It is speculated that
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this phrase to share a theory or rumor while protecting yourself from being proven wrong later.
En 15 segundos
- A formal way to share rumors or unverified theories.
- Softens a claim to avoid sounding too aggressive or certain.
- Commonly used in news, business meetings, and academic writing.
Significado
This phrase is used when you want to share a guess or a rumor without sounding like you are 100% sure. It is a polite way to say 'people are talking about this, but I am not the one claiming it is a fact.'
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Discussing a coworker's promotion
It is speculated that Sarah will be the next manager.
It is speculated that Sarah will be the next manager.
Talking about a new phone release
It is speculated that the new model will have a titanium frame.
It is speculated that the new model will have a titanium frame.
In a formal financial report
It is speculated that interest rates will drop by June.
It is speculated that interest rates will drop by June.
Contexto cultural
This expression stems from the Western journalistic tradition of 'hedging' to maintain objectivity and avoid libel. It reflects a cultural preference for cautiousness and intellectual humility in professional settings. In British English specifically, it is often used as a form of understatement to discuss significant news without sounding overly dramatic.
The 'Passive' Power
Notice there is no 'I' or 'Me' in this phrase. By using the passive voice, you sound more like an objective observer and less like a gossiper.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like you don't know anything for sure. Save it for the big, unconfirmed news.
En 15 segundos
- A formal way to share rumors or unverified theories.
- Softens a claim to avoid sounding too aggressive or certain.
- Commonly used in news, business meetings, and academic writing.
What It Means
Think of it is speculated that as a protective shield for your reputation. It tells your listener that you are sharing a theory, not a proven truth. You are passing on information that is currently 'in the air.' It shifts the responsibility away from you. You aren't the source; you are just the messenger of a popular guess. It is like saying 'maybe' but with a much fancier suit on.
How To Use It
You place this phrase at the very beginning of your sentence. It acts as a soft introduction to a claim. For example, instead of saying 'The CEO is quitting,' you say, It is speculated that the CEO is quitting. This small change makes you sound more professional and less like a gossip. Use it when you have some evidence, but not enough to bet your house on it. It works best with passive verbs to keep things vague and mysterious.
When To Use It
This phrase is a superstar in the office or in news reports. Use it during a meeting when discussing future trends or competitor moves. It is perfect for talking about celebrity rumors or upcoming tech releases. If you are writing an essay, it helps you discuss theories without sounding biased. Use it when you want to sound intelligent and cautious at the same time. It is the ultimate 'safety first' expression for your social life.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for things that are obviously true. Don't say, It is speculated that I am hungry while eating a sandwich. That just sounds weird. Avoid it in very casual texts with your best friend unless you are being funny. It can feel too cold or distant for emotional, heart-to-heart talks. Also, if you actually have proof, just state the facts. Using this phrase when you know the truth makes you look like you are hiding something.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love 'hedging.' This is the cultural habit of avoiding direct conflict or absolute claims. We often feel that being too direct is a bit aggressive or rude. By using it is speculated that, you are participating in a long tradition of polite uncertainty. It rose to popularity in journalism to avoid lawsuits. If you don't say it's a fact, you can't be sued for being wrong! It reflects a culture that values nuance over bluntness.
Common Variations
If this phrase feels a bit too heavy, you have options. You can use rumor has it for a juicier, more social vibe. In a scientific setting, you might hear it is hypothesized that. If you are just chatting, people are saying works perfectly. For a more formal written report, try it is widely believed that. Each one changes the 'flavor' of the uncertainty just a little bit. Choose your favorite based on how much of a detective you want to sound like.
Notas de uso
This phrase is firmly in the formal and professional register. It is a 'distancing' expression, meant to remove the speaker's personal opinion from the statement. Avoid using it in intimate or highly emotional settings unless you are being intentionally ironic.
The 'Passive' Power
Notice there is no 'I' or 'Me' in this phrase. By using the passive voice, you sound more like an objective observer and less like a gossiper.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like you don't know anything for sure. Save it for the big, unconfirmed news.
The Sarcastic Speculation
English speakers sometimes use this sarcastically for things that are obvious. For example, if a friend is clearly in love, you might say, 'It is speculated that you like him' to be funny.
Ejemplos
6It is speculated that Sarah will be the next manager.
It is speculated that Sarah will be the next manager.
Used here to share office news without sounding like a gossip.
It is speculated that the new model will have a titanium frame.
It is speculated that the new model will have a titanium frame.
Common in tech circles when discussing leaks.
It is speculated that interest rates will drop by June.
It is speculated that interest rates will drop by June.
Provides a forecast without making a hard promise.
It is speculated that someone here has a crush on the barista.
It is speculated that someone here has a crush on the barista.
Uses formal language for a humorous, dramatic effect.
It is speculated that the couple split up weeks ago.
It is speculated that the couple split up weeks ago.
Standard phrasing for tabloid or entertainment news.
It is speculated that you've been feeling a bit down lately.
It is speculated that you've been feeling a bit down lately.
A very soft, non-confrontational way to bring up a sensitive topic.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence for a professional news report.
___ the company will announce a merger tomorrow morning.
'It is speculated that' provides the necessary professional distance for a news report.
Which phrase makes this rumor sound the most formal?
___ the ancient ruins were actually a marketplace.
In an academic or historical context, 'It is speculated that' is the most appropriate formal choice.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of Sharing Information
Talking with friends
I heard that...
General conversation
Rumor has it...
Business/News
It is speculated that...
Academic papers
It is hypothesized that...
Where to use 'It is speculated that'
News Broadcast
...the election results will be delayed.
Office Meeting
...the budget will be cut next year.
History Class
...this king never actually existed.
Tech Blog
...the new car will be fully electric.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but it is much more formal. While guessed sounds like a random choice, speculated implies you are making an educated guess based on some hints.
You can, but it might sound a bit dramatic or like a joke. Use I heard or Rumor has it for normal texting.
Not at all! You can use it for good news, like It is speculated that we are getting a bonus.
Rumored sounds a bit more like social gossip, while speculated sounds more like logical reasoning or professional theory.
Yes, that is perfectly fine and slightly less formal than starting with It is.
Absolutely. It is a great way to discuss a theory that hasn't been proven by science yet.
No, you should not put a comma after that. The sentence should flow directly into the claim.
It is pronounced SPEK-yoo-lay-ted. Put the emphasis on the first syllable.
Usually no. You wouldn't say It is speculated that I am sad. Use it for external events or other people.
Yes, it is very common in American news and business, though it might feel slightly more 'British' in casual settings.
Frases relacionadas
Rumor has it
Used to share social gossip or unconfirmed news.
It is believed that
A slightly stronger version of speculation based on common opinion.
Word on the street is
An informal way to say people are talking about something.
Allegedly
Used when someone is accused of something but not yet proven guilty.
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