working theory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working theory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hypothesis or idea that is currently being tested or considered but is not yet proven. Example: "Our working theory is that the increase in temperature is linked to the decline in species diversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That's been the working theory, anyway.

The New York Times

"Our working theory is that he was dumped there," he said.

The New York Times

"My working theory was that I had gone down a wormhole," he said.

The New York Times

That is the working theory – obviously we keep an open mind to every possibility".

The Guardian

One working theory – and only a theory – is that these are reverse-engineered descendants of the American-made line.

The New York Times

The working theory in "Family Circle," Susan Braudy's gripping study of generational struggle in the Boudin family, is less sentimental.

The New York Times - Books

But in laying out its working theory, it adopted a posture that may hold true in its final report.

The New York Times

"Our findings are different than M.S.H.A.'s working theory, as we understand it," Mr. Harvey said in an e-mailed statement.

The New York Times

One working theory is that if the players get a system that meets their approval, they might agree to the 50-50 split, or something close.

The New York Times - Sports

My working theory is that the mountain above Guodu Village failed massively (during an earthquake?) and dammed the river, forming a lake.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Parker and Mr. Fanning are the exceptions to the successful-entrepreneurs-still-working theory.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "working theory", clearly state that it is subject to change based on new evidence or analysis to manage expectations and maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "working theory" as a definitive conclusion. Emphasize its provisional nature to prevent misinterpretations and maintain scientific rigor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working theory" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a preliminary explanation or hypothesis that is currently under consideration or investigation. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing investigations and emerging ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "working theory" is a commonly used term to describe a preliminary explanation or hypothesis that is currently under investigation. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using this phrase, remember to emphasize its tentative nature and acknowledge that it may change as new evidence emerges. Alternatives such as "preliminary hypothesis" or "tentative explanation" can be used for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary hypothesis

Emphasizes the early and untested nature of the idea.

tentative explanation

Highlights that the explanation is not yet fully confirmed.

initial assumption

Focuses on the starting point of an investigation or analysis.

current understanding

Highlights the present state of knowledge on a subject.

operative principle

Suggests a guiding idea used in practice.

developing concept

Emphasizes that the idea is still being formed.

practical approach

Indicates a method that is being used pragmatically.

proposed model

Highlights a structured representation of an idea or system.

presumed explanation

Emphasizes that the explanation is based on presumption rather than proof.

starting premise

Focuses on the foundational idea on which further reasoning is based.

FAQs

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

You can use "working theory" to describe a hypothesis or idea that is currently being tested or considered but is not yet proven. For example: "Our "working theory" is that the increase in temperature is linked to the decline in species diversity."

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

"Working theory" and "hypothesis" are similar, but ""working theory"" often implies a more developed and potentially more comprehensive idea than a simple hypothesis. A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction, while a "working theory" might encompass a broader explanation.

What can I say instead of "working theory"?

You can use alternatives like "preliminary hypothesis", "tentative explanation", or "initial assumption" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "working theory" in formal writing?

Yes, ""working theory"" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, academic, and professional contexts where ideas are presented and explored but not yet definitively proven.