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English in a Minute Series 4

Intermediate level

Verbs to use with 'theory'

Episode 250527 / 27 May 2025

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Introduction

A theory is an idea or ideas that are used to explain something. There are words that often go together – these are called collocations. Learn some of the verbs that we often use with the noun 'theory' with Georgie.

Common collocations with 'theory'

formulate a theory
If you formulate a theory, you create it.

  • Scientists have formulated a theory to explain this strange, new phenomenon.

develop a theory
work on a theory
If you develop or work on a theory, you add more thoughts and ideas to it.

  • Now the scientists have a theory, they should work on it to improve it.
  • Then, the scientists should find other experts to help develop their theory.

test a theory
If you test a theory, you use evidence or experiments to see if it’s true.  

  • Nigel opened his singing academy to everyone to test his theory that anyone can sing after some training.

support a theory
challenge a theory
If new evidence supports a theory, it’s in favour of the theory. If new evidence challenges the theory, it’s against the theory.

  • Ruby sang beautifully, which supported Nigel's theory, but Dave's awful noises challenged Nigel's theory.

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TRANSCRIPT

Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.

Georgie
It's our theory that this video will help you learn verbs to use with 'theory'.
 
A theory is an idea or ideas that are used to explain something.
 
You can formulate a theory, then work on a theory and develop a theory, which means you create the theory and then add more thoughts and ideas to it.
 
Scientists have formulated a theory to explain this strange, new phenomenon.
 
Now they should find other experts to help develop their theory in order to improve it.
 
Once you have the ideas, you should test the theory to see if it's true. New evidence might support the theory – be in favour of the theory, or challenge the theory – be against the theory.
 
Nigel opened his singing academy to everyone to test his theory that anyone can sing after some training.
 
Ruby sang beautifully, which supported Nigel's theory, but Dave's awful noises challenged Nigel's theory.
 
Are you ready to test the theory that BBC Learning English can help you?

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