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refute a theory vs challenge a theory

Both 'refute a theory' and 'challenge a theory' are correct phrases, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'Refute a theory' means to prove a theory wrong or false, while 'challenge a theory' means to question or contest a theory without necessarily proving it wrong. The choice between the two depends on the intention behind the action towards the theory.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1070 views

refute a theory

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when someone wants to prove a theory wrong or false by providing evidence or arguments against it.

Examples:

The scientist was able to refute the theory with new experimental data.
Her research findings helped to refute the long-standing theory in the field.
It is important to carefully examine the evidence before attempting to refute a theory.
The professor spent years trying to refute the controversial theory.
The team of researchers set out to refute the prevailing theory in the scientific community.

Show examples from the web [+]

The evidence of four Lomé Conventions refutes that theory.
There's a theory - Betsy Solverson.
The Commission is not aware of comprehensive data on the issue that could confirm or refute a large increase of slaughter according to Muslim prescriptions in the EU.
Anyway, it's just a theory.
It was only ever a theory, really.
I have a theory about women with three-syllable names.
Because it's... just a theory.
He's got a theory on electron motion.
So, throw out a theory.
Because you have a theory but no evidence.
I have a theory, Mr. Latardo.
You can't just drop a theory like that and leave.
But to this point, the police have not fully investigated a theory...
That's quite a theory, Dwayne.
First a theory, second a fact.
I'm merely testing a theory.
Actually, we don't have a theory at all.
It's just a theory at this point.
I have a theory about the attacks.
Maybe you can't have a theory for this.

Alternatives:

disprove a theory
debunk a theory
invalidate a theory
contradict a theory
discredit a theory

challenge a theory

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when someone wants to question or contest a theory without necessarily proving it wrong. It implies a more open-ended approach to examining the validity of a theory.

Examples:

The students were encouraged to challenge the existing theories in their essays.
It is healthy for science to have researchers who constantly challenge established theories.
The new study aims to challenge the traditional theory of evolution.
She decided to challenge the prevailing theory with her innovative research approach.
The philosopher's goal was to challenge the fundamental theories of ethics.

Show examples from the web [+]

More and more credible reports are appearing that challenge the theory of global warming.
You realize that this poses a fundamental challenge to any theory of the brain, and especially to a theory that says that there is some reality that emerges out of this carpet, out of this particular carpet with a particular pattern.
What he didn't expect was for Hawking's new theory to challenge everything he knew about reality.
There's a theory - Betsy Solverson.
Anyway, it's just a theory.
It was only ever a theory, really.
I have a theory about women with three-syllable names.
Because it's... just a theory.
He's got a theory on electron motion.
So, throw out a theory.
Because you have a theory but no evidence.
I have a theory, Mr. Latardo.
You can't just drop a theory like that and leave.
But to this point, the police have not fully investigated a theory...
That's quite a theory, Dwayne.
First a theory, second a fact.
I'm merely testing a theory.
Actually, we don't have a theory at all.
It's just a theory at this point.
I have a theory about the attacks.

Alternatives:

question a theory
contest a theory
doubt a theory
probe a theory
examine a theory

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