in theory

idiom

—used to say what should happen or be true if a theory is correct

In theory, the reading skills of the students should improve.

—used to say that something seems to be true or possible as an idea but may not actually be true or possible

I agree with you in theory, but realistically I don't think we have the time to do that.

Examples of in theory in a Sentence

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Some are already arguing that the polling suggests that most Americans support deportation only in theory, not in practice. —

David Leonhardt, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 The Axiom station should, in theory, be at an advanced stage, but in practice its assembly sequence was revised a few weeks ago, and the company is facing financial problems. —

Emilio Cozzi, WIRED, 22 Jan. 2025 Villa, in theory, could make more than €100m from the Champions League this season. —

Philip Buckingham, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 America’s Voice has collected national research showing that, while in theory support for mass deportations has grown, this seems only to be the case when people are asked about deportations alone, without alternatives. —

Donna Lieberman, New York Daily News, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for in theory