead of "postulate", indicating a suggestion or plan for consideration.

we advance the theory that

Indicates the presentation of a formal theory.

we suggest

Substitutes "postulate" with "suggest", offering a milder and less assertive tone.

we put forward the idea that

Expresses the introduction of a concept or thought for consideration.

we assume

Uses "assume" rather than "postulate", indicating something is taken for granted without proof.

our assumption is

Restructures the phrase to emphasize the assumption being made.

it is our contention that

Presents the idea as a point of argument or debate.

FAQs

How to use "we postulate" in a sentence?

"We postulate" is typically used to introduce a hypothesis or theory in formal writing. For example, "We postulate that increased investment in renewable energy will lead to a reduction in carbon emissions."

What can I say instead of "we postulate"?

You can use alternatives like "we hypothesize", "we suggest", or "we propose" depending on the context and the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

Is "we postulate" formal?

Yes, "we postulate" is considered formal and is often used in academic, scientific, and technical writing to introduce a theory or idea that needs further exploration or proof.

What's the difference between "we postulate" and "we assume"?

"We postulate" introduces a theory or hypothesis that is proposed for consideration and testing. "We assume", on the other hand, indicates taking something for granted without proof. "We postulate" suggests a more formal and considered proposal than "we assume".