in theory

idiom

1

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

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

2

—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

Recent Examples on the Web

Patel is well aware that many constraints on what the Bureau says and does are governed by institutional norms and internal policy—and can, in theory, be changed as needed. —Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2024

That plan, though seamless in theory, has reportedly hit a speed bump. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

While Creative Time plays in the disposable and the ephemeral, even just in light itself, Dia’s work, at least in theory, is supposed to last forever. —The Editors, Curbed, 2 Dec. 2024

Holiday hosting, while wonderful in theory, can become a bit of a chore when the chaos of the season begins to set in. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024