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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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 The article does not name the Biden administration, say whether the plans are being considered by top leadership, or what the terms of their use, in theory, would be. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024 Spending time with those people is a good thing, of course, or in theory they wouldn't be invited. —

Jenny Porter Tilley, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Nov. 2024 Durable bins with closing, locking lids should, in theory, do a better job of keeping them out. —

Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for in theory