It is postulated that
Hedging expression to soften claims
直訳: It is suggested/assumed as a basis for reasoning that
Use this phrase to introduce a theory formally while avoiding the risk of being proven wrong.
15秒でわかる
- A formal way to introduce a theory or a suggestion.
- Used to 'hedge' or soften a claim to avoid sounding aggressive.
- Common in academic writing, research, and high-level business meetings.
意味
This is a fancy way of saying 'some people think' or 'it is suggested.' You use it when you want to share a theory without taking 100% responsibility for it being a proven fact.
主な例文
3 / 6In a university biology lecture
It is postulated that these birds migrated due to climate shifts.
It is suggested that these birds migrated due to climate shifts.
A high-level business strategy meeting
It is postulated that our users prefer mobile interfaces over desktop.
The theory is that our users prefer mobile interfaces over desktop.
Discussing a mystery movie with a friend (ironic use)
It is postulated that the butler did it, based on his suspicious shoes.
I'm theorizing that the butler is the killer because of his shoes.
文化的背景
The phrase originates from scientific and mathematical discourse, specifically Euclidean geometry. In Western academic culture, using such 'hedging' language is considered a sign of intellectual humility and rigor. It allows a speaker to propose radical ideas without appearing arrogant or unscientific.
The 'Safe' Phrase
Use this when you want to sound smart but don't want to get in trouble if you're wrong. It puts the focus on the idea, not on you.
Don't Overdo It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like a robot from a 1960s sci-fi movie. Save it for your 'Big Idea'.
15秒でわかる
- A formal way to introduce a theory or a suggestion.
- Used to 'hedge' or soften a claim to avoid sounding aggressive.
- Common in academic writing, research, and high-level business meetings.
What It Means
Think of It is postulated that as a protective shield for your ideas. It tells your listener that you are presenting a theory, not a law of gravity. You are saying, 'Let’s assume this is true for a moment so we can talk about it.' It’s like starting a campfire story with a mysterious 'They say...'
How To Use It
You place this phrase at the very beginning of your sentence. It acts as a formal introduction to a claim. Follow it with a full thought or a hypothesis. For example, It is postulated that coffee makes people more creative. You aren't saying you have a lab report to prove it. You are just setting the stage for a debate. It sounds much more intelligent than just saying 'I think.'
When To Use It
Use this when you are in a serious environment. It’s perfect for university essays or business strategy meetings. If you are presenting a new marketing idea, it makes you sound like a researcher. It’s also great for when you want to sound slightly dramatic or intellectual. Use it when the evidence isn't fully in yet, but the idea is worth discussing.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a loud bar with your best friends. If you say, It is postulated that we should order fries, your friends will think you’ve swallowed a dictionary. Avoid it for simple facts. Don't say It is postulated that the sun is hot. We already know that! It’s for theories, not for things that are obvious or deeply personal.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the world of logic and geometry. Ancient philosophers used 'postulates' as the starting points for their big ideas. In English-speaking academic culture, we love to 'hedge.' This means we avoid being too direct to stay polite and objective. It’s a sign of a high-level education to admit that your ideas are just 'postulates' rather than absolute truths.
Common Variations
You might hear It is hypothesized that or It is suggested that. If you want to sound a bit more modern, you can say The theory is that. However, It is postulated that remains the king of formal, intellectual openings. It has a certain 'old-world' weight to it that commands attention in a room.
使い方のコツ
This is a high-register academic phrase. Use it in writing or formal presentations to distance yourself from a claim and maintain objectivity. Avoid in casual settings unless aiming for a mock-intellectual comedic effect.
The 'Safe' Phrase
Use this when you want to sound smart but don't want to get in trouble if you're wrong. It puts the focus on the idea, not on you.
Don't Overdo It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like a robot from a 1960s sci-fi movie. Save it for your 'Big Idea'.
The British Hedge
British English speakers love this phrase because it is the ultimate 'polite distance'—it avoids being too direct, which is a key cultural value.
例文
6It is postulated that these birds migrated due to climate shifts.
It is suggested that these birds migrated due to climate shifts.
The speaker is presenting a scientific theory that is still being studied.
It is postulated that our users prefer mobile interfaces over desktop.
The theory is that our users prefer mobile interfaces over desktop.
This sounds more professional than saying 'I think they like phones better.'
It is postulated that the butler did it, based on his suspicious shoes.
I'm theorizing that the butler is the killer because of his shoes.
Using a very formal phrase for a casual topic creates a funny, mock-serious tone.
It is postulated that the office will be closed on Friday!
There's a rumor that the office is closing Friday!
Adds a touch of playful drama to office gossip.
It is postulated that social media is changing how we experience empathy.
Many believe that social media is changing our sense of empathy.
Sets a serious, contemplative tone for a deep discussion.
It is postulated that the lost city was never actually lost, just renamed.
Some experts suggest the city was just renamed, not lost.
Used to introduce a counter-argument politely.
自分をテスト
Choose the best word to complete the formal hypothesis.
It is ___ that the new law will reduce urban traffic by twenty percent.
'Postulated' is the only option that fits the formal, academic tone of the sentence.
Identify where this phrase fits best.
___ that the ancient ruins were used for astronomical observation.
The phrase is an impersonal construction, so it always starts with 'It is'.
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Formality Scale of 'Theory' Phrases
Talking to friends
I reckon...
General conversation
The idea is that...
Business/Academic
It is suggested that...
Scientific/Logic
It is postulated that...
When to use 'It is postulated that'
Writing a Thesis
Introducing a core argument.
Boardroom Presentation
Proposing a market theory.
Scientific Paper
Stating a research hypothesis.
Mock-Serious Joke
Theorizing why the pizza is late.
よくある質問
10 問Not exactly. A 'guess' is random, but a 'postulate' is an educated assumption used as a starting point for a logical argument.
Only if you are being funny or sarcastic. For example, It is postulated that I will be late because of this traffic.
You can say I postulate that, but It is postulated that is more common because it sounds more objective and 'voice-of-authority'.
Yes, but mostly in academic, legal, or high-level professional circles. It isn't used in daily street conversation.
They are very similar. Hypothesized is more common in science labs, while postulated is common in philosophy, math, and general logic.
No! You can postulate about anything—economics, human behavior, or even why your cat hates the new food.
Usually, we say postulated that [full sentence]. You can also say X is postulated to be Y, but the 'that' version is more flexible.
Actually, the opposite! It makes you sound careful and humble because you aren't claiming your idea is a 100% fact.
Yes, It was postulated that is used when talking about old theories that people used to believe.
Using it for things that are already proven. Don't say It is postulated that 2+2=4. Use it for things that are still up for debate.
関連フレーズ
It is hypothesized that
A scientific way to introduce a testable theory.
The prevailing theory is
What most experts currently believe to be true.
Conventional wisdom suggests
What people generally assume is true based on tradition.
On the assumption that
Starting a thought based on a specific 'if'.
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