What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
speculated
Example
The media has speculated about the outcome of the election. [speculated: verb]
Example
It is speculated that the company will release a new product next year. [speculated: passive voice]
theorize
Example
Scientists are theorizing about the origins of the universe. [theorizing: present participle]
Example
The author theorized that the character's behavior was influenced by their childhood experiences. [theorized: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Speculated is more commonly used in everyday language than theorize. Speculated is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while theorize is more specific and often used in academic or scientific writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between speculated and theorize?
Theorize is typically associated with a formal and academic tone, while speculated can be used in both formal and informal contexts.