is the plural form of thesis

paper-free learning

conjunctions
determiners
interjections
prepositions
affect vs effect
its vs it's
your vs you're
which vs that
who vs whom
who's vs whose
averse vs adverse
250+ more...
apostrophes
quotation marks
lots more...
common writing errors
FAQs by writers
awkward plurals
ESL vocabulary lists
all our grammar videos
idioms and proverbs
Latin terms
collective nouns for animals
tattoo fails
vocabulary categories
most common verbs
top 10 irregular verbs
top 10 regular verbs
top 10 spelling rules
improve spelling
common misspellings
role-play scenarios
favo(u)rite word lists
multiple-choice test
Tetris game
grammar-themed memory game
100s more...

Plural of Thesis

The Quick Answer

The Plural of Thesis

Table of Contents

Are You Good at Plurals?

The standard rules for forming the plurals, why is there confusion over the plural of thesis.

Ready for the Test?

This page was written by Craig Shrives .

Learning Resources

more actions:

Help Us Improve Grammar Monster

Do you disagree with something on this page?
Did you spot a typo?

Find Us Quicker!

When using a search engine (e.g., Google, Bing), you will find Grammar Monster quicker if you add #gm to your search term.

Definition of thesis

Did you know.

In high school, college, or graduate school, students often have to write a thesis on a topic in their major field of study. In many fields, a final thesis is the biggest challenge involved in getting a master's degree, and the same is true for students studying for a Ph.D. (a Ph.D. thesis is often called a dissertation ). But a thesis may also be an idea; so in the course of the paper the student may put forth several theses (notice the plural form) and attempt to prove them.

Examples of thesis in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

in sense 3, Middle English, lowering of the voice, from Late Latin & Greek; Late Latin, from Greek, downbeat, more important part of a foot, literally, act of laying down; in other senses, Latin, from Greek, literally, act of laying down, from tithenai to put, lay down — more at do

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a(1)

Dictionary Entries Near thesis

the sins of the fathers are visited upon the children

thesis novel

Cite this Entry

“Thesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thesis. Accessed 22 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of thesis, more from merriam-webster on thesis.

Nglish: Translation of thesis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of thesis for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thesis

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Commonly misspelled words, how to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-), absent letters that are heard anyway, how to use accents and diacritical marks, on 'biweekly' and 'bimonthly', popular in wordplay, the words of the week - apr. 19, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), a great big list of bread words, 9 superb owl words, 10 words for lesser-known games and sports, games & quizzes.

Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Grammarflex

What’s the Plural of Thesis? (Thesises? Theses?)

November 13, 2022

What’s the plural of “thesis”?

Thesis , (and its plural theses ) is an example of one of the many common English words that has roots elsewhere. In this case, thesis is a word that has roots all the way back to Ancient Greek. Like other similarly structured words: diagnosis , synthesis , analysis , oasis , crisis , nemesis and the like, thesis is by no means the only frequently used Greek word that’s made it to Modern English.

What’s the singular of thesis?

Thesis is a singular noun and refers to one thing (or one thesis ).

What’s a thesis?

Merriam-Webster defines the noun thesis (plural theses ) as follows, “a dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view especially : one written by a candidate for an academic degree.”

Nouns that end in -sis/ses

Thesis is an irregular plural noun that does not end in the typical -s / -es that regular plural noun forms take. This is so despite that theses plural does in fact end in the conventional -s/-es suffix. Why is it still considered irregular; then, given that it follows the regular plural form? Notice the following regular plural noun forms:

Thesis / theses operates differently. With these Greek words, the -ses does not simply add onto the end of the singular form of the noun; instead, -ses replaces the singular noun’s suffixes, and effectively changes the entire spelling of the word (and arguably the word itself.)

Examples of “thesis” (singular) in sentences

His master thesis was on modal neural networks.

She wrote her thesis on Renaissance Nativity scenes.

We disagreed with the basic thesis of the report.

I’ve made a first draft of my thesis .

The student’s experiments helped her formulate a thesis to share with her professor and classmates.

Examples of “theses” (plural) in sentences

It must not be assumed that Luther’s ninety-five theses produced any considerable direct results.

The collection of theses are ready for publication.

Twenty years after Savonarola’s death Martin Luther made public his theses against indulgences.

Theses are generally examined by two or more specialists.

Theses is the plural form of the singular noun thesis.

Origin of the word “thesis”

Thesis / theses are of Greek origin.

Read about other irregular nouns

What’s the plural of bison?
What’s the plural of moose?
What’s the plural of sheep?
What’s the plural of ox?
What’s the plural of cactus?
What’s the plural of crisis?
What’s the plural of hypothesis?

Read about other topics in grammar

What’re personal pronouns?
What’s the difference between they’re, their, and there?
Whose vs who’s?
Merriam-Webster, thesis/theses.

“Beck and Call” or “Beckon Call”? Which is Correct?

Meaning of ‘beck and call’ ‘To be at someone’s beck and call‘ is an idiomatic expression that describes being immediately available or ready to be

What’s the Meaning of the Word “Connotation”?

Ever catch bad vibes from a text? That feeling or internal response you have from the actual words to communicate it, is its connotation; which

What’s the Difference Between Ambiguous & Ambivalent?

Are ambiguous and ambivalent the same? Something ambiguous (an adjective) is unclear, vague and open to different interpretations. To be ambivalent (also an adjective) means

When to Use Have or Had? (Explained with Examples)

When should you use “have” or “had”? When is it correct to use have, has, or had? Phrased differently, what’s the past tense of have?

What’s the Past Participle? (Explanation & Usage)

The past participle is a form of a verb that can appear as an adjective, or be used to form specific tenses and the passive

Emigrate vs. Immigrate (Meaning + Examples)

Meaning of emigrate vs. immigrate To immigrate is the verb form of the noun immigrant; referring to someone that’s moved away from their birth country

Recurring vs. Reoccurring (Correct Usage, + Examples)

Did you have a recurring or reoccurring dream? If you’re finding the difference between these two words befuddling, then this post is for you. How

What’s the Difference Between Nevertheless vs. Nonetheless?

Nevertheless vs. nonetheless Nevertheless and nonetheless are synonyms that both belong to the same part of speech; i.e, they’re compound adverbs that express contrast. There

Assent or Ascent (or Accent?)

When to use assent, ascent and accent The differences between assent, ascent and accent: Assent may be a noun or a verb: the former refers

Daily Crossword
Word Puzzle
Word Finder

Word of the Day

Synonym of the Day
Word of the Year
Language stories
All featured
Gender and sexuality
All pop culture
Grammar Coach ™
Writing hub
Grammar essentials
Commonly confused
All writing tips
Pop culture
Writing tips

[ thee -sis ]

He vigorously defended his thesis on the causes of war.

Synonyms: proposal , contention , theory

a subject for a composition or essay.
a dissertation on a particular subject in which one has done original research, as one presented by a candidate for a diploma or degree.
Music. the downward stroke in conducting; downbeat. Compare arsis ( def 1 ) .
a part of a metrical foot that does not bear the ictus or stress.
(less commonly) the part of a metrical foot that bears the ictus. Compare arsis ( def 2 ) .
Philosophy. Hegelian dialectic

/ ˈθiːsɪs /

a dissertation resulting from original research, esp when submitted by a candidate for a degree or diploma
a doctrine maintained or promoted in argument
a subject for a discussion or essay
an unproved statement, esp one put forward as a premise in an argument
music the downbeat of a bar, as indicated in conducting
See arsis (in classical prosody) the syllable or part of a metrical foot not receiving the ictus Compare arsis
philosophy the first stage in the Hegelian dialectic, that is challenged by the antithesis
The central idea in a piece of writing, sometimes contained in a topic sentence .

Discover More

Word history and origins.

Origin of thesis 1

Example Sentences

“The Saudis have been proving the thesis of the film — they do in fact have an army,” said Thor Halvorssen, founder and chief executive of the nonprofit Human Rights Foundation, which funded the movie.

It’s a hypothesis that Bush pursued in her master’s thesis, and last year she began attending virtual Goth parties in a final round of field work before defending her doctoral thesis later this year.

While this partnership was planned prior to the coronavirus outbreak, co-founder Jordana Kier said the pandemic instantly proved out the expansion thesis.

They’ve had to defend that thesis for a very, very long time in front of a variety of different customers and different people.

Over the past decade, In-Q-Tel has been one of the most active investors in the commercial space sector, with a broad investment thesis that touches many aspects of the sector.

In “Back Home,” Gil also revisits the nostalgia for the South explored in his Johns Hopkins thesis, “Circle of Stone.”

At least father and son were in alignment on this central thesis: acting “gay”—bad; being thought of as gay—bad.

Her doctoral thesis, says Ramin Takloo at the University of Illinois, was simply outstanding.

Marshall McLuhan long ago argued the now accepted thesis that different mediums have different influences on thinking.

He wrote his Master's thesis on the underrepresentation of young people in Congress.

And indeed for most young men a college thesis is but an exercise for sharpening the wits, rarely dangerous in its later effects.

It will be for the reader to determine whether the main thesis of the book has gained or lost by the new evidence.

But the word thesis, when applied to Systems, does not mean the 'position' of single notes, but of groups of notes.

This conclusion, it need hardly be said, is in entire agreement with the main thesis of the preceding pages.

Sundry outlying Indians, with ammunition to waste, took belly and knee rests and strengthened the thesis to the contrary.

Related Words

proposition
supposition

What Is The Plural Of Thesis?

Plural word for thesis.

The plural form of thesis is theses , pronounced [ thee -seez ]. The plurals of several other singular words that end in -is are also formed in this way, including hypothesis / hypotheses , crisis / crises , and axis / axes . A similar change is made when pluralizing appendix as appendices .

Irregular plurals that are formed like theses derive directly from their original pluralization in Latin and Greek.

[ ak -s uh -lot-l ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

English Teacher Site

Whats the Plural of Thesis: Understanding Singular and Plural Forms

The plural of “thesis” adheres to the Greek-rooted pattern, changing the singular -is to a plural -es.
Accurate use of “thesis” and “theses” reflects scholarly precision in both written and oral communication.
Awareness of correct pluralization extends to other similar nouns ending in -sis, emphasizing the importance of understanding language origins.

It is crucial to use the word correctly in both singular and plural contexts to maintain the integrity of written and spoken communication. In the realm of academics, precision in language reflects the rigor of one’s research and argumentation. As such, understanding the transformation from “thesis” to its plural counterpart is more than a trivial detail; it reflects a deeper appreciation for the structure and history of the English language.

What’s the Plural of Thesis?

The proper plural of thesis is “theses.” This transformation is part of a broader pattern in the English language where certain nouns change their ending to reflect a plural state.

Below, a comparison is made to illustrate the standard singular to plural transformation for nouns ending in -is:

Key Points about the pluralization of “thesis”:

The plural follows a specific rule of changing the ‘-is’ ending to ‘-es’.
This pattern is consistent with other Greek-derived words.
The pronunciation changes with the plural form, ending in “-eez.”

To clarify usage, consider these examples:

Singular: The student’s thesis was commended for its clarity.
Plural: The professor read all the submitted theses before the conference.

Singular Form of Thesis

The singular form of ‘thesis’ is of notable interest due to its origins and distinct pluralization.

Origination and Definition:

Etymology : Derived from the ancient Greek word τίθημι (tithēmi), which means “to put” or “to place.”
Meaning : It is a statement or theory put forward to be maintained or proved.

Usage in Academia:

A significant piece of writing prepared by a student to obtain a university degree or diploma.
Often involves original research and substantiates a particular view or argument.

Table 1: Notable Features of ‘Thesis’

Table 2: Contextual Examples

Definition of Thesis

A thesis is a substantial piece of scholarly writing that is typically required to obtain a master’s or doctoral degree. It represents the author’s research and findings in their chosen field of study. A thesis serves as evidence that the student has acquired the knowledge necessary to be considered a scholar in the field. Here, two key aspects of a thesis will be described through tables:

Purpose and Composition of a Thesis:

Characteristics of a Thesis:

Focused : It should have a clear, concise premise or central argument.
Researched : Employs rigorous methodologies to gather and analyze data.
Structured : Contains defined sections that present information logically.
Cited : Includes proper citations of sources that support or contrast the thesis.
Reviewed : Undergoes scrutiny by academic peers or supervisors.

Other Irregular Plural Nouns Ending in -sis/ses

Below you will find two tables categorized by common and less common irregular plurals that follow this pattern.

Common Irregular Plurals:

This pattern is often observed with words that have Greek origins.

Less Common Irregular Plurals:

It is important to recognize these forms to maintain grammatical accuracy in writing and speech. Below is a list of examples used in sentences:

When multiple scientific hypotheses are tested, the results can lead to important discoveries.
During the editing process, Jane had to review all the parentheses to ensure clarity in her writing.
Geographers study multiple oases in the desert to understand these unique ecosystems.
His thesis on renewable energy was well-received, and many theses on the subject reference his work.

Examples of Thesis (Singular) in Sentences

Here are examples that demonstrate its usage in various sentences.

In Academic Context

In everyday discourse.

Informal setting : During the debate, his thesis was that space exploration is no longer just a dream but a necessity.

Discussing beliefs : Her thesis is that all public spaces should offer free Wi-Fi.
Opinion : They argued the thesis that high taxes discourage spending.

Examples of Theses (Plural) in Sentences

Here are some examples of how “theses” can be used in sentences:

Education Setting : Graduate students often struggle to find unique topics for their theses as most ideas have been extensively explored.

Evaluating the structure and arguments of different theses can help one build a stronger dissertation.

Origin of the Word Thesis

The term thesis originates from the ancient Greek word θέσις (thésis), which means “a proposition” . Historically, this term has played a crucial role in both rhetorical and academic contexts. It denotes a statement that a writer intends to support and prove. In academic circles, thesis often refers to a document that presents the author’s research and findings and is submitted in support of candidature for a degree or professional qualification.

Etymological Background

The journey of the word from its Greek roots to the modern English language reflects the changing dynamics of educational and scholarly practices over the centuries.

As a carryover from Greek to Latin, the word made its way into English, maintaining its original Greek plural form:

Usage in Academia

In academia, the word has been used since the late Middle Ages to denote a scholarly work written by students aiming to obtain a university degree. Over time, the use of thesis expanded from merely referring to a proposition to a lengthy document providing evidence of comprehensive research.

Historical Evolution:

Middle Ages : Referred to propositions for a degree.
Renaissance : Emphasized individual research.
Modern Usage : Extensive research documents for higher education degrees.

Areas of Impact:

Rhetoric : Considered as a premise to be argued.
Academic Research : Reflects comprehensive study in a field.

What’s the Plural of Aircraft: Understanding Singular and Plural Aviation Terms

The word “aircraft” serves as both singular and plural, meaning whether you are referring to one airplane or several, the term remains unchanged. An aircraft is defined as a vehicle capable of flight, which can include airplanes, helicopters, blimps, gliders, and even drones. What’s the Plural of Aircraft? Singular and Plural Forms: Much like other…

When to Use a Comma Before ‘And’: Understanding Punctuation Rules

The comma, one of the most common punctuation marks, often brings confusion, particularly when paired with conjunctions like “and.” The rules governing comma placement before “and” are not arbitrary; they serve to clarify meaning and improve readability. When “and” is used to join two independent clauses—complete thoughts that could stand alone as separate sentences—a comma…

What’s the Singular of Means: Understanding Singular and Plural Nouns

When discussing the peculiarities of the English language, a common question arises regarding the word “means.” Often used both in singular and plural contexts, this term can cause confusion due to its seeming lack of variation in form. The singular of “means” is identical to its plural; context dictates its number. It is a noun…

Is It Lay Down or Lie Down: Understanding Verb Forms in English

It becomes trickier when we consider the past tense of these verbs. The past tense of ‘lay’ is ‘laid’ while the past tense of ‘lie’ is ‘lay,’ which may inadvertently lead to mix-ups. Furthermore, their past participles add another layer of complexity; ‘lay’ becomes ‘laid,’ and ‘lie’ becomes ‘lain.’ Accurate sentence construction hinges on the…

What’s the Plural of Shorts: Understanding English Nouns

The absence of a singular counterpart for ‘shorts’ is a curiosity within English, where various items, particularly garments and tools, often come in natural pairs or sets. Similar to ‘shorts,’ words such as ‘jeans’ and ‘glasses’ defy the typical singular-plural relationship. This peculiarity leads to a fixed usage, even when referring to a single article…

Plural of Thesis: A Quick Guide for English Learners

By: Author ESLBUZZ

Posted on Last updated: October 11, 2023

Sharing is caring!

Do you know the plural of thesis? Understanding the correct plural of thesis is important not only for academic writing, but for general communication as well. Whether you’re discussing multiple research papers or simply trying to sound knowledgeable in a conversation, using the correct plural form can help you make a good impression and avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

Plural of Thesis

Definition and Plural of Thesis

When writing a research paper or dissertation, the central argument or main point is known as a thesis. A thesis is a statement or proposition that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. It is a crucial element of academic writing and is often required for a degree or certification.

The plural of thesis is “theses.” In English, most nouns form the plural by adding an “s” at the end. However, “thesis” is one of the few exceptions to this rule. The word “thesis” has a Greek root, and “theses” is how it is pluralized in that original language.

It is important to note that “theses” is the only way to make the noun “thesis” plural. There is no alternative form of the plural for this word.

In academic writing, the plural form “theses” is commonly used when referring to multiple research papers or dissertations. For example, “I have read several theses on this topic, and they all have different viewpoints.”

When to Use Thesis and Its Plural Form

When writing academic papers or conducting research, it is important to understand when to use the word “thesis” and its plural form, “theses.” Here are some guidelines to help you use these words correctly:

Use “thesis” when referring to a single research paper or dissertation that presents a specific argument or viewpoint.
Use “theses” when referring to multiple research papers or dissertations.
Remember that “thesis” is a singular noun and “theses” is its plural form.
Be aware that “thesis” has a Greek root and follows the same pluralization rule as other Greek words ending in “-is,” such as “crisis” and “analysis.” They become “crises” and “analyses,” respectively.
Keep in mind that “thesis” can also refer to a statement or proposition that is put forward for consideration or discussion. In this case, the plural form would be “theses.”
When citing multiple theses in a paper, use “theses” to indicate the plurality. For example, “The theses presented in this paper all support the idea that…”

Examples of Thesis and Its Plural Form in Sentences

If you are wondering how to use the word “thesis” in a sentence, here are a few examples:

Your thesis statement should be clear and concise.
The professor asked us to submit our theses by the end of the semester.
The thesis of the article is that climate change is caused by human activity.
She spent months researching and writing her thesis on the history of feminism .
The committee was impressed by the depth and originality of his thesis.

As you can see, “thesis” is used to refer to a statement or argument put forth by a writer or speaker, as well as a research paper written by a student to earn a degree.

Now, let’s take a look at the plural form of “thesis.” According to Grammar Monster, the only correct way to form the plural of “thesis” is “theses.” Here are some examples of how to use “theses” in a sentence:

The library has a collection of theses written by graduate students.
The professor asked us to read several theses on the topic before starting our own research.
The theses presented at the conference covered a wide range of topics.
The committee was impressed by the quality and originality of the theses submitted.

Plural Noun Rules for Regular Nouns

When forming the plural of regular nouns, there are some standard rules to follow. These rules apply to most English nouns, including “thesis.” Here are the basic guidelines:

For most singular nouns, simply add an “-s” to the end to form the plural. For example, “book” becomes “books,” “car” becomes “cars,” and “house” becomes “houses.”
If the singular noun ends in “-s,” “-x,” “-z,” “-ch,” or “-sh,” add “-es” to form the plural. For example, “bus” becomes “buses,” “box” becomes “boxes,” “buzz” becomes “buzzes,” “church” becomes “churches,” and “dish” becomes “dishes.”
If the singular noun ends in a consonant followed by “-y,” change the “-y” to “-ies” to form the plural. For example, “city” becomes “cities,” “baby” becomes “babies,” and “story” becomes “stories.”
If the singular noun ends in a vowel followed by “-y,” simply add an “-s” to form the plural. For example, “boy” becomes “boys,” “key” becomes “keys,” and “day” becomes “days.”

It’s important to note that there are some irregular nouns that don’t follow these rules. For example, “child” becomes “children,” “foot” becomes “feet,” and “tooth” becomes “teeth.” However, “thesis” is a regular noun, so it follows the standard rules for forming the plural.

Plural Noun Rules for Irregular Nouns

When it comes to forming the plural of nouns in English, there are some general rules that apply to most words. However, there are also many irregular nouns that don’t follow these rules and have unique plural forms. In this section, we’ll go over some common irregular plural nouns and the rules for forming their plurals.

List of Common Irregular Plural Nouns

Here are some examples of irregular plural nouns that you may come across:

Nouns that End in Us

Nouns that end in “us” often have a plural form that ends in “i”. For example:

Nouns that End in Is

Nouns that end in “is” may have a plural form that ends in “es”. For example:

Nouns that End in On

Nouns that end in “on” may have a plural form that ends in “a”. For example:

Plurals That Are the Same as Singulars

Some nouns have the same form for both the singular and plural. For example:

Words That Look Like Plural Nouns but Are Singular Nouns

Some words may look like plural nouns but are actually singular nouns. For example:

Collective Nouns and List

When it comes to forming the plural of nouns, collective nouns can be a bit tricky. A collective noun refers to a group of people or things as a single entity. For example, “team” is a collective noun because it refers to a group of individuals working together towards a common goal.

The challenge with collective nouns is deciding whether to treat them as singular or plural. In American English, collective nouns are usually treated as singular, while in British English, they can be treated as either singular or plural depending on the context.

Here are some examples of collective nouns and how they can be treated in different contexts:

As you can see, the choice of whether to use a singular or plural verb depends on whether you are referring to the group as a single entity or as individuals within the group.

When it comes to forming the plural of collective nouns, the same rules apply as for regular nouns. For example, the plural of “team” is “teams”, and the plural of “family” is “families”.

Plural Nouns vs. Possessive Nouns

When it comes to forming the plural of nouns, there are standard rules that apply to most words in the English language. However, there are some exceptions, such as the word “thesis.” The plural of “thesis” is “theses,” and this is the only correct way to form the plural of this word.

On the other hand, when it comes to forming possessive nouns, there are a few rules to keep in mind. Here are some key points to remember:

For singular nouns, add an apostrophe and an “s” to show possession. For example, “the thesis’s conclusion” means the conclusion belonging to the thesis.
For plural nouns that end in “s,” add only an apostrophe to show possession. For example, “the theses’ conclusions” means the conclusions belonging to the theses.
For plural nouns that do not end in “s,” add an apostrophe and an “s” to show possession. For example, “women’s rights” means the rights belonging to women.

It’s important to note that possessive nouns should not be confused with plural nouns. While they may look similar, they serve different grammatical functions. Possessive nouns show ownership or possession, while plural nouns simply refer to more than one of something.

Common Mistakes with Plural Nouns

When it comes to forming the plural of nouns, there are some common mistakes that are made. Here are a few things to keep in mind when forming the plural of the word “thesis” and other nouns:

Adding an Apostrophe

One common mistake is adding an apostrophe to a noun to make it plural. For example, “the thesis’s” instead of “the theses.” This is incorrect and should be avoided.

Irregular Plurals

Some nouns have irregular plurals that do not follow the standard rules. For example, “child” becomes “children” and “goose” becomes “geese.” It is important to learn these irregular plurals to avoid mistakes.

Confusion over Plurals

Some nouns, like “thesis,” can cause confusion over their plural form. “Theses” is the only correct way to make “thesis” plural. Other words that end in “-is” may also have irregular plurals, such as “crisis” becoming “crises.”

Using Incorrect Count Nouns

It is important to use the correct count nouns when referring to multiple instances of something. For example, “studies” instead of “researches,” and “pieces of evidence” instead of “evidences.” Using the incorrect count noun can make your writing sound awkward or confusing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct plural form of ‘thesis’?

The correct plural form of ‘thesis’ is ‘theses.’ It is an irregular plural noun that does not follow the typical -s/-es suffix used for regular plural nouns.

How is ‘thesis’ used in a sentence?

‘Thesis’ refers to a statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. An example sentence would be: “Her thesis on the effects of climate change was well-researched and presented.”

What is the origin of the word ‘thesis’?

The word ‘thesis’ comes from the Greek word ‘tithenai,’ which means ‘to place’ or ‘to put.’ In academia, it refers to a statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved.

What is the difference between ‘thesis’ and ‘theses’?

‘Thesis’ is the singular form of the word, while ‘theses’ is the plural form. ‘Thesis’ refers to a single statement or theory, while ‘theses’ refers to multiple statements or theories.

The plural of thesis is the word 'theses'.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do you pluralize thesis?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

To pluralize 'thesis', you simply add 'es' to the end of the word. This is because 'thesis' ends in 'is', which is a singular noun ending.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is the plural of thesis 'theses'?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Yes, the plural of thesis is 'theses'.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the irregular plural form of thesis?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

'Theses' is not an irregular plural form of thesis. It is a regular plural form.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some examples of irregular plural nouns?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Some examples of irregular plural nouns include 'child' (children), 'tooth' (teeth), and 'foot' (feet).

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do you correctly pluralize nouns ending in -is?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

To correctly pluralize nouns ending in -is, you simply change the 'is' to 'es'. For example, the plural of 'thesis' is 'theses', and the plural of 'analysis' is 'analyses'.

Recent Posts

Ed Words: Expand Your Vocabulary and Improve Your Writing! - April 15, 2024
List of Ethnicities and Their Cultures from Around the World - April 2, 2024
Mastering English Writing: Essential Transitional Words for Body Paragraphs - March 25, 2024

Plural of Advice: Master English Plural Forms Today!
Plural of Apparatus: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Plural Nouns
Plural of Cactus: How to Use It Correctly in English Grammar
Plural of Deer: Understanding the Correct Terminology

Definition of 'thesis'

Video: pronunciation of thesis

thesis in American English

Thesis in british english, examples of 'thesis' in a sentence thesis, related word partners thesis, trends of thesis.

View usage over: Since Exist Last 10 years Last 50 years Last 100 years Last 300 years

In other languages thesis

American English : thesis / ˈθisɪs /
Brazilian Portuguese : tese
Chinese : 论点
European Spanish : tesis
French : thèse
German : These
Italian : tesi
Japanese : 主張
Korean : 논지
European Portuguese : tese
Spanish : tesis
Thai : ข้อสมมุติ, ข้อวินิจฉัย

Browse alphabetically thesis

thesis play
thesmothete
All ENGLISH words that begin with 'T'

Related terms of thesis

academic thesis
central thesis
doctoral thesis
View more related words

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Score: 0 / 5

Wordle Helper

Scrabble Tools

1.1 Etymology
1.2 Pronunciation
1.3.1 Derived terms
1.3.2 Related terms
1.3.3 Translations
1.4 References
1.5 Further reading
1.6 Anagrams
2.1 Etymology
2.2 Pronunciation
3.1 Etymology
3.2 Pronunciation
3.3.1 Declension
3.3.2 Descendants
3.4 References

English [ edit ]

Etymology [ edit ].

From Late Middle English thesis ( “ lowering of the voice ” ) [1] and also borrowed directly from its etymon Latin thesis ( “ proposition, thesis; lowering of the voice ” ) , from Ancient Greek θέσῐς ( thésis , “ arrangement, placement, setting; conclusion, position, thesis; lowering of the voice ” ) , from τῐ́θημῐ ( títhēmi , “ to place, put, set; to put down in writing; to consider as, regard ” ) [2] [3] (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *dʰeh₁- ( “ to do; to place, put ” ) ) + -σῐς ( -sis , suffix forming abstract nouns or nouns of action, process, or result ) . The English word is a doublet of deed .

Sense 1.1 (“proposition or statement supported by arguments”) is adopted from antithesis . [2] Sense 1.4 (“initial stage of reasoning”) was first used by the German philosopher Johann Gottlieb Fichte (1762–1814), and later applied to the dialectical method of his countryman, the philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831).

The plural form theses is borrowed from Latin thesēs , from Ancient Greek θέσεις ( théseis ) .

Pronunciation [ edit ]

( Received Pronunciation ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈθiːsɪs/ , ( archaic ) /ˈθɛsɪs/
( General American ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈθisɪs/
Rhymes: -iːsɪs
Hyphenation: the‧sis
( Received Pronunciation ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈθiːsiːz/
( General American ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈθisiz/
Rhymes: -iːsiːz
Hyphenation: the‧ses

Noun [ edit ]

thesis ( plural theses )

( rhetoric ) A proposition or statement supported by arguments .
1766 , [ Oliver Goldsmith ], “The Conclusion”, in The Vicar of Wakefield: [ … ] , volume II, Salisbury, Wiltshire: [ … ] B. Collins, for F [ rancis ] Newbery , [ … ] , →OCLC ; reprinted London: Elliot Stock , 1885 , →OCLC , pages 218–219 : I told them of the grave, becoming, and ſublime deportment they ſhould aſſume upon this myſtical occaſion, and read them two homilies and a theſis of my own compoſing, in order to prepare them.
( mathematics , computer science ) A conjecture , especially one too vague to be formally stated or verified but useful as a working convention.
( logic ) An affirmation , or distinction from a supposition or hypothesis .
( philosophy ) In the dialectical method of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel : the initial stage of reasoning where a formal statement of a point is developed ; this is followed by antithesis and synthesis .
( music , prosody , originally ) The action of lowering the hand or bringing down the foot when indicating a rhythm ; hence, an accented part of a measure of music or verse indicated by this action; an ictus , a stress . Antonym: arsis
( music , prosody , with a reversal of meaning ) A depression of the voice when pronouncing a syllables of a word ; hence, the unstressed part of the metrical foot of a verse upon which such a depression falls , or an unaccented musical note .

Derived terms [ edit ]

all but thesis
bachelor's thesis
Church-Turing thesis
conflict thesis
doctoral thesis
graduate thesis
Habakkuk thesis
master's thesis
Merton thesis
private language thesis
thesis defense
thesis film
thesis statement

Related terms [ edit ]

Translations [ edit ], references [ edit ].

^ “ thē̆sis, n. ”, in MED Online , Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan , 2007 .
^ “ thesis, n. ”, in Lexico , Dictionary.com ; Oxford University Press , 2019–2022 .

Anagrams [ edit ]

Heists , Sethis , heists , shiest , shites , sithes , thises

Dutch [ edit ]

From Latin thesis , from Ancient Greek θέσις ( thésis , “ a proposition, a statement, a thing laid down, thesis in rhetoric, thesis in prosody ” ) .

thesis f ( plural theses or thesissen , diminutive thesisje n )

Dated form of these . Synonyms: dissertatie , proefschrift , scriptie

Latin [ edit ]

From Ancient Greek θέσις ( thésis , “ a proposition, a statement, a thing laid down, thesis in rhetoric, thesis in prosody ” ) .

( Classical ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈtʰe.sis/ , [ˈt̪ʰɛs̠ɪs̠]
( modern Italianate Ecclesiastical ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈte.sis/ , [ˈt̪ɛːs̬is]

thesis f ( genitive thesis ) ; third declension

Declension [ edit ]

Descendants [ edit ].

→ Dutch: thesis
→ Armenian: թեզ ( tʻez )
→ Dutch: these
→ Persian: تز ( tez )
→ Romanian: teză
→ Turkish: tez
Galician: tese
Italian: tesi
English: thesis
Portuguese: tese
Spanish: tesis
“ thesis ”, in Charlton T. Lewis and Charles Short ( 1879 ) A Latin Dictionary , Oxford: Clarendon Press
thesis in Gaffiot, Félix ( 1934 ) Dictionnaire illustré latin-français , Hachette.

English terms derived from Proto-Indo-European
English terms derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *dʰeh₁-
English terms inherited from Middle English
English terms derived from Middle English
English terms borrowed from Latin
English terms derived from Latin
English terms derived from Ancient Greek
English doublets
English 2-syllable words
English terms with IPA pronunciation
English terms with audio links
Rhymes:English/iːsɪs
Rhymes:English/iːsɪs/2 syllables
Rhymes:English/iːsiːz
English lemmas
English nouns
English countable nouns
English nouns with irregular plurals
en:Rhetoric
English terms with quotations
en:Mathematics
en:Computer science
en:Philosophy
English contranyms
Dutch terms derived from Latin
Dutch terms derived from Ancient Greek
Dutch terms with audio links
Dutch lemmas
Dutch nouns
Dutch nouns with Latin plurals
Dutch nouns with plural in -en
Dutch feminine nouns
Dutch dated forms
Latin terms derived from Proto-Indo-European
Latin terms derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *dʰeh₁-
Latin terms borrowed from Ancient Greek
Latin terms derived from Ancient Greek
Latin 2-syllable words
Latin terms with IPA pronunciation
Latin lemmas
Latin nouns
Latin third declension nouns
Latin feminine nouns in the third declension
Latin feminine nouns
Word of the day archive
English entries with language name categories using raw markup
Mandarin terms with redundant transliterations
Russian terms with non-redundant manual transliterations

bottom_desktop desktop:[300x250]

how to start a tentative thesis

How It Works

Essentials of How To Write a Tentative Thesis in 2023

Do you know that you can write your tentative thesis without stress? Here are expert directions on how you can achieve this task effortlessly.

You will need more than a tentative thesis definition, some words on a paper, and a few hours to have a quality document. Creating a substantial piece requires time, planning, dedication, and above-average writing skills.

For an excellent paper, apt students will google, ‘write my tentative thesis’ to find professional help. You must be one of those desiring top-grades, and that is why you are here. We will provide you with all information you need to know on how to create a tentative thesis that will earn you an A+.

What is a Tentative Thesis?

The statement forms the subject matter’s backbone as contained within a paper by stating something significant and relevant to the reader. The tentative thesis statement summarizes the paper’s main points and says the essay’s necessity to the readers.

The tentative claim is paramount to the essay, and without it, the paper will appear uncontrolled and inadequate. It’s like a plane that is about to land on a runway without lights and a radar. The pilot will only circumnavigate around the airport without landing on the ground.

Now that you can define tentative thesis let us proceed to the basics.

How To Write a Tentative Thesis: Outline

A tentative thesis outline will determine how much time you will invest in your paper. In other words, it will help you develop the topic, reflect on it, and write the Thesis. Since a tentative thesis states your standpoint regarding the subject, it should be clear and to the point.

Let’s look at some of the steps that you will take:

Select your topic

The key to cracking a tentative thesis statement is evident in the topic from the onset. A good topic should be relevant, practical, and one that contributes to solving a problem. Such a task is not easy, and thus you should be ready for an in-depth, mind-intriguing process.

Brainstorming on the topic

Once you have your topic set, it is now time to disintegrate it. This will prompt you into a process of brainstorming to develop ideas for your tentative Thesis. You will put on the table various ideas that come to our mind either silently or through reading other sources.

Developing the tentative thesis statement

It is important to note that the tentative claim is in the introduction of your paper. Since it is a single statement found at the end of the intro, you have to be strategic and approach it precisely.

Parts of a Tentative Thesis

As short as it may seem, a tentative thesis has three crucial parts that you cannot avoid at any cost. Therefore, you will have to be coherent and logical in your approach to this section. Let us look at each of these critical sections in brief:

Tentative Thesis Introduction

In the intro, you will give the reader a feel of the topic by summarizing the arguments you intend to bring in the body. To achieve this, you should use clear and spot-on statements to hook the reader to your paper.

The first statement that meets the eye of the reader should interest and captivate him/her. It should arouse a sense of curiosity in the reader that makes him want to read your essay more. You should also include background information to put the topic into context.

All these three culminate in the thesis statement, which is the last statement of the introduction paragraph.

Tentative Thesis Body

It contains statements in support of your claim, and they form the bulk of your paper. These statements should comprise of evidence and facts in support of your stance. The tentative thesis body will fortify your claims and make them viable.

The structure of the body paragraphs is this: topic sentence, explanation, and supporting statements. At the end of each section, there should be a transition sentence that ushers in the next paragraph.

Tentative Thesis Conclusion

In this section, you will find a summary of the key arguments and claims made in the body. The reader will have a chance to re-visit the discussions in the body in a concise way. You remind him/her of the thesis statement and the conclusions made from it.

While restating the thesis statement, do not merely repeat what you wrote in the introduction, word for word. Instead, summarize it differently while still maintain the original idea. Remember also to include your recommendations, opinion, or final thoughts on the discussion.

An impressive tentative thesis conclusion leaves a strong impression on the reader.

Writing Tips For A Top-Notch Tentative Thesis

It should be specific and clear – to make it easy to understand
The tentative thesis statement should be in the introduction (the last sentence)
It should communicate a single thought or idea rather than a myriad of pictures here and there.
Write it from scratch. A fresh and original thesis statement will attract top grades rather than a plagiarized one.
Write it concisely and coherently. It will keep your readers hooked.

Tentative Thesis Statement Samples

Sample 1: “The continued ignorance of people towards the coronavirus prevention guidelines is wanting. This ignorance will likely lead to a second wave of infections.” Sample 2: “Global pandemics threaten the stability of the world in different areas. There are political, social, and cultural implications.”

Tentative Thesis Writing From Profs

As a college or university student, knowing how to write a tentative thesis is crucial because it constitutes the bulk of assignments. From the discussions above, you can note that structure of a tentative thesis is vital.

Disregarding any section may cause your paper to be rejected. Since it forms the first part of your essay, ensure that it is appealing and captivating.

But don’t worry – thesisgeek.com is here to assist you with that! You can use this professional thesis writing service to help you with the topics, structure, and format of a tentative thesis. It will also enable you to have a different understanding of the subject.

Get your thesis paper written by an expert now!

Tentative Thesis Statement Examples, How to Write, Tips

In the early stages of research, writers often form tentative thesis statements to guide their exploration and inquiry. These statements, while not set in stone, provide a provisional stance on a topic, helping researchers to focus their reading and data collection. This guide delves into the intricacies of crafting, refining, and understanding the significance of tentative thesis statements , accompanied by illustrative examples and tips for effective formulation. Let’s embark on this enlightening journey.

What is a Tentative Thesis Statement?

A tentative thesis statement, also known as a working thesis, is an initial statement regarding the topic of your research or essay, indicating your perspective and direction, but remaining open to modification as you gather more evidence or shift your focus during the writing process. It provides a preliminary stand on an issue, offering direction for both research and writing, but is open to adjustments based on the information you uncover.Y ou may also be interested to browse through our other hypothesis statement and Strong thesis statement .

What is an example of a Tentative thesis statement?

“While many believe that space exploration is a wasteful expenditure, preliminary research suggests that the technological advancements and potential economic benefits derived from space missions may significantly outweigh the costs. However, further investigation into specific missions and their direct impacts is necessary.”

100 Tentative Thesis Statement Examples

Size: 220 KB

Crafting a tentative thesis statement can be a challenge, especially when you’re just starting with a topic. These preliminary statements offer a guiding light, showcasing the direction your paper might take. However, remember that as you delve deeper into your research, your thesis may change based on the evidence you uncover. Here are 100 examples to inspire your own writing:

Although preliminary research suggests vegan diets can lead to health benefits, further studies are necessary to determine long-term impacts.
While some argue online learning is less effective than traditional classroom settings, initial findings indicate its potential in certain educational contexts.
Early studies hint at the possibility that urban green spaces can significantly affect mental well-being, but comprehensive research is still needed.
Renewable energy, based on initial research, seems to be a viable replacement for fossil fuels, though the feasibility of widespread adoption remains in question.
The tentative link between screen time and decreased attention spans in children warrants more in-depth study.
Preliminary studies suggest a correlation between meditation practices and reduced stress levels, but causation hasn’t been firmly established.
While many assume that organic foods are nutritionally superior, early research presents mixed results, necessitating further examination.
Initial findings indicate that corporate social responsibility initiatives might enhance brand loyalty, though concrete evidence is scant.
The notion that increasing minimum wage always results in reduced employment opportunities is debated, and more comprehensive data is required.
While many believe artificial intelligence will revolutionize industries, its potential negative impacts on the job market are still under study.
Preliminary data on intermittent fasting indicates potential health benefits, but long-term effects are yet to be confirmed.
Early research on gut health hints at its significant role in overall well-being, though more data is required to make definitive conclusions.
The potential relationship between a country’s cultural values and its economic growth rate is still under examination.
While some evidence suggests that certain video games can enhance cognitive function, a comprehensive study on various genres is still needed.
The initial connection between urban planning and crime rates is compelling, but more nuanced studies are necessary.
Although many point to globalization as a primary driver for economic disparity, its exact role is still being studied.
Preliminary findings suggest that flexible work hours can boost employee productivity, but the potential drawbacks need exploration.
While there’s some indication that regular physical activity can delay cognitive decline in the elderly, more specific research is necessary.
The theory that early music education enhances mathematical skills in children is intriguing, though not universally accepted.
Initial insights into the microplastics problem hint at its widespread impact on marine ecosystems, but quantifiable data is sparse.
While some early research suggests that the gig economy offers freedom for workers, further inquiry into job security and benefits is warranted.
Preliminary studies into augmented reality’s applications in education show promise, but a deeper dive into its practicalities and long-term implications is necessary.
The tentative assertion that bilingualism delays the onset of Alzheimer’s requires more comprehensive data for validation.
Initial indications point to telemedicine as a potential solution for healthcare disparities in rural areas, yet its effectiveness remains under examination.
While there’s preliminary evidence suggesting that mindfulness practices can improve academic performances, more in-depth studies are needed for a definitive stance.
The early hypothesis that diets high in antioxidants can slow aging processes is yet to be conclusively proven.
Some initial studies hint that corporate diversity leads to higher innovation, but the specific dynamics remain unclear.
While there’s emerging evidence that urban farming can significantly reduce food insecurity, its scalability and feasibility need further exploration.
Preliminary research suggests potential benefits of a four-day workweek, but its impact on overall business productivity remains under study.
The tentative belief that childhood exposure to multiple languages enhances creativity in adulthood needs more empirical evidence.
Although early studies show a correlation between green tea consumption and reduced cancer risk, this relationship requires deeper examination.
The initial hypothesis that social media usage intensifies feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially among teenagers, is a topic of ongoing research.
While preliminary data indicates potential economic benefits of universal basic income, its broader socio-economic implications remain in the realm of speculation.
There’s a tentative assertion that the modern open office layout fosters collaboration, but its impact on individual productivity and well-being is still debated.
Early indications that community involvement programs in schools can reduce youth crime rates are promising, but further validation is essential.
Initial research into the benefits of pets in elderly care settings suggests improvements in emotional well-being, but more comprehensive studies are required.
While there’s some early evidence linking forest bathing practices with improved mental health, its long-term benefits and mechanisms are still under study.
The preliminary idea that cryptocurrency could replace traditional banking systems in the next decade is a topic of intense debate and research.
There’s a tentative belief that immersive educational technologies can significantly improve learning outcomes for students with learning disabilities.
Early studies on the impact of climate change on migratory patterns of birds hint at significant disruptions, necessitating further research
The preliminary assertion that virtual reality can help treat certain phobias is intriguing, yet conclusive evidence is still pending.
Initial findings suggest that meditation might enhance focus and productivity in workplaces, but a broader spectrum of research is needed for validation.
Tentative studies propose that urban green spaces could significantly improve residents’ mental health, but the extent of these benefits remains uncertain.
There’s an emerging perspective that diets rich in fermented foods may improve gut health, though comprehensive studies are still underway.
The initial idea that digital detox weekends can enhance mental clarity and reduce anxiety is currently being explored further.
Preliminary research pointing to the therapeutic effects of music on Alzheimer’s patients requires more extensive clinical trials.
While there’s an initial buzz about the potential of electric cars reducing city pollution levels, the overall environmental impact, including production, needs in-depth analysis.
The tentative theory that microdosing psychedelics enhances creativity and problem-solving abilities in individuals is under rigorous investigation.
Early studies suggesting a correlation between screen time and sleep disturbances in teenagers necessitate more nuanced research.
The provisional hypothesis that urban rooftop gardens can counteract the heat island effect in cities is being evaluated.
Initial findings hint at the possibility that consuming dark chocolate in moderation can boost cognitive functions; however, the exact mechanisms are still being probed.
The emerging idea that regular nature walks can substantially reduce symptoms of depression is undergoing more rigorous research validation.
Tentative observations suggest that gamification in education might enhance student engagement and retention, but its long-term effects are yet to be seen.
Preliminary reports indicating a potential link between processed meats and certain cancers demand more detailed analysis.
The hypothesis that community-driven renewable energy projects can substantially reduce carbon footprints is under detailed scrutiny.
Early data suggesting that intergenerational interactions can combat loneliness in the elderly are promising, but wider-scale studies are essential.
The idea that sustainable fashion practices might reshape the fashion industry’s environmental impact in the next decade is under review.
Initial studies on the potential of ocean wave energy as a consistent renewable energy source are optimistic, but technical challenges are still being addressed.
There’s a tentative belief that AI-driven personalized learning can revolutionize education, but its broader implications are still under exploration.
Early research pointing to the benefits of intermittent fasting on metabolic health requires more long-term human trials for validation
The initial proposition that urban beekeeping could reverse the decline in bee populations is currently under review.
Tentative studies indicate that telemedicine might significantly reduce healthcare costs for rural areas, but implementation challenges remain.
There’s a growing inclination to believe that pet therapy can benefit patients with chronic illnesses, but definitive clinical trials are needed.
The preliminary idea that e-learning platforms might eventually replace traditional classrooms has gained traction, though long-term outcomes remain uncertain.
The hypothesis suggesting that incorporating art therapy in schools can enhance emotional intelligence in students is still under rigorous testing.
Early data hinting at vertical farming’s potential to address urban food deserts is promising, yet economic feasibility is still being assessed.
The emerging belief that community-based tourism might be more sustainable than mass tourism is undergoing further investigation.
Initial studies proposing that listening to binaural beats can improve focus and concentration during tasks demand more in-depth research.
The tentative theory that blue light exposure from screens might be significantly affecting circadian rhythms is under more comprehensive review.
Preliminary findings suggest that mindfulness techniques might reduce burnout in healthcare professionals, though larger trials are needed.
The proposition that blending online and offline shopping experiences can revolutionize retail is currently being evaluated.
The idea that augmented reality might become the primary mode of digital interaction in the next decade is being critically assessed.
Early studies on the potential of algae as a biofuel source show promise, but scalability remains a challenge.
There’s a tentative stance that urban tree planting campaigns could substantially improve air quality, but metrics for quantification are being developed.
The initial hypothesis suggesting that decentralized work models might become the norm post-pandemic is under analysis.
Studies hint at the possibility of 3D printed food revolutionizing the culinary world, but the practical and nutritional implications remain uncertain.
The provisional stance that probiotic supplements can improve mental well-being is undergoing more rigorous scientific validation.
The emerging perspective that the gig economy might reshape employment norms in the coming years is being debated.
Initial claims suggesting that digital currencies might replace traditional banking systems are under scrutiny, especially in terms of security and scalability.
Preliminary evidence that collaborative robot technologies can improve manufacturing efficiency is encouraging, but the full spectrum of implications is still being explored
There’s an initial belief that blockchain technology might revolutionize supply chain management, though its full implications remain to be explored.
The tentative idea that virtual reality (VR) could become a primary mode of education has gained some attention, but its effectiveness in the long run is still uncertain.
Early studies suggest that urban green spaces could have significant mental health benefits, yet quantifiable data is still being collected.
The proposal that vertical forests in metropolitan areas can combat air pollution is being critically reviewed in light of practical challenges.
Preliminary investigations indicate that autonomous vehicles might drastically reduce traffic accidents, though safety protocols and regulations are still in development.
The notion that advances in biotechnology might lead to personalized medicine tailored to individual genetics is currently under evaluation.
Tentative hypotheses suggest that nanotechnology could play a pivotal role in environmental cleanup, especially for oil spills, but field trials are still ongoing.
The initial stance that chatbots and AI might replace a significant portion of customer service roles is being weighed against their current limitations.
The provisional theory that wearable tech, like smartwatches, could aid in early disease detection is gaining traction but requires more rigorous testing.
The emerging perspective that urban aquaponics might address food security concerns in densely populated areas is being considered.
Preliminary data suggests that the integration of AI in journalism might transform news production, but ethical considerations are still being debated.
The notion that renewable energy storage solutions, particularly batteries, might revolutionize the energy sector is under detailed analysis.
Early insights hint that gamification techniques could enhance corporate training effectiveness, but scalable models are yet to be developed.
The tentative belief that quantum computing might render current encryption methods obsolete is driving new research in cybersecurity.
The idea that merging traditional farming with tech innovations can boost crop yields is being critically assessed for long-term sustainability.
The proposition that holographic technology might reshape live entertainment and events is being explored, especially in the wake of pandemic-induced restrictions.
Initial studies suggesting that exoskeletons can revolutionize physical rehabilitation for patients are promising, but more patient trials are essential.
The concept that integrating drones into urban transport systems can alleviate traffic congestion is gaining attention, though regulatory challenges persist.
Preliminary research posits that microplastics in oceans might have more profound ecosystem impacts than previously believed, driving more extensive studies.
The tentative stance that merging AI with traditional art forms can birth a new artistic movement is captivating the art world, awaiting more tangible outcomes.

Tentative thesis statements serve as the starting blocks for in-depth research, fostering curiosity and prompting the academic community to seek clarity. Their potential to pivot existing understanding or usher in new paradigms underscores their significance in scholarly pursuits. You may also be interested in our final thesis statement .

How to Write a Tentative Thesis Statement: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understand Your Assignment : Before you begin, it’s vital to thoroughly understand the requirements of your assignment. Are you supposed to analyze, compare, discuss, or argue? The nature of the assignment will guide your tentative thesis.
Choose a Topic : Decide on a topic that interests you and is relevant to your assignment. A tentative thesis is more effective when you’re genuinely curious about the subject.
Conduct Preliminary Research : Before settling on a tentative thesis, gather some basic information about your topic to understand its complexities and primary issues.
Ask a Question : Formulate a question about your topic. This helps in focusing your research and forms the basis of your tentative thesis. For instance, if you’re writing about renewable energy, your question might be, “How effective are solar panels in reducing carbon footprints?”
Draft a Statement : Answer the question you posed in a clear and concise statement. Using the above example, a tentative thesis could be, “Solar panels have the potential to significantly reduce carbon footprints.”
Stay Flexible : Remember, it’s a tentative thesis. As you conduct further research, be prepared to adjust or even change your thesis to reflect more accurate or comprehensive findings.
Avoid Being Too Broad or Too Narrow : Your statement should be specific enough to cover in detail but broad enough to find sufficient information. For instance, “Solar panels are good” is too broad, while “Solar panels in X town on Y street” might be too narrow.
Seek Feedback : Discuss your tentative thesis with peers, instructors, or mentors. They might offer a fresh perspective or point out aspects you haven’t considered.
Refine and Revise : As your research progresses, continually revisit and tweak your thesis. The more you learn, the better you can make your thesis.
Finalize : Once your research supports your tentative thesis or provides a more precise direction, solidify your thesis statement. It should now be clear, concise, and supported by the evidence you’ve gathered.

A tentative thesis acts as a compass for your research, providing direction and focus. However, it’s essential to approach it with an open mind. As new information comes to light, your thesis may evolve, leading to a more enriched and accurate conclusion. In addition, you should review our thesis statement for research paper .

Tips for Writing a Tentative Thesis Statement

Start Broad, Then Narrow Down : Begin with a general topic or idea and then narrow it down based on your research findings and assignment requirements.
Stay Open-Minded : A tentative thesis is just that – tentative. Be willing to adjust, refine, or even entirely change your thesis as you delve deeper into your research.
Keep It Clear and Concise : Even though it’s a preliminary statement, clarity is crucial. Avoid jargon and ensure that your statement can be understood by someone not familiar with the topic.
Avoid Absolutes : Words like “always,” “never,” and “all” can be tricky in a tentative thesis. Since you’re still in the research phase, it’s wise to avoid making absolute claims.
Make It Arguable : A good thesis statement is not a plain statement of fact. Instead, it should present a point that others might agree or disagree with.
Ensure It’s Specific : While you don’t want to be too narrow, it’s essential that your thesis isn’t too broad either. It should provide a clear focus for your research.
Seek Feedback Early : Sharing your tentative thesis with classmates, instructors, or mentors can provide valuable insights and may highlight areas for improvement.
Write Multiple Versions : Don’t settle on the first thesis you draft. Write a few different versions and choose the one that best aligns with your research direction.
Keep Revisiting : As you research, periodically come back to your thesis. Does it still align with what you’re finding? If not, adjust as necessary.
Stay Organized : As you adapt your thesis, make sure to adjust your research notes and outline accordingly to maintain cohesion in your writing process.

Remember, a tentative thesis statement is a tool to help guide your research and writing process. It’s not set in stone. As you become more informed about your topic, allowing your thesis to evolve will lead to a more robust and accurate final paper. You should also take a look at our case study thesis statement .

AI Generator

Text prompt

Instructive
Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

How to Write a Tentative Thesis: A Comprehensive Guide

Tom Baldwin - Jan 19, 2024

Navigating the academic waters can be daunting, especially when confronted with the colossal task of crafting a thesis. But fear not, intrepid researcher! Before diving headfirst into a final thesis statement, consider the invaluable tool of writing a tentative thesis . This roadmap of your research lays the groundwork for a well-structured and focused academic endeavour.

Let’s Get Started with How to write a tentative thesis.

What is a tentative thesis.

A tentative thesis is a preliminary statement outlining your central argument or claim about your chosen topic. It’s a dynamic entity, evolving as your research progresses, guiding your exploration and analysis. Unlike its final counterpart, the tentative thesis allows flexibility and revision, allowing you to refine your focus and delve deeper into the most promising avenues.

How To Write A Tentative Thesis: Building Blocks

Crafting a rock-solid tentative thesis requires careful consideration of several key factors:

Topic Selection: The Foundation of Your Research

The initial step in writing a Tentative Thesis is meticulously selecting a topic.

This decision not only shapes the trajectory of your academic exploration but also plays a pivotal role in sustaining your interest and aligning with your academic aspirations.

When choosing a topic, consider its ability to captivate your fascination, the availability of scholarly resources , and its seamless integration with your academic goals.

Subject Immersion: Delving Deeper into Your Chosen Topic

Once you’ve identified a compelling topic, the next phase involves subject immersion. Immerse yourself in the wealth of knowledge surrounding your chosen subject.

Consume relevant academic literature, attend lectures, and seek the guidance of experts in the field.

This immersive process is not just about gathering information but about developing a profound understanding that forms the bedrock for crafting a nuanced and well-informed central argument.

Drafting the Thesis Statement: Crafting Clarity from Complexity

Distilling the wealth of information acquired during your subject immersion, your next task is articulating a clear and concise thesis statement.

This statement is the linchpin of your entire research endeavour, encapsulating the core of your central claim.

Avoid vagueness and absolutes at this stage; strive for specificity and arguability. Your thesis statement should be a beacon guiding the direction of your research, providing a clear roadmap for both you and your readers.

Write a Draft of the Thesis Statement: A Working Blueprint

With your initial thesis statement in hand, it’s time to translate your thoughts into a working draft. This draft is not set in stone but rather a dynamic document open to refinement as your research progresses.

Be prepared to revisit and revise your thesis statement as you delve deeper into your exploration. This fluid approach ensures that your thesis statement reflects your evolving understanding of the topic.

Write the Body: Constructing a Compelling Argument

With a tentative thesis statement as your guiding light, proceed to build the body of your research.

This is where you substantiate your central argument with a meticulous presentation of evidence, insightful analysis, and consideration of counter-arguments.

Each section of the body should contribute cohesively to the overarching narrative, providing a robust foundation for your thesis.

Write the Conclusion: Reinforcing Significance and Insights

As you approach the culmination of your research, the conclusion becomes a critical element. Summarize your key findings, reiterating your tentative thesis with emphasis.

Reflect on the significance of your research within the broader academic context. A well-crafted conclusion not only reinforces the importance of your central argument but also leaves a lasting impression on your readers.

Qualified Tutors

How Long is a Tentative Thesis Statement?

While there’s no set word count, aim for concise clarity. A strong tentative thesis typically ranges from one to three sentences.

What are the characteristics of a strong tentative thesis statement?

Specificity:.

Precisely pinpoint your research focus, avoiding generalization.

Ensure your statement is readily understandable by an informed reader.

Argumentability:

Present a claim that invites debate and analysis, not a mere fact.

Actionable:

Guide your research by clearly stating your intended direction.

What is a tentative thesis example?

“While many scholars attribute the success of the Roman Empire to military prowess, this paper argues that its economic and social policies played an equally crucial role in its long-term dominance.”

Example 2:

“Despite initial skepticism, the recent surge in renewable energy production suggests that it may offer a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, as this paper will explore through an analysis of case studies and policy initiatives.”

“This paper contends that Shakespeare’s portrayal of female characters in Hamlet subverts traditional gender roles, challenging contemporary societal expectations.”

How does a tentative thesis differ from a final thesis?

Remember, your tentative thesis is a dynamic entity. As you delve deeper into your research, your understanding of the subject may evolve, prompting revisions to your initial proposition. Embrace this fluidity! This iterative process allows you to hone your focus and develop a more nuanced argument, ultimately leading to a well-grounded and compelling final thesis.

Tentative thesis:

Broader and flexible, outlining the initial question and potential avenues of exploration. Think of it as a wide-angle lens capturing the vast landscape.

Final thesis:

Narrower and focused, highlighting the specific conclusions drawn from your research. It’s a zoomed-in view showcasing the details and intricacies of your chosen path.

Superficial, providing a preliminary understanding of the subject. It’s like dipping your toes in the intellectual pool, testing the waters.

Final thesis:

Profound, reflecting a comprehensive analysis of your chosen topic. It’s a deep dive into the academic ocean, revealing hidden currents and fascinating creatures.

Open to change and evolution as your research progresses. Think of it as a pencil sketch, easily erased and redrawn.

Confident and conclusive, representing the culmination of your academic journey. It’s like a pen-and-ink map, fixed and final after a thorough exploration.

Guides your research, providing a direction and framework for exploration. It’s a compass, helping you navigate the vast academic territory.

Summarizes your findings, presenting your argument and supporting evidence. It’s a testament to your intellectual voyage, showcasing the knowledge and insights you’ve gleaned.

1. How specific should my tentative thesis be?

Your tentative thesis should be specific enough to guide your research but open enough to allow for new discoveries. Avoid broad statements or factual summaries. Aim for a clear claim that asserts your unique perspective on the topic. For example, instead of “Shakespeare’s plays explore human emotions,” try “Shakespeare’s character portrayals in Hamlet reveal the complex interplay between ambition and morality.”

2. What questions should I ask myself to develop a good tentative thesis?

You should ask these questions to develop a good tentative thesis:

What is the main topic of my research?
What key arguments or ideas have I encountered so far?
What specific aspect of the topic am I most interested in exploring?
What unique contribution can I make to the existing knowledge in this area?
Can I formulate my argument as a clear and concise statement?

3. When should I write my tentative thesis?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the ideal time is after you’ve done some preliminary research and have a general understanding of your topic. However, don’t wait until you have everything figured out. Having a tentative thesis can actually help you direct your research and make sense of your findings.

4. What if my tentative thesis changes during my research?

That’s perfectly normal! The beauty of a tentative thesis is its flexibility. As you explore your topic, new insights and perspectives may emerge. Embrace these changes and refine your thesis to reflect your evolving understanding. Don’t be afraid to rewrite and adjust your thesis as your research progresses.

Conclusion: Final Words

The tentative thesis isn’t just a stepping stone; it’s a vital tool for shaping a powerful academic investigation. By mastering its nuances and embracing its flexibility, you equip yourself with the roadmap to navigate the complex research landscape. So, step into the academic arena with confidence, knowing that within you lies the potential to craft a groundbreaking thesis that leaves its mark on the world.

I'm a prolific academic freelancer, has completed over 150 online classes and authored more than 600 essays, providing academic assistance to students globally.

Why Wait? Get Our Help Now!

Let’s Get Started

Standard pricing starts from: $9.99

Developing a Tentative Thesis

The thesis statement of an essay is to your argument paper what the topic sentence is to the paragraph: a guide, a control--a single promise. It indicates the subject, the approach, and the limitations of your topic. It also suggests your position, your attitude, and a commitment to the subject. It conveys the sense that your subject matters, that you have a stake in it. Rather than say, "Advertisers often use sexist ads," tell us something we don't know. Perhaps you could shed new light on an old subject: "Although long criticized for their sexist portrayal of women in TV commercials, the auto industry is just as often guilty of stereotyping men as brainless idiots unable to make a decision." The first statement stimulates "Ho hum," the other "Oh, yeah? I'd like to know more about that."

The thesis statement is your promise to the reader and to yourself.

For today's assignment, please focus a tentative thesis by first deciding on a specific audience and a specific purpose.

Your specific audience: Your specific purpose: Your tentative thesis:

Developing a Thesis Statement

Many papers you write require developing a thesis statement. In this section you’ll learn what a thesis statement is and how to write one.

Keep in mind that not all papers require thesis statements . If in doubt, please consult your instructor for assistance.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement . . .

Makes an argumentative assertion about a topic; it states the conclusions that you have reached about your topic.
Makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of your paper.
Is focused and specific enough to be “proven” within the boundaries of your paper.
Is generally located near the end of the introduction ; sometimes, in a long paper, the thesis will be expressed in several sentences or in an entire paragraph.
Identifies the relationships between the pieces of evidence that you are using to support your argument.

Not all papers require thesis statements! Ask your instructor if you’re in doubt whether you need one.

Identify a topic

Your topic is the subject about which you will write. Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic; or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper.

Consider what your assignment asks you to do

Inform yourself about your topic, focus on one aspect of your topic, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts, generate a topic from an assignment.

Below are some possible topics based on sample assignments.

Sample assignment 1

Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II.

Identified topic

Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis

This topic avoids generalities such as “Spain” and “World War II,” addressing instead on Franco’s role (a specific aspect of “Spain”) and the diplomatic relations between the Allies and Axis (a specific aspect of World War II).

Sample assignment 2

Analyze one of Homer’s epic similes in the Iliad.

The relationship between the portrayal of warfare and the epic simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64.

This topic focuses on a single simile and relates it to a single aspect of the Iliad ( warfare being a major theme in that work).

Developing a Thesis Statement–Additional information

Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic, or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper. You’ll want to read your assignment carefully, looking for key terms that you can use to focus your topic.

Sample assignment: Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II Key terms: analyze, Spain’s neutrality, World War II

After you’ve identified the key words in your topic, the next step is to read about them in several sources, or generate as much information as possible through an analysis of your topic. Obviously, the more material or knowledge you have, the more possibilities will be available for a strong argument. For the sample assignment above, you’ll want to look at books and articles on World War II in general, and Spain’s neutrality in particular.

As you consider your options, you must decide to focus on one aspect of your topic. This means that you cannot include everything you’ve learned about your topic, nor should you go off in several directions. If you end up covering too many different aspects of a topic, your paper will sprawl and be unconvincing in its argument, and it most likely will not fulfull the assignment requirements.

For the sample assignment above, both Spain’s neutrality and World War II are topics far too broad to explore in a paper. You may instead decide to focus on Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis , which narrows down what aspects of Spain’s neutrality and World War II you want to discuss, as well as establishes a specific link between those two aspects.

Before you go too far, however, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts. Try to avoid topics that already have too much written about them (i.e., “eating disorders and body image among adolescent women”) or that simply are not important (i.e. “why I like ice cream”). These topics may lead to a thesis that is either dry fact or a weird claim that cannot be supported. A good thesis falls somewhere between the two extremes. To arrive at this point, ask yourself what is new, interesting, contestable, or controversial about your topic.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times . Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Derive a main point from topic

Once you have a topic, you will have to decide what the main point of your paper will be. This point, the “controlling idea,” becomes the core of your argument (thesis statement) and it is the unifying idea to which you will relate all your sub-theses. You can then turn this “controlling idea” into a purpose statement about what you intend to do in your paper.

Look for patterns in your evidence

Compose a purpose statement.

Consult the examples below for suggestions on how to look for patterns in your evidence and construct a purpose statement.

Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis
Franco turned to the Allies when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from the Axis

Possible conclusion:

Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: Franco’s desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power.

Purpose statement

This paper will analyze Franco’s diplomacy during World War II to see how it contributed to Spain’s neutrality.

The simile compares Simoisius to a tree, which is a peaceful, natural image.
The tree in the simile is chopped down to make wheels for a chariot, which is an object used in warfare.

At first, the simile seems to take the reader away from the world of warfare, but we end up back in that world by the end.

This paper will analyze the way the simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64 moves in and out of the world of warfare.

Derive purpose statement from topic

To find out what your “controlling idea” is, you have to examine and evaluate your evidence . As you consider your evidence, you may notice patterns emerging, data repeated in more than one source, or facts that favor one view more than another. These patterns or data may then lead you to some conclusions about your topic and suggest that you can successfully argue for one idea better than another.

For instance, you might find out that Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis, but when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from them, he turned to the Allies. As you read more about Franco’s decisions, you may conclude that Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: his desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power. Based on this conclusion, you can then write a trial thesis statement to help you decide what material belongs in your paper.

Sometimes you won’t be able to find a focus or identify your “spin” or specific argument immediately. Like some writers, you might begin with a purpose statement just to get yourself going. A purpose statement is one or more sentences that announce your topic and indicate the structure of the paper but do not state the conclusions you have drawn . Thus, you might begin with something like this:

This paper will look at modern language to see if it reflects male dominance or female oppression.
I plan to analyze anger and derision in offensive language to see if they represent a challenge of society’s authority.

At some point, you can turn a purpose statement into a thesis statement. As you think and write about your topic, you can restrict, clarify, and refine your argument, crafting your thesis statement to reflect your thinking.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Compose a draft thesis statement

If you are writing a paper that will have an argumentative thesis and are having trouble getting started, the techniques in the table below may help you develop a temporary or “working” thesis statement.

Begin with a purpose statement that you will later turn into a thesis statement.

Assignment: Discuss the history of the Reform Party and explain its influence on the 1990 presidential and Congressional election.

Purpose Statement: This paper briefly sketches the history of the grassroots, conservative, Perot-led Reform Party and analyzes how it influenced the economic and social ideologies of the two mainstream parties.

Question-to-Assertion

If your assignment asks a specific question(s), turn the question(s) into an assertion and give reasons why it is true or reasons for your opinion.

Assignment : What do Aylmer and Rappaccini have to be proud of? Why aren’t they satisfied with these things? How does pride, as demonstrated in “The Birthmark” and “Rappaccini’s Daughter,” lead to unexpected problems?

Beginning thesis statement: Alymer and Rappaccinni are proud of their great knowledge; however, they are also very greedy and are driven to use their knowledge to alter some aspect of nature as a test of their ability. Evil results when they try to “play God.”

Write a sentence that summarizes the main idea of the essay you plan to write.

Main idea: The reason some toys succeed in the market is that they appeal to the consumers’ sense of the ridiculous and their basic desire to laugh at themselves.

Make a list of the ideas that you want to include; consider the ideas and try to group them.

nature = peaceful
war matériel = violent (competes with 1?)
need for time and space to mourn the dead
war is inescapable (competes with 3?)

Use a formula to arrive at a working thesis statement (you will revise this later).

although most readers of _______ have argued that _______, closer examination shows that _______.
_______ uses _______ and _____ to prove that ________.
phenomenon x is a result of the combination of __________, __________, and _________.

What to keep in mind as you draft an initial thesis statement

Beginning statements obtained through the methods illustrated above can serve as a framework for planning or drafting your paper, but remember they’re not yet the specific, argumentative thesis you want for the final version of your paper. In fact, in its first stages, a thesis statement usually is ill-formed or rough and serves only as a planning tool.

As you write, you may discover evidence that does not fit your temporary or “working” thesis. Or you may reach deeper insights about your topic as you do more research, and you will find that your thesis statement has to be more complicated to match the evidence that you want to use.

You must be willing to reject or omit some evidence in order to keep your paper cohesive and your reader focused. Or you may have to revise your thesis to match the evidence and insights that you want to discuss. Read your draft carefully, noting the conclusions you have drawn and the major ideas which support or prove those conclusions. These will be the elements of your final thesis statement.

Sometimes you will not be able to identify these elements in your early drafts, but as you consider how your argument is developing and how your evidence supports your main idea, ask yourself, “ What is the main point that I want to prove/discuss? ” and “ How will I convince the reader that this is true? ” When you can answer these questions, then you can begin to refine the thesis statement.

Refine and polish the thesis statement

To get to your final thesis, you’ll need to refine your draft thesis so that it’s specific and arguable.

Ask if your draft thesis addresses the assignment
Question each part of your draft thesis
Clarify vague phrases and assertions
Investigate alternatives to your draft thesis

Consult the example below for suggestions on how to refine your draft thesis statement.

Sample Assignment

Choose an activity and define it as a symbol of American culture. Your essay should cause the reader to think critically about the society which produces and enjoys that activity.

Ask The phenomenon of drive-in facilities is an interesting symbol of american culture, and these facilities demonstrate significant characteristics of our society.This statement does not fulfill the assignment because it does not require the reader to think critically about society.

Drive-ins are an interesting symbol of American culture because they represent Americans’ significant creativity and business ingenuity.

Among the types of drive-in facilities familiar during the twentieth century, drive-in movie theaters best represent American creativity, not merely because they were the forerunner of later drive-ins and drive-throughs, but because of their impact on our culture: they changed our relationship to the automobile, changed the way people experienced movies, and changed movie-going into a family activity.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast-food establishments, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize America’s economic ingenuity, they also have affected our personal standards.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast- food restaurants, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize (1) Americans’ business ingenuity, they also have contributed (2) to an increasing homogenization of our culture, (3) a willingness to depersonalize relationships with others, and (4) a tendency to sacrifice quality for convenience.

This statement is now specific and fulfills all parts of the assignment. This version, like any good thesis, is not self-evident; its points, 1-4, will have to be proven with evidence in the body of the paper. The numbers in this statement indicate the order in which the points will be presented. Depending on the length of the paper, there could be one paragraph for each numbered item or there could be blocks of paragraph for even pages for each one.

Complete the final thesis statement

The bottom line.

As you move through the process of crafting a thesis, you’ll need to remember four things:

Context matters! Think about your course materials and lectures. Try to relate your thesis to the ideas your instructor is discussing.
As you go through the process described in this section, always keep your assignment in mind . You will be more successful when your thesis (and paper) responds to the assignment than if it argues a semi-related idea.
Your thesis statement should be precise, focused, and contestable ; it should predict the sub-theses or blocks of information that you will use to prove your argument.
Make sure that you keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Change your thesis as your paper evolves, because you do not want your thesis to promise more than your paper actually delivers.

In the beginning, the thesis statement was a tool to help you sharpen your focus, limit material and establish the paper’s purpose. When your paper is finished, however, the thesis statement becomes a tool for your reader. It tells the reader what you have learned about your topic and what evidence led you to your conclusion. It keeps the reader on track–well able to understand and appreciate your argument.

Writing Process and Structure

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Getting Started with Your Paper

Interpreting Writing Assignments from Your Courses

Generating Ideas for

Creating an Argument

Thesis vs. Purpose Statements

Architecture of Arguments

Working with Sources

Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources

Using Literary Quotations

Citing Sources in Your Paper

Drafting Your Paper

Generating Ideas for Your Paper

Introductions

Paragraphing

Developing Strategic Transitions

Conclusions

Revising Your Paper

Peer Reviews

Reverse Outlines

Revising an Argumentative Paper

Revision Strategies for Longer Projects

Finishing Your Paper

Twelve Common Errors: An Editing Checklist

How to Proofread your Paper

Writing Collaboratively

Collaborative and Group Writing

Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

Masterlinks

About Hunter
One Stop for Students
Make a Gift
Access the Student Guide
Apply to Become a Peer Tutor
Access the Faculty Guide
Request a Classroom Visit
Refer a Student to the Center
Request a Classroom Workshop
The Writing Process
The Documented Essay/Research Paper
Writing for English Courses
Writing Across the Curriculum
Grammar and Mechanics
Business and Professional Writing
CUNY TESTING
| Workshops
Research Information and Resources
Evaluating Information Sources
Writing Tools and References
Reading Room
Literary Resources
ESL Resources for Students
ESL Resources for Faculty
Teaching and Learning
| Contact Us

UNDERSTANDING A THESIS

A thesis is a substantial generalization that can stand by itself as the basis of an essay’s development. It is an assertion of what the writer believes is right or wrong and why, and it is a statement that can be either true or false.

A thesis clearly and concisely conveys the writer’s main argument in an essay, and it allows readers to clearly grasp the focus of the essay, which will be developed in the body of the essay.

A thesis needs to be unified—expressing one main idea—although it can, and often does, include secondary concepts as they relate to the main idea. The thesis statement should be broad enough and arguable enough to be worth defending in an essay.

A thesis statement usually evolves only after considerable reading, writing, and thinking has been done on your topic. You can begin the writing process of an essay with a preliminary or open thesis , move on to a tentative thesis or hypothesis , and finally arrive at your closed or final thesis . During your writing, you will become more secure in advancing your final thesis, which includes the fundamental reason(s) you have chosen to support your assertion.

STAGES OF THE THESIS STATEMENT

Stage I: Preliminary or Open Thesis

In the very early stages of your writing or research, or before you have begun to write, it is advantageous to formulate a preliminary or open thesis , which will state your general unifying idea but will not yet reflect how you intend to support that idea. Let’s say you are writing an essay on the relationship between the United States criminal court system and the media. You have read one article related to this topic, but you have not yet begun your research. Still, it is possible for you to arrive at a very basic and general opinion without going into detail, secondary topics, or supporting reason(s) for your assertion.

Broad Topic: The United States criminal court system and the media

Example of a Preliminary or Open Thesis: The media plays a very influential role in criminal court trials, perhaps too influential.

To assist you in formulating your preliminary or open thesis, ask basic “W” questions that are related to your topic: who, what, when, where, and why? This will help you determine your particular interests and a possible starting point for your essay or research.

Based on the topic above, the following list demonstrates the different kinds of questions that can be generated. Note how the order of questions goes from the more general to the more specific. It may be easier for you to begin with broader questions as they may lead you to more narrowed and focused questions.

Why is the media involved in court cases?
When did the media start reporting court cases?
What is the media’s role in criminal court cases?
What aspect of the media am I going to write about?
What kind of criminal case is it?
When did the case take place?
Where did the case take place?
Who were the people involved in the case?

If you are writing a research paper and you have come up with a long list of random questions, select three or four questions that hold the most interest for you. These questions will narrow your focus and help you to plan your research strategy.

Exercise A: Choose a topic, brainstorm for a few minutes, and come up with a basic list of questions. Then, write a preliminary or open thesis.

Stage II: Tentative Thesis or Hypothesis

A tentative thesis or hypothesis is more specific than the preliminary or open thesis, and it is particularly important for a research paper. After you have brainstormed, written a list of questions, arrived at an open thesis, and begun your research and reading, you will be prepared to write a focused question and then a tentative answer to this question. The tentative answer is your hypothesis because it represents what you predict you will be able to conclude.

Example of a Focused Question: Does media publicity in a criminal trial influence the verdict?

Example of a Tentative Thesis or Hypothesis as an Answer to a Focused Question: The media’s ubiquitous presence in courtroom trials has made it impossible to have a jury that is unbiased.

Exercise B: Continuing with your preliminary or open thesis from Exercise A, formulate a focused question and then answer that question with your tentative thesis or hypothesis.

Stage III: Closed or Final Thesis

If you make an assertion and include the reason or reasons which support your assertion, and it is broad enough in scope, yet specific enough to be unified and to serve as a substantial generalization of your essay, you have written a closed or final thesis statement. The evidence can take many forms: facts, opinions, anecdotes, statistics, analogies, etc., but the essential relationship between the thesis and the major points of support is one of conclusion to reason:

I believe this (thesis statement) to be true because... (provide the reasons to support your thesis) .

Remember: A thesis statement consists of at least one complete sentence; you cannot use a phrase or sentence fragment. Usually, the first sentence indicates the general thesis assertion, and additional sentences indicate the major support for this assertion. (An assertion is any statement that can be either true or false.) As readers, we may not know whether it is true or false or even have any way of determining whether it is true or false, but the logical response to an assertion is either, “Yes, I believe that to be true” or “No, I do not believe that to be true.” Some sentences do not make assertions. Commands, exclamations, intentions, obvious facts, and questions are considered sentences, but they do not make direct assertions and cannot be used as thesis statements.

Whether or not your thesis is preliminary or open, tentative, or closed and final, it should be considered flexible while you are still writing and doing research. Good writing results from a mixture of conviction and open-mindedness, no matter how diametrical these two qualities appear to be.

The following paragraph represents the introduction to an essay on the subject of “mail order companies” that discusses “deceptive sales techniques” referred to by the author as a form of “psychological harassment.” The closed or final thesis is highlighted in bold.

Mail order companies use deceptive sales techniques to lure potential buyers into purchasing their products. They mail documents that boldly declare: “You have just won 10,000,000” while a half page down in faint, minuscule print it reads: “...if you send in your form and order and you have the matching numbers.” This type of advertising and solicitation constitutes psychological harassment; it misleads consumers through a fallacious belief that if they buy, they will win, and it should be made illegal.

GUIDELINES FOR THESIS DEVELOPMENT

Thesis for a Single Source Essay

Many times you will be asked to respond in writing to a single text. Before you begin writing, you must be clear about the author’s intentions and what her/his own thesis is. A good way to do this is to make annotations while you are reading and after you are finished reading to briefly summarize the author’s main points. Also, make sure to separate your own ideas and opinions from those of your source. It would also be beneficial to decide whether you agree or disagree with what the author is saying. Then, you can begin the stages—as listed in this handout—of developing your thesis.

Thesis for a Comparative Essay

In a comparative essay, you will be required to formulate a thesis that encompasses two or more features that you will be comparing and analyzing. Therefore, you will be writing a thesis that looks at multiple perspectives, not necessarily leaning one way or the other, but bringing out a central comparative idea between or among the things, issues, authors, etc., that you choose as the focus of your essay. The following paragraph represents the introduction to an essay comparing the female protagonists from two works of fiction: Kate Chopin’s The Awakening and Charlotte Perkins Gillman’s The Yellow Wallpaper . The closed or final thesis is highlighted in bold.

In Kate Chopin’s book The Awakening and Charlotte Perkins Gillman’s novella The Yellow Wallpaper , the female protagonists veer from the collective mainstream of a patriarchal society because of their pronounced feelings of alienation, frustration, and emotional and creative repression within this social structure, marked by the subordination of women. Ultimately, both characters escape the narrow restraints of this early 20th century mentality either by suicide—as in The Awakening —or through insanity—as in The Yellow Wallpaper . However tragic this may appear on the surface, the implication of deliverance from their restricted environments is one of liberation and transgression from and of the dominant culture. In this way, the women’s actions are equally heroic.

Thesis for a Multiple Source Essay

Most of the guidelines of this handout specifically relate to writing a thesis for a multiple source essay. Remember, it is best to keep your thesis open while you are doing your research, and it is necessary to have a few possible narrow topics in mind before beginning intensive reading. Also, the questions that you formulate in the first stage of the thesis are important, as they will guide you in your research.

Thesis for a Biographical or Historical Research Paper

Biographical and historical topics have an immediate advantage: they can be defined and limited by space and time. Always try to select a specific point in time as the focus of your essay. As you narrow your topic and begin your reading, watch for your emerging thesis: a single clear impression of the person or event should be the controlling idea of your essay. Whether you are writing about a sequence of events, as in a battle, or a single event or issue affecting the life of a well-known person, you will still need both a thesis and a strategy to shape the direction of your essay.

Example [biographical profile]: Virginia Woolf Focus: Woolf’s education Focused Question: In what ways did Woolf receive her education? Tentative Thesis or Answer to a Focused Question: Virginia Woolf did not receive her academic education from a university because women were, in that provincial Victorian era, not deemed worthy of entering those so-called esteemed halls of academia. In lieu of any formal training, Woolf substantially and extraordinarily educated herself although it is true that her home environment was an academic one and she was given guidance from her father, Leslie Stephen, as well as other relatives.

Document Actions

Public Safety
Website Feedback
Privacy Policy
CUNY Tobacco Policy

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement: 4 Steps + Examples

What’s Covered:

What is the purpose of a thesis statement, writing a good thesis statement: 4 steps, common pitfalls to avoid, where to get your essay edited for free.

When you set out to write an essay, there has to be some kind of point to it, right? Otherwise, your essay would just be a big jumble of word salad that makes absolutely no sense. An essay needs a central point that ties into everything else. That main point is called a thesis statement, and it’s the core of any essay or research paper.

You may hear about Master degree candidates writing a thesis, and that is an entire paper–not to be confused with the thesis statement, which is typically one sentence that contains your paper’s focus.

Read on to learn more about thesis statements and how to write them. We’ve also included some solid examples for you to reference.

Typically the last sentence of your introductory paragraph, the thesis statement serves as the roadmap for your essay. When your reader gets to the thesis statement, they should have a clear outline of your main point, as well as the information you’ll be presenting in order to either prove or support your point.

The thesis statement should not be confused for a topic sentence , which is the first sentence of every paragraph in your essay. If you need help writing topic sentences, numerous resources are available. Topic sentences should go along with your thesis statement, though.

Since the thesis statement is the most important sentence of your entire essay or paper, it’s imperative that you get this part right. Otherwise, your paper will not have a good flow and will seem disjointed. That’s why it’s vital not to rush through developing one. It’s a methodical process with steps that you need to follow in order to create the best thesis statement possible.

Step 1: Decide what kind of paper you’re writing

When you’re assigned an essay, there are several different types you may get. Argumentative essays are designed to get the reader to agree with you on a topic. Informative or expository essays present information to the reader. Analytical essays offer up a point and then expand on it by analyzing relevant information. Thesis statements can look and sound different based on the type of paper you’re writing. For example:

Argumentative: The United States needs a viable third political party to decrease bipartisanship, increase options, and help reduce corruption in government.
Informative: The Libertarian party has thrown off elections before by gaining enough support in states to get on the ballot and by taking away crucial votes from candidates.
Analytical: An analysis of past presidential elections shows that while third party votes may have been the minority, they did affect the outcome of the elections in 2020, 2016, and beyond.

Step 2: Figure out what point you want to make

Once you know what type of paper you’re writing, you then need to figure out the point you want to make with your thesis statement, and subsequently, your paper. In other words, you need to decide to answer a question about something, such as:

What impact did reality TV have on American society?
How has the musical Hamilton affected perception of American history?
Why do I want to major in [chosen major here]?

If you have an argumentative essay, then you will be writing about an opinion. To make it easier, you may want to choose an opinion that you feel passionate about so that you’re writing about something that interests you. For example, if you have an interest in preserving the environment, you may want to choose a topic that relates to that.

If you’re writing your college essay and they ask why you want to attend that school, you may want to have a main point and back it up with information, something along the lines of:

“Attending Harvard University would benefit me both academically and professionally, as it would give me a strong knowledge base upon which to build my career, develop my network, and hopefully give me an advantage in my chosen field.”

Step 3: Determine what information you’ll use to back up your point

Once you have the point you want to make, you need to figure out how you plan to back it up throughout the rest of your essay. Without this information, it will be hard to either prove or argue the main point of your thesis statement. If you decide to write about the Hamilton example, you may decide to address any falsehoods that the writer put into the musical, such as:

“The musical Hamilton, while accurate in many ways, leaves out key parts of American history, presents a nationalist view of founding fathers, and downplays the racism of the times.”

Once you’ve written your initial working thesis statement, you’ll then need to get information to back that up. For example, the musical completely leaves out Benjamin Franklin, portrays the founding fathers in a nationalist way that is too complimentary, and shows Hamilton as a staunch abolitionist despite the fact that his family likely did own slaves.

Step 4: Revise and refine your thesis statement before you start writing

Read through your thesis statement several times before you begin to compose your full essay. You need to make sure the statement is ironclad, since it is the foundation of the entire paper. Edit it or have a peer review it for you to make sure everything makes sense and that you feel like you can truly write a paper on the topic. Once you’ve done that, you can then begin writing your paper.

When writing a thesis statement, there are some common pitfalls you should avoid so that your paper can be as solid as possible. Make sure you always edit the thesis statement before you do anything else. You also want to ensure that the thesis statement is clear and concise. Don’t make your reader hunt for your point. Finally, put your thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph and have your introduction flow toward that statement. Your reader will expect to find your statement in its traditional spot.

If you’re having trouble getting started, or need some guidance on your essay, there are tools available that can help you. CollegeVine offers a free peer essay review tool where one of your peers can read through your essay and provide you with valuable feedback. Getting essay feedback from a peer can help you wow your instructor or college admissions officer with an impactful essay that effectively illustrates your point.

Introduction

Background on the Course

CO300 as a University Core Course

Short Description of the Course

Course Objectives

General Overview

Alternative Approaches and Assignments

(Possible) Differences between COCC150 and CO300

What CO300 Students Are Like

And You Thought...

Beginning with Critical Reading

Opportunities for Innovation

Portfolio Grading as an Option

Teaching in the computer classroom

Finally. . .

Classroom materials

Audience awareness and rhetorical contexts

Critical thinking and reading

Focusing and narrowing topics

Mid-course, group, and supplemental evaluations

More detailed explanation of Rogerian argument and Toulmin analysis

Policy statements and syllabi

Portfolio explanations, checklists, and postscripts

Presenting evidence and organizing arguments/counter-arguments

Research and documentation

Writing assignment sheets

Assignments for portfolio 1

Assignments for portfolio 2

Assignments for portfolio 3

Workshopping and workshop sheets

On workshopping generally

Workshop sheets for portfolio 1

Workshop sheets for portfolio 2

Workshop sheets for portfolio 3

Workshop sheets for general purposes

Sample materials grouped by instructor

Resources Home 🏠
Try SciSpace Copilot
Search research papers
Add Copilot Extension
Try AI Detector
Try Paraphraser
Try Citation Generator
April Papers
June Papers
July Papers

What is a thesis | A Complete Guide with Examples

A thesis is a comprehensive academic paper based on your original research that presents new findings, arguments, and ideas of your study. It’s typically submitted at the end of your master’s degree or as a capstone of your bachelor’s degree.

However, writing a thesis can be laborious, especially for beginners. From the initial challenge of pinpointing a compelling research topic to organizing and presenting findings, the process is filled with potential pitfalls.

Therefore, to help you, this guide talks about what is a thesis. Additionally, it offers revelations and methodologies to transform it from an overwhelming task to a manageable and rewarding academic milestone.

What is a thesis?

A thesis is an in-depth research study that identifies a particular topic of inquiry and presents a clear argument or perspective about that topic using evidence and logic.

Writing a thesis showcases your ability of critical thinking, gathering evidence, and making a compelling argument. Integral to these competencies is thorough research, which not only fortifies your propositions but also confers credibility to your entire study.

Furthermore, there's another phenomenon you might often confuse with the thesis: the ' working thesis .' However, they aren't similar and shouldn't be used interchangeably.

As you research more and gather more evidence, your initial thesis (aka working thesis) might change. It's like a starting point that can be adjusted as you learn more. It's normal for your main topic to change a few times before you finalize it.

While a thesis identifies and provides an overarching argument, the key to clearly communicating the central point of that argument lies in writing a strong thesis statement.

A strong thesis statement (aka thesis sentence) is a concise summary of the main argument or claim of the paper. It serves as a critical anchor in any academic work, succinctly encapsulating the primary argument or main idea of the entire paper.

Typically found within the introductory section, a strong thesis statement acts as a roadmap of your thesis, directing readers through your arguments and findings. By delineating the core focus of your investigation, it offers readers an immediate understanding of the context and the gravity of your study.

Furthermore, an effectively crafted thesis statement can set forth the boundaries of your research, helping readers anticipate the specific areas of inquiry you are addressing.

Different types of thesis statements

A good thesis statement is clear, specific, and arguable. Therefore, it is necessary for you to choose the right type of thesis statement for your academic papers.

Thesis statements can be classified based on their purpose and structure. Here are the primary types of thesis statements:

Argumentative (or Persuasive) thesis statement

Purpose : To convince the reader of a particular stance or point of view by presenting evidence and formulating a compelling argument.

Example : Reducing plastic use in daily life is essential for environmental health.

Analytical thesis statement

Purpose : To break down an idea or issue into its components and evaluate it.

Example : By examining the long-term effects, social implications, and economic impact of climate change, it becomes evident that immediate global action is necessary.

Expository (or Descriptive) thesis statement

Purpose : To explain a topic or subject to the reader.

Example : The Great Depression, spanning the 1930s, was a severe worldwide economic downturn triggered by a stock market crash, bank failures, and reduced consumer spending.

Cause and effect thesis statement

Purpose : To demonstrate a cause and its resulting effect.

Example : Overuse of smartphones can lead to impaired sleep patterns, reduced face-to-face social interactions, and increased levels of anxiety.

Compare and contrast thesis statement

Purpose : To highlight similarities and differences between two subjects.

Example : "While both novels '1984' and 'Brave New World' delve into dystopian futures, they differ in their portrayal of individual freedom, societal control, and the role of technology."

When you write a thesis statement , it's important to ensure clarity and precision, so the reader immediately understands the central focus of your work.

What is the difference between a thesis and a thesis statement?

While both terms are frequently used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings.

A thesis refers to the entire research document, encompassing all its chapters and sections. In contrast, a thesis statement is a brief assertion that encapsulates the central argument of the research.

Here’s an in-depth differentiation table of a thesis and a thesis statement.

Now, to craft a compelling thesis, it's crucial to adhere to a specific structure. Let’s break down these essential components that make up a thesis structure

15 components of a thesis structure

Navigating a thesis can be daunting. However, understanding its structure can make the process more manageable.

Here are the key components or different sections of a thesis structure:

Your thesis begins with the title page. It's not just a formality but the gateway to your research.

Here, you'll prominently display the necessary information about you (the author) and your institutional details.

Title of your thesis
Your full name
Your department
Your institution and degree program
Your submission date
Your Supervisor's name (in some cases)
Your Department or faculty (in some cases)
Your University's logo (in some cases)
Your Student ID (in some cases)

In a concise manner, you'll have to summarize the critical aspects of your research in typically no more than 200-300 words.

This includes the problem statement, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. For many, the abstract will determine if they delve deeper into your work, so ensure it's clear and compelling.

Acknowledgments

Research is rarely a solitary endeavor. In the acknowledgments section, you have the chance to express gratitude to those who've supported your journey.

This might include advisors, peers, institutions, or even personal sources of inspiration and support. It's a personal touch, reflecting the humanity behind the academic rigor.

A roadmap for your readers, the table of contents lists the chapters, sections, and subsections of your thesis.

By providing page numbers, you allow readers to navigate your work easily, jumping to sections that pique their interest.

List of figures and tables

Research often involves data, and presenting this data visually can enhance understanding. This section provides an organized listing of all figures and tables in your thesis.

It's a visual index, ensuring that readers can quickly locate and reference your graphical data.

Here's where you introduce your research topic, articulate the research question or objective, and outline the significance of your study.

Present the research topic : Clearly articulate the central theme or subject of your research.
Background information : Ground your research topic, providing any necessary context or background information your readers might need to understand the significance of your study.
Define the scope : Clearly delineate the boundaries of your research, indicating what will and won't be covered.
Literature review : Introduce any relevant existing research on your topic, situating your work within the broader academic conversation and highlighting where your research fits in.
State the research Question(s) or objective(s) : Clearly articulate the primary questions or objectives your research aims to address.
Outline the study's structure : Give a brief overview of how the subsequent sections of your work will unfold, guiding your readers through the journey ahead.

The introduction should captivate your readers, making them eager to delve deeper into your research journey.

Literature review section

Your study correlates with existing research. Therefore, in the literature review section, you'll engage in a dialogue with existing knowledge, highlighting relevant studies, theories, and findings.

It's here that you identify gaps in the current knowledge, positioning your research as a bridge to new insights.

To streamline this process, consider leveraging AI tools. For example, the SciSpace literature review tool enables you to efficiently explore and delve into research papers, simplifying your literature review journey.

Methodology

In the research methodology section, you’ll detail the tools, techniques, and processes you employed to gather and analyze data. This section will inform the readers about how you approached your research questions and ensures the reproducibility of your study.

Here's a breakdown of what it should encompass:

Research Design : Describe the overall structure and approach of your research. Are you conducting a qualitative study with in-depth interviews? Or is it a quantitative study using statistical analysis? Perhaps it's a mixed-methods approach?
Data Collection : Detail the methods you used to gather data. This could include surveys, experiments, observations, interviews, archival research, etc. Mention where you sourced your data, the duration of data collection, and any tools or instruments used.
Sampling : If applicable, explain how you selected participants or data sources for your study. Discuss the size of your sample and the rationale behind choosing it.
Data Analysis : Describe the techniques and tools you used to process and analyze the data. This could range from statistical tests in quantitative research to thematic analysis in qualitative research.
Validity and Reliability : Address the steps you took to ensure the validity and reliability of your findings to ensure that your results are both accurate and consistent.
Ethical Considerations : Highlight any ethical issues related to your research and the measures you took to address them, including — informed consent, confidentiality, and data storage and protection measures.

Moreover, different research questions necessitate different types of methodologies. For instance:

Experimental methodology : Often used in sciences, this involves a controlled experiment to discern causality.
Qualitative methodology : Employed when exploring patterns or phenomena without numerical data. Methods can include interviews, focus groups, or content analysis.
Quantitative methodology : Concerned with measurable data and often involves statistical analysis. Surveys and structured observations are common tools here.
Mixed methods : As the name implies, this combines both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

The Methodology section isn’t just about detailing the methods but also justifying why they were chosen. The appropriateness of the methods in addressing your research question can significantly impact the credibility of your findings.

Results (or Findings)

This section presents the outcomes of your research. It's crucial to note that the nature of your results may vary; they could be quantitative, qualitative, or a mix of both.

Quantitative results often present statistical data, showcasing measurable outcomes, and they benefit from tables, graphs, and figures to depict these data points.

Qualitative results , on the other hand, might delve into patterns, themes, or narratives derived from non-numerical data, such as interviews or observations.

Regardless of the nature of your results, clarity is essential. This section is purely about presenting the data without offering interpretations — that comes later in the discussion.

In the discussion section, the raw data transforms into valuable insights.

Start by revisiting your research question and contrast it with the findings. How do your results expand, constrict, or challenge current academic conversations?

Dive into the intricacies of the data, guiding the reader through its implications. Detail potential limitations transparently, signaling your awareness of the research's boundaries. This is where your academic voice should be resonant and confident.

Practical implications (Recommendation) section

Based on the insights derived from your research, this section provides actionable suggestions or proposed solutions.

Whether aimed at industry professionals or the general public, recommendations translate your academic findings into potential real-world actions. They help readers understand the practical implications of your work and how it can be applied to effect change or improvement in a given field.

When crafting recommendations, it's essential to ensure they're feasible and rooted in the evidence provided by your research. They shouldn't merely be aspirational but should offer a clear path forward, grounded in your findings.

The conclusion provides closure to your research narrative.

It's not merely a recap but a synthesis of your main findings and their broader implications. Reconnect with the research questions or hypotheses posited at the beginning, offering clear answers based on your findings.

Reflect on the broader contributions of your study, considering its impact on the academic community and potential real-world applications.

Lastly, the conclusion should leave your readers with a clear understanding of the value and impact of your study.

References (or Bibliography)

Every theory you've expounded upon, every data point you've cited, and every methodological precedent you've followed finds its acknowledgment here.

In references, it's crucial to ensure meticulous consistency in formatting, mirroring the specific guidelines of the chosen citation style .

Proper referencing helps to avoid plagiarism , gives credit to original ideas, and allows readers to explore topics of interest. Moreover, it situates your work within the continuum of academic knowledge.

To properly cite the sources used in the study, you can rely on online citation generator tools to generate accurate citations!

Here’s more on how you can cite your sources.

Often, the depth of research produces a wealth of material that, while crucial, can make the core content of the thesis cumbersome. The appendix is where you mention extra information that supports your research but isn't central to the main text.

Whether it's raw datasets, detailed procedural methodologies, extended case studies, or any other ancillary material, the appendices ensure that these elements are archived for reference without breaking the main narrative's flow.

For thorough researchers and readers keen on meticulous details, the appendices provide a treasure trove of insights.

Glossary (optional)

In academics, specialized terminologies, and jargon are inevitable. However, not every reader is versed in every term.

The glossary, while optional, is a critical tool for accessibility. It's a bridge ensuring that even readers from outside the discipline can access, understand, and appreciate your work.

By defining complex terms and providing context, you're inviting a wider audience to engage with your research, enhancing its reach and impact.

Remember, while these components provide a structured framework, the essence of your thesis lies in the originality of your ideas, the rigor of your research, and the clarity of your presentation.

As you craft each section, keep your readers in mind, ensuring that your passion and dedication shine through every page.

Thesis examples

To further elucidate the concept of a thesis, here are illustrative examples from various fields:

Example 1 (History): Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the ‘Noble Savage’ on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807 by Suchait Kahlon.

Example 2 (Climate Dynamics): Influence of external forcings on abrupt millennial-scale climate changes: a statistical modelling study by Takahito Mitsui · Michel Crucifix

Checklist for your thesis evaluation

Evaluating your thesis ensures that your research meets the standards of academia. Here's an elaborate checklist to guide you through this critical process.

Content and structure

Is the thesis statement clear, concise, and debatable?
Does the introduction provide sufficient background and context?
Is the literature review comprehensive, relevant, and well-organized?
Does the methodology section clearly describe and justify the research methods?
Are the results/findings presented clearly and logically?
Does the discussion interpret the results in light of the research question and existing literature?
Is the conclusion summarizing the research and suggesting future directions or implications?

Clarity and coherence

Is the writing clear and free of jargon?
Are ideas and sections logically connected and flowing?
Is there a clear narrative or argument throughout the thesis?

Research quality

Is the research question significant and relevant?
Are the research methods appropriate for the question?
Is the sample size (if applicable) adequate?
Are the data analysis techniques appropriate and correctly applied?
Are potential biases or limitations addressed?

Originality and significance

Does the thesis contribute new knowledge or insights to the field?
Is the research grounded in existing literature while offering fresh perspectives?

Formatting and presentation

Is the thesis formatted according to institutional guidelines?
Are figures, tables, and charts clear, labeled, and referenced in the text?
Is the bibliography or reference list complete and consistently formatted?
Are appendices relevant and appropriately referenced in the main text?

Grammar and language

Is the thesis free of grammatical and spelling errors?
Is the language professional, consistent, and appropriate for an academic audience?
Are quotations and paraphrased material correctly cited?

Feedback and revision

Have you sought feedback from peers, advisors, or experts in the field?
Have you addressed the feedback and made the necessary revisions?

Overall assessment

Does the thesis as a whole feel cohesive and comprehensive?
Would the thesis be understandable and valuable to someone in your field?

Ensure to use this checklist to leave no ground for doubt or missed information in your thesis.

After writing your thesis, the next step is to discuss and defend your findings verbally in front of a knowledgeable panel. You’ve to be well prepared as your professors may grade your presentation abilities.

Preparing your thesis defense

A thesis defense, also known as "defending the thesis," is the culmination of a scholar's research journey. It's the final frontier, where you’ll present their findings and face scrutiny from a panel of experts.

Typically, the defense involves a public presentation where you’ll have to outline your study, followed by a question-and-answer session with a committee of experts. This committee assesses the validity, originality, and significance of the research.

The defense serves as a rite of passage for scholars. It's an opportunity to showcase expertise, address criticisms, and refine arguments. A successful defense not only validates the research but also establishes your authority as a researcher in your field.

Here’s how you can effectively prepare for your thesis defense .

Now, having touched upon the process of defending a thesis, it's worth noting that scholarly work can take various forms, depending on academic and regional practices.

One such form, often paralleled with the thesis, is the 'dissertation.' But what differentiates the two?

Dissertation vs. Thesis

Often used interchangeably in casual discourse, they refer to distinct research projects undertaken at different levels of higher education.

To the uninitiated, understanding their meaning might be elusive. So, let's demystify these terms and delve into their core differences.

Here's a table differentiating between the two.

Wrapping up

From understanding the foundational concept of a thesis to navigating its various components, differentiating it from a dissertation, and recognizing the importance of proper citation — this guide covers it all.

As scholars and readers, understanding these nuances not only aids in academic pursuits but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the relentless quest for knowledge that drives academia.

It’s important to remember that every thesis is a testament to curiosity, dedication, and the indomitable spirit of discovery.

Good luck with your thesis writing!

Frequently Asked Questions

A thesis typically ranges between 40-80 pages, but its length can vary based on the research topic, institution guidelines, and level of study.

A PhD thesis usually spans 200-300 pages, though this can vary based on the discipline, complexity of the research, and institutional requirements.

To identify a thesis topic, consider current trends in your field, gaps in existing literature, personal interests, and discussions with advisors or mentors. Additionally, reviewing related journals and conference proceedings can provide insights into potential areas of exploration.

The conceptual framework is often situated in the literature review or theoretical framework section of a thesis. It helps set the stage by providing the context, defining key concepts, and explaining the relationships between variables.

A thesis statement should be concise, clear, and specific. It should state the main argument or point of your research. Start by pinpointing the central question or issue your research addresses, then condense that into a single statement, ensuring it reflects the essence of your paper.

Beyond Google Scholar: Why SciSpace is the best alternative

Types of Literature Review — A Guide for Researchers

SciSpace or Connected Papers: An in-depth analysis

Enjoy a completely custom, expertly-written dissertation. Choose from hundreds of writers, all of whom are career specialists in your subject.

Tentative Thesis Guide

At some time during their academic careers, every student is faced with the challenge of writing a thesis. And this is why it is important for students to learn how to write a thesis. But there are lots of things that go into writing a thesis. You have to understand topic selection, thesis statement construction, and never lose sight of your audience.

To get a captivating tentative thesis topic and mold it into a captivating tentative thesis, it is important to first clarify what a tentative thesis is. In this article, you will learn what a tentative thesis is and how to write a superior tentative thesis. Keep reading to see all you need to know about writing a tentative thesis and check out the tentative thesis example!

What Is a Tentative Thesis?

A tentative thesis is a strong provisional idea that keeps the writer’s attention on the paper. It reveals the author’s strategy, clarifies the subject, and emphasizes the key concepts that will be explored throughout the piece.

A tentative thesis describes what you will be arguing in your paper. It is also often referred to as a working hypothesis. It is the first draft (short version) of your paper, meant to give you an idea of what your final thesis will look like.

With the tentative thesis, you can think about your topic, figure out how to approach it, and think about what kind of writing style you want in your final thesis. The tentative thesis is not supposed to be perfect; it’s just an outline of the ideas that will go into your final paper and a way to test your ideas and see how they hold up.

You should write down your tentative thesis before you start writing your paper, so that you can see how your ideas are developing and how they relate to one another.

Tentative Thesis Statement Examples

One of the most important parts of a tentative thesis is a tentative thesis statement. This statement is always placed towards the conclusion of the introduction paragraph in a typical tentative thesis example.

A strong tentative thesis statement will be helpful while looking for additional facts to include in the article. You must have a firm understanding of the subject and the issues that will be covered in the thesis before drafting a tentative thesis statement.

Here are some tentative thesis statement examples to give you a clearer understanding of what a tentative thesis statement looks like.

“It is disappointing that people continue to disregard the recommendations for preventing coronavirus. A second wave of illnesses will probably result from this ignorance.”

“Trade issues between the US and China have significantly decreased sales of Apple products in China. In China, a market with close to 2 billion people, Huawei smartphones have gradually gained popularity, leaving Apple devices in that region of Asia playing catch-up.”

“Financing women’s businesses helps release them from tight economic yokes. It creates additional chances for them in the predominantly male workforce.”

Example 4:

“Global pandemics present many threats to world stability. They can threaten the political, social, and cultural ramifications that exist.”

How to Write a Tentative Thesis

You need a strong tentative thesis to steer your arguments regardless of whether you are writing a research paper or just an ordinary assignment that does not involve much research. Here are some steps about how to write a tentative thesis.

Choose a topic

Any tentative thesis should have a good topic that is expressed as clearly as possible. So, you should be clear on the subject or the issue before you start to frame a tentative thesis. Here are a few tips for choosing your topic.

The topic must provide the answer to a tentative thesis statement right away.
A good topic should be timely and help resolve an issue.
Your chosen topic must be useful and capable of contributing to knowledge in your research area.
You should be familiar with the topic and at least have basic knowledge about it.

After choosing a topic, you should expand your knowledge about it. To organize what you know about a potential thesis topic, brainstorm and write down the ideas or information that come to mind.

Discuss the subject

After you have chosen your topic, you should expound on it and generate ideas for your tentative thesis. During the brainstorming session, you should note as many concepts that occur to you while thinking aloud or reading other sources.

Write a draft of the thesis statement

It’s important to remember that your paper’s introduction should have a tentative thesis statement. Your thesis statement should be bold as it is a single remark that provides a more in-depth explanation of the thesis. A thesis statement should be thorough, precise and unambiguous, reflect the true nature of the topic, and be supported by facts.

Write the body

The main body of a tentative thesis contains the argument in the thesis. This section is typically divided into sentences that reflect the subject, sentences that provide evidence for it, and summing statements. Your sentences and paragraphs in this section should be logical, cohesive, and supported by facts and evidence.

Write the conclusion

The final component of a tentative thesis is the conclusion. The conclusion should contain a summary of the argument in the main paragraph of the tentative thesis. Usually, this will follow the format of the introduction paragraph closely. It should also include an overview of the article’s main concepts and points.

Important Tentative Thesis Parts

A tentative thesis comprises three important parts that must not be omitted. You must include all parts to ensure your paper is logical and coherent. Let’s take a quick look at each of these crucial sections:

The Introduction
The Conclusion

Tentative Thesis Writing Help

While you may know how to write a tentative, you may not have all the time in the world to do the necessary research and put down all your thoughts. For example, you may have lots of extracurricular activities that you have no time to brainstorm the right topic or what your tentative thesis statement should be. If this is the case, it’s only logical to get someone to help you write your tentative thesis for you.

Also, if you have gone through this article but you’re still unsure about how to write a tentative thesis, you can always seek help from tentative thesis writing help websites. You absolutely don’t have to wing it and end up with a bad score. So, get a reliable tentative thesis help today to help you write the perfect tentative thesis!

There you have it! Here’s all you need to know about writing a superior tentative thesis. With this guide, you should now know how to write a tentative thesis statement by taking cues from the tentative thesis statement examples. If you follow all these steps, you’ll be able to write a better thesis paper.

If you’re not sure whether you can write a tentative thesis or you need some help with your tentative thesis for one reason or another, seek help from expert thesis writers!

Richard Ginger is a dissertation writer and freelance columnist with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the writing industry. He handles every project he works on with precision while keeping attention to details and ensuring that every work he does is unique.

Succeed With A Perfect Dissertation

How to Write a Tentative Thesis Statement

Christina polutta.

A thesis statement is the focus of the paper's subject. It is usually a sentence to two sentences long and is the controlling idea. This statement reinforces the decisions the writer has made about the focus of the paper. A well developed thesis statement helps keep the writer focused on the subject. It brings the paper together and lets the reader know what to expect from the paper. A thesis also directs the search for extra information that could be used to support the point.

Explore this article

How to Write a Well Developed Thesis Statement
Pick a topic
Focused keywords or phrases
Ensure the three keywords or phrases
Think in depth
Read over the thesis statement

things needed

1 how to write a well developed thesis statement, 2 pick a topic.

Pick a topic. Choose a person, place or time on which to focus. Or choose a side of an argument or stand on which to focus.

3 Focused keywords or phrases

State three focused keywords or phrases that help describe the topic or reasons to support the topic. Make sure these words or phrases are relevant to the focus of the subject.

4 Ensure the three keywords or phrases

Ensure the three keywords or phrases are detailed enough to support your topic. These words should not be redundant. One example of redundancy is: Harry is funny, hilarious and comic.

5 Think in depth

Think in depth about the three keywords or phrases. They need to vary. One example is: Seattle is beautiful, economically stable and rainy.

6 Read over the thesis statement

Read over the thesis statement to make sure all three keywords are relevant to the topic. Check to see that the statement is a guide for the reader: easy to understand and lets the reader know what he is about to read. An example of a well written thesis statement is: "The United States government has shown negligence to the economy by moving industry overseas, spending tax dollars on wasteful programs, and inventing health care plans that don't work."

1 "Harbrace College Handbook"; John C Hodges; 1994

About the Author

Christina Polutta is massage therapist, nationally certified and licensed in the state of North Carolina. She covers massage therapy as it relates to medical conditions such as fibromyalgia and cancer. Polutta completed the massage therapy program at Southwestern Community College in 2009 and holds an associate's degree in business from Trident Technical College.

How to Write Conclusions in Brochures

Format for Writing an Information Paper

How to Write a Topic Sentence for an Analysis Paper

TOEFL Essay Writing Tips

How to End an Informative Paper

How to Write a 250 Word College Essay

How to Write a Suitable Objective Report

How to Write a Three Sentence Summary

How to Frame an Essay

How to Conclude a Thesis Paper

What Is a Lead-in Statement?

Short Love Message Ideas to Put on a Necklace

How to Write a Short Descriptive Letter

How to Write a Thesis Statement for an Informative...

Beliefs of a Federalist About Government

What Is the Term Used to Describe the Seven Divisions...

How to Write a Persuasive Essay

How to Write a Topic Summary for an Essay

How to Use Makeup to Cover a Bump on the Nose

Difference Between Topic Sentence Vs. Thesis Statement

Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers.

Accessibility
Terms of Use
Copyright Policy
Manage Preferences

How to Write a Thesis Statement: Examples & Tips for 2024

Attention to detail is essential while writing academic papers or essays. However, paying microscopic attention to your thoughts while writing is not always possible. A thesis statement can either make or break your research paper or college essay . But you may be wondering how to make a thesis statement.

In this post, we answer this question and give you an in-depth analysis of what is a thesis statement and how you make one. We will discuss all facets of a thesis, its types, importance and more. We will also give you examples of how to make a thesis statement. So, let us first begin with what is a thesis statement .

What is a thesis statement.

This is the crux of the central point of your essay or paper in a few sentences. It is usually where your introduction ends. The rest of your paper or essay builds on this statement by addressing different parts of it.

The opening statement is assertive and gives the remaining essay a platform to build, validate and rely on. It is also an outline for the rest of the essay. It shows your understanding of the subject. You need to spend some time on your introduction and structure it in a way that naturally flows with your thesis statement. This is one aspect of what is a thesis statement .

How to write a thesis statement

Now that we have understood what is a thesis statement, let us look at the writing part in a bit more detail. Following are some guidelines you can follow to know how to make a thesis statement:

– First, let us look at your point of view. It should be presented in one or two sentences.

– There needs to be a flow of thought. You need to indicate the profession of your statement logically.

– Your approach should be case-by-case. Based on your research, you can also opt for a thesis statement in three parts.

– The topic should be clear. Your statement should be assertive and clarify your research paper or essay.

– The statement should be debatable. However, it can also be proven with reasoning or evidence.

– Your thesis statement should be at the end of your introduction. In other words, it should conclude your introduction.

Here, we are giving you a few tips on how to make a thesis statement. But, you need to do your reading and research when you write it to ensure it is what is a strong statement. Here are some tips on what is a thesis statement and how you can write it.

Formulate your research question

Filter your research to write a strong thesis. Your research needs to be targeted in your interest area to formulate the question. Be specific, as it will add credibility to your research. Your question should highlight the research you have done. For example, if your thesis statement is on climate change, your question can be about how it affects the planet or what will happen if immediate action is not taken to address it.

Create a tentative thesis statement

Shape your thesis statement by answering your question. This will give you an initial draft of the outline of your statement, where you can make suitable changes.

Drafting a tentative thesis statement takes a lot of time and effort. Keep revisiting your tentative statement as you invest more research, resources and time in the project.

If your assignment needs you to argue a certain point of view on the subject, you need to sharpen your tentative statement with the evidence. For example, the movie Grapes of Wrath is a proletarian movie that captures the psyche of the labor class in America during the Great Depression.

Supplement reasoning with evidence

Your tentative statement is a guide to entering the next phase of writing your thesis. This phase requires the most attention as it needs you to engage with literature that has been well-established.

The more exhaustive your research is, the more you will be prepared on how to make a thesis statement. Research will help you during the viva when you must defend your arguments firmly.

Anticipate counterarguments

Counterarguments have a critical purpose. They help you build stronger arguments. Anticipating counterarguments will help you understand how your research fits into the larger scheme. Counterarguments from your supervisor, cohort, peers, and others will enable a learning curve for you as an academic and make it easier for you when you are stuck with the question of ‘how to make a thesis statement’.

Types of thesis statements

Every research paper or essay has two important elements as its foundation – angle and topic. The topic is the subject you are writing on, and the angle is your view. Based on these, your essay comes under the following: argumentative, expository, and descriptive.

So, if you are beginning your paper and focusing on how to make a thesis statement, you need to remember that it varies on the sort of essay you are writing. Let us understand these three types in detail:

Expository thesis

This thesis is also called the explanatory thesis, where you need to explain the idea, opinion or concept. As the name suggests, this thesis type applies to expository essays where you must give your opinion on the subject. A statement example will be how this essay gives an in-depth view of post-traumatic stress disorder and why it can increase the chances of a cardiac stroke or fibrillation. This is also how to make a thesis statement.

Analytical thesis

This thesis statement needs you to break down a bigger idea into smaller components. You can analyze each component further to present your final take to the readers. This type of thesis statement must present many topics your essay discusses. So, it can apply to descriptive and persuasive essays. An example of this statement is The Grapes of Wrath, the John Steinbeck classic movie that captures the migration of the labor class during the Great Depression to California. This paper looks at revisiting the novel through the lens of fresh working conditions, social change and poverty. This is another way to make a thesis statement.

Argumentative thesis

This type of statement will let you give and claim evidence and help back it up. You make a few common claims in this type of statement — evaluation, opinion, comprehension and cause-and-effect solutions. This sort of thesis is the best for an argumentative essay where you have a particular point of view on the topic and then provide substantial evidence to reason it out.

An example of a thesis statement will be: The legislation to regulate gun ownership can substantially reduce gun violence in the United States of America. Such laws can help re-establish the democratic ideal that, in the purview of public interest, freedom is subject to accountability. This can also significantly reduce the number of deaths due to suicide, domestic abuse and open mass shootings. This was the final type on how to make a thesis statement.

As academic and research editors , the most common queries we receive are regarding the environment, climate change and global warming. Now that you know what is a thesis statement, we suggest that instead of stating your topic vaguely, you should give specifics in the essay. Be assertive and concise. Also, list data points clearly in your statement. This is how to make a thesis statement that is good, clear and gives the crux of your paper or essay. To sum it up, begin with concluding your introduction, mention your angle on the subject, and give your evidence and reasoning for the same. You only have 20 to 50 words to use, so you know how to make a thesis statement.

TrueEditors

How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement

A thesis can be found in many places—a debate speech, a lawyer’s closing argument, even an advertisement. But the most common place for a thesis statement (and probably why you’re reading this article) is in an essay.

Whether you’re writing an argumentative paper, an informative essay, or a compare/contrast statement, you need a thesis. Without a thesis, your argument falls flat and your information is unfocused. Since a thesis is so important, it’s probably a good idea to look at some tips on how to put together a strong one.

Guide Overview

What is a “thesis statement” anyway.

2 categories of thesis statements: informative and persuasive
2 styles of thesis statements
Formula for a strong argumentative thesis
The qualities of a solid thesis statement (video)

You may have heard of something called a “thesis.” It’s what seniors commonly refer to as their final paper before graduation. That’s not what we’re talking about here. That type of thesis is a long, well-written paper that takes years to piece together.

Instead, we’re talking about a single sentence that ties together the main idea of any argument . In the context of student essays, it’s a statement that summarizes your topic and declares your position on it. This sentence can tell a reader whether your essay is something they want to read.

2 Categories of Thesis Statements: Informative and Persuasive

Just as there are different types of essays, there are different types of thesis statements. The thesis should match the essay.

For example, with an informative essay, you should compose an informative thesis (rather than argumentative). You want to declare your intentions in this essay and guide the reader to the conclusion that you reach.

To make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you must procure the ingredients, find a knife, and spread the condiments.

This thesis showed the reader the topic (a type of sandwich) and the direction the essay will take (describing how the sandwich is made).

Most other types of essays, whether compare/contrast, argumentative, or narrative, have thesis statements that take a position and argue it. In other words, unless your purpose is simply to inform, your thesis is considered persuasive. A persuasive thesis usually contains an opinion and the reason why your opinion is true.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the best type of sandwich because they are versatile, easy to make, and taste good.

In this persuasive thesis statement, you see that I state my opinion (the best type of sandwich), which means I have chosen a stance. Next, I explain that my opinion is correct with several key reasons. This persuasive type of thesis can be used in any essay that contains the writer’s opinion, including, as I mentioned above, compare/contrast essays, narrative essays, and so on.

2 Styles of Thesis Statements

Just as there are two different types of thesis statements (informative and persuasive), there are two basic styles you can use.

The first style uses a list of two or more points . This style of thesis is perfect for a brief essay that contains only two or three body paragraphs. This basic five-paragraph essay is typical of middle and high school assignments.

C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series is one of the richest works of the 20th century because it offers an escape from reality, teaches readers to have faith even when they don’t understand, and contains a host of vibrant characters.

In the above persuasive thesis, you can see my opinion about Narnia followed by three clear reasons. This thesis is perfect for setting up a tidy five-paragraph essay.

In college, five paragraph essays become few and far between as essay length gets longer. Can you imagine having only five paragraphs in a six-page paper? For a longer essay, you need a thesis statement that is more versatile. Instead of listing two or three distinct points, a thesis can list one overarching point that all body paragraphs tie into.

Good vs. evil is the main theme of Lewis’s Narnia series, as is made clear through the struggles the main characters face in each book.

In this thesis, I have made a claim about the theme in Narnia followed by my reasoning. The broader scope of this thesis allows me to write about each of the series’ seven novels. I am no longer limited in how many body paragraphs I can logically use.

Formula for a Strong Argumentative Thesis

One thing I find that is helpful for students is having a clear template. While students rarely end up with a thesis that follows this exact wording, the following template creates a good starting point:

_____ is true because of _, _, and _____.

Conversely, the formula for a thesis with only one point might follow this template:

_ is true because of ___.

Students usually end up using different terminology than simply “because,” but having a template is always helpful to get the creative juices flowing.

The Qualities of a Solid Thesis Statement

When composing a thesis, you must consider not only the format, but other qualities like length, position in the essay, and how strong the argument is.

Length: A thesis statement can be short or long, depending on how many points it mentions. Typically, however, it is only one concise sentence. It does contain at least two clauses, usually an independent clause (the opinion) and a dependent clause (the reasons). You probably should aim for a single sentence that is at least two lines, or about 30 to 40 words long.

Position: A thesis statement always belongs at the beginning of an essay. This is because it is a sentence that tells the reader what the writer is going to discuss. Teachers will have different preferences for the precise location of the thesis, but a good rule of thumb is in the introduction paragraph, within the last two or three sentences.

Strength: Finally, for a persuasive thesis to be strong, it needs to be arguable. This means that the statement is not obvious, and it is not something that everyone agrees is true.

Example of weak thesis:

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are easy to make because it just takes three ingredients.

Most people would agree that PB&J is one of the easiest sandwiches in the American lunch repertoire.

Example of a stronger thesis:

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are fun to eat because they always slide around.

This is more arguable because there are plenty of folks who might think a PB&J is messy or slimy rather than fun.

Composing a thesis statement does take a bit more thought than many other parts of an essay. However, because a thesis statement can contain an entire argument in just a few words, it is worth taking the extra time to compose this sentence. It can direct your research and your argument so that your essay is tight, focused, and makes readers think.

EasyBib Writing Resources

Writing a paper.

Academic Essay
Argumentative Essay
College Admissions Essay
Expository Essay
Persuasive Essay
Research Paper
Thesis Statement
Writing a Conclusion
Writing an Introduction
Writing an Outline
Writing a Summary

EasyBib Plus Features

Citation Generator
Essay Checker
Expert Check Proofreader
Grammar Checker
Paraphrasing Tools
Plagiarism Checker
Spell Checker

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Grammar and Plagiarism Checkers

Grammar Basics

Plagiarism Basics

Writing Basics

Upload a paper to check for plagiarism against billions of sources and get advanced writing suggestions for clarity and style.

Get Started

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Developing Strong Thesis Statements

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

These OWL resources will help you develop and refine the arguments in your writing.

The thesis statement or main claim must be debatable

An argumentative or persuasive piece of writing must begin with a debatable thesis or claim. In other words, the thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on. If your thesis is something that is generally agreed upon or accepted as fact then there is no reason to try to persuade people.

Example of a non-debatable thesis statement:

This thesis statement is not debatable. First, the word pollution implies that something is bad or negative in some way. Furthermore, all studies agree that pollution is a problem; they simply disagree on the impact it will have or the scope of the problem. No one could reasonably argue that pollution is unambiguously good.

Example of a debatable thesis statement:

This is an example of a debatable thesis because reasonable people could disagree with it. Some people might think that this is how we should spend the nation's money. Others might feel that we should be spending more money on education. Still others could argue that corporations, not the government, should be paying to limit pollution.

Another example of a debatable thesis statement:

In this example there is also room for disagreement between rational individuals. Some citizens might think focusing on recycling programs rather than private automobiles is the most effective strategy.

The thesis needs to be narrow

Although the scope of your paper might seem overwhelming at the start, generally the narrower the thesis the more effective your argument will be. Your thesis or claim must be supported by evidence. The broader your claim is, the more evidence you will need to convince readers that your position is right.

Example of a thesis that is too broad:

There are several reasons this statement is too broad to argue. First, what is included in the category "drugs"? Is the author talking about illegal drug use, recreational drug use (which might include alcohol and cigarettes), or all uses of medication in general? Second, in what ways are drugs detrimental? Is drug use causing deaths (and is the author equating deaths from overdoses and deaths from drug related violence)? Is drug use changing the moral climate or causing the economy to decline? Finally, what does the author mean by "society"? Is the author referring only to America or to the global population? Does the author make any distinction between the effects on children and adults? There are just too many questions that the claim leaves open. The author could not cover all of the topics listed above, yet the generality of the claim leaves all of these possibilities open to debate.

Example of a narrow or focused thesis:

In this example the topic of drugs has been narrowed down to illegal drugs and the detriment has been narrowed down to gang violence. This is a much more manageable topic.

We could narrow each debatable thesis from the previous examples in the following way:

Narrowed debatable thesis 1:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just the amount of money used but also how the money could actually help to control pollution.

Narrowed debatable thesis 2:

This thesis narrows the scope of the argument by specifying not just what the focus of a national anti-pollution campaign should be but also why this is the appropriate focus.

Qualifiers such as " typically ," " generally ," " usually ," or " on average " also help to limit the scope of your claim by allowing for the almost inevitable exception to the rule.

Types of claims

Claims typically fall into one of four categories. Thinking about how you want to approach your topic, or, in other words, what type of claim you want to make, is one way to focus your thesis on one particular aspect of your broader topic.

Claims of fact or definition: These claims argue about what the definition of something is or whether something is a settled fact. Example:

Claims of cause and effect: These claims argue that one person, thing, or event caused another thing or event to occur. Example:

Claims about value: These are claims made of what something is worth, whether we value it or not, how we would rate or categorize something. Example:

Claims about solutions or policies: These are claims that argue for or against a certain solution or policy approach to a problem. Example:

Which type of claim is right for your argument? Which type of thesis or claim you use for your argument will depend on your position and knowledge of the topic, your audience, and the context of your paper. You might want to think about where you imagine your audience to be on this topic and pinpoint where you think the biggest difference in viewpoints might be. Even if you start with one type of claim you probably will be using several within the paper. Regardless of the type of claim you choose to utilize it is key to identify the controversy or debate you are addressing and to define your position early on in the paper.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

Knowledge Base
How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples

How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on February 4, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay . It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.

The main goals of an introduction are to:

Catch your reader’s attention.
Give background on your topic.
Present your thesis statement —the central point of your essay.

This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Step 1: hook your reader, step 2: give background information, step 3: present your thesis statement, step 4: map your essay’s structure, step 5: check and revise, more examples of essay introductions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.

Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.

Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

Examples: Writing a good hook

Take a look at these examples of weak hooks and learn how to improve them.

Braille was an extremely important invention.
The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly why the topic is important.

The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”
The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.

Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.

Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:

Historical, geographical, or social context
An outline of the debate you’re addressing
A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
Definitions of key terms

The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. Don’t give too much detail—you can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.

How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay. In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:

Now it’s time to narrow your focus and show exactly what you want to say about the topic. This is your thesis statement —a sentence or two that sums up your overall argument.

This is the most important part of your introduction. A good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation.

The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your central point about a topic.

Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.

For this reason, it’s often a good idea to wait until later in the writing process before you write the introduction paragraph—it can even be the very last thing you write.

When you’ve finished writing the essay body and conclusion , you should return to the introduction and check that it matches the content of the essay.

It’s especially important to make sure your thesis statement accurately represents what you do in the essay. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say.

To polish your writing, you can use something like a paraphrasing tool .

You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.

Checklist: Essay introduction

My first sentence is engaging and relevant.

I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.

I have defined any important terms.

My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.

Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.

Argumentative
Literary analysis

This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

This introduction to a literary analysis essay , about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein , starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Ad hominem fallacy
Post hoc fallacy
Appeal to authority fallacy
False cause fallacy
Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

Choosing Essay Topic
Write a College Essay
Write a Diversity Essay
College Essay Format & Structure
Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

(AI) Tools

Paraphrasing Tool
Text Summarizer
AI Detector

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.

To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

It gives your writing direction and focus.
It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, July 23). How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved March 16, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/introduction/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, how to write a thesis statement | 4 steps & examples, academic paragraph structure | step-by-step guide & examples, how to conclude an essay | interactive example, what is your plagiarism score.

🏆 MARCH MADNESS

Watch live: Men's selection show

Women's selection show | ESPN

Create men’s bracket

Make women’s picks

SELECTION SUNDAY

Andy Katz | NCAA.com Correspondent | March 12, 2024

2024 march madness men's bracket predictions: 5 days before selection sunday.

Madness is coming. Selection Sunday is mere days away and Andy Katz irons out his last bracket prediction with Purdue, Houston, UConn and North Carolina as the No. 1 seeds.

Take a look at Katz's predicted 68-team field below.

March Madness men's bracket predictions

View the entire table by scrolling/swiping to the left.

First four out: St. John's, Wake Forest, Texas A&M, Pitt

📲: Tap in to follow men's hoops on Bleacher Report

Conferences with multiple teams in Katz's bracket predictions

Andy katz's field of 68.

Here is Katz’s full seed list in order, from one through 68:

Purdue (1) AQ Big Ten
Houston (1) AQ Big 12
UConn (1) AQ Big East
UNC (1) AQ ACC
Tennessee (2) AQ SEC
Arizona (2) AQ Pac-12
Iowa State (2)
Marquette (2)
Creighton (3)
Baylor (3)
Kentucky (3)
Illinois (4)
Alabama (4)
Auburn (4)
Kansas (4)
South Carolina (5)
Clemson (5)
Utah State (5) AQ MWC
Wisconsin (6)
San Diego State (6)
Texas Tech (6)
Washington State (6)
Florida (7)
Dayton (7)
Gonzaga (7)
Saint Mary’s (7) AQ WCC
Nevada (8)
Northwestern (8)
Boise State (8)
Michigan State (9)
Nebraska (9)
Oklahoma (9)
Colorado State (10)
Colorado (10)
Seton Hall (10)
Mississippi State (11)
Drake (11) AQ MVC
Indiana State (11)
Virginia (11)
New Mexico (11)
Princeton (11) AQ Ivy
Grand Canyon (12) AQ WAC
Richmond (12) AQ A10
James Madison (12) AQ Sun Belt
South Florida (12) AQ AAC
McNeese State (13) AQ Southland
Samford (13) AQ Southern
UC Irvine (13) AQ Big West
Vermont (13) AQ America East
Charleston (14) AQ CAA
Morehead State (14) AQ OVC
Oakland (14) AQ Horizon
Toledo (14) AQ MAC
Sam Houston (15) AQ CUSA
Colgate (15) AQ Patriot
Montana (15) AQ Big Sky
South Dakota State (15) AQ Summit
Quinnipiac (16) AQ MAAC
Longwood (16) AQ Big South
Stetson (16) AQ ASUN
Norfolk State (16) AQ MEAC
Merrimack (16) AQ NEC
Grambling (16) AQ SWAC

March Madness history: Teams with the worst records to make the NCAA tournament

2024 Selection Sunday: Date, schedule, TV times

2024 NCAA conference tournaments: Schedules, brackets, scores, auto bids

March madness.

🗓️ 2024 March Madness schedule, dates
👀 Everything to know about March Madness
❓ How the field of 68 is picked
📓 College basketball dictionary: 51 terms defined

Greatest buzzer beaters in March Madness history

Relive Laettner's historic performance against Kentucky

The deepest game-winning buzzer beaters in March Madness history

College basketball's NET rankings, explained

What March Madness looked like the year you were born

Di men's basketball news.

The worst records to make the men's NCAA tournament
Tracking all 32 NCAA men's basketball conference tournaments, auto bids for 2024
2024 SEC tournament: Bracket, schedule, scores for men's basketball
2024 Big Ten tournament: Bracket, schedule, scores for men's basketball
Tracking the teams that have never made the men's NCAA tournament
2024 March Madness: Men's NCAA tournament schedule, dates
North Carolina, Purdue, Houston fall on thrilling men's conference tournament Saturday
2024 ACC tournament: Bracket, schedule, scores for men's basketball
The SEC — A polarizing conference heading into March Madness

Follow NCAA March Madness

The tentative thesis statement summarizes the paper's main points and says the essay's necessity to the readers. The tentative claim is paramount to the essay, and without it, the paper will appear uncontrolled and inadequate. It's like a plane that is about to land on a runway without lights and a radar.

Tips for Writing a Tentative Thesis Statement. Start Broad, Then Narrow Down: Begin with a general topic or idea and then narrow it down based on your research findings and assignment requirements. Stay Open-Minded: A tentative thesis is just that - tentative. Be willing to adjust, refine, or even entirely change your thesis as you delve ...

Step 1: Start with a question. You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis, early in the writing process. As soon as you've decided on your essay topic, you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

How To Write A Tentative Thesis: Building Blocks. Crafting a rock-solid tentative thesis requires careful consideration of several key factors: Topic Selection: The Foundation of Your Research. The initial step in writing a Tentative Thesis is meticulously selecting a topic.

Developing a Tentative Thesis. Developing a Tentative Thesis. The thesis statement of an essay is to your argument paper what the topic sentence is to the paragraph: a guide, a control--a single promise. It indicates the subject, the approach, and the limitations of your topic. It also suggests your position, your attitude, and a commitment to ...

The steps to developing a thesis statement are outlined below: 1. Start with a research question. ... The research should help you construct a tentative thesis statement. At this stage, researchers will most likely have only a simple thesis statement. This rough draft of the thesis statement can serve as a tool for planning and guiding the ...

A thesis statement . . . Makes an argumentative assertion about a topic; it states the conclusions that you have reached about your topic. Makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of your paper. Is focused and specific enough to be "proven" within the boundaries of your paper. Is generally located near the end ...

A thesis statement usually evolves only after considerable reading, writing, and thinking has been done on your topic. You can begin the writing process of an essay with a preliminary or open thesis, move on to a tentative thesis or hypothesis, and finally arrive at your closed or final thesis. During your writing, you will become more secure ...

is a complete sentence that expresses an opinion or an idea about a topic that can be supported or more fully developed in the body of the essay. summarizes the whole essay in one sentence and promises or reflects the essay's main purpose or "so what". provides the structure or unifying framework for the scope, focus, and direction of the ...

Step 4: Revise and refine your thesis statement before you start writing. Read through your thesis statement several times before you begin to compose your full essay. You need to make sure the statement is ironclad, since it is the foundation of the entire paper. Edit it or have a peer review it for you to make sure everything makes sense and ...

The thesis statement is your promise to the reader and to yourself. For today's assignment, please focus a tentative thesis by first deciding on a specific audience and a specific purpose. Your specific audience: Your specific purpose: Your tentative thesis: Writing@CSU is the home of Colorado State University's open-access learning environment ...

Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement. 1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing: An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.; An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.; An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies ...

A working thesis, often referred to as a preliminary or tentative thesis, is an initial version of your thesis statement. It serves as a draft or a starting point that guides your research in its early stages. As you research more and gather more evidence, your initial thesis (aka working thesis) might change.

Determine which of the following critical thinking skills you are primarily being asked to apply to your object(s) of study: analysis. comparison. evaluation. argumentation. interpretation. reflection. Your thesis statement, then, should take a form that reflects the goal of the writing task. 2.

Here are some basic guidelines for writing a thesis statement: Present your point of view in two sentences. Clearly indicate the logical progression of your research. Always take a case-by-case approach. Based on your research, you may also opt for a 3-part thesis statement. Clearly dictate your assertion on the topic.

Drafting a tentative thesis statement takes a lot of time and effort. Keep revisiting your tentative statement as you invest more research, resources and time in the project. If your assignment needs you to argue a certain point of view on the subject, you need to sharpen your tentative statement with the evidence. For example, the movie Grapes ...

Teachers will have different preferences for the precise location of the thesis, but a good rule of thumb is in the introduction paragraph, within the last two or three sentences. Strength: Finally, for a persuasive thesis to be strong, it needs to be arguable. This means that the statement is not obvious, and it is not something that everyone ...

The thesis needs to be narrow. Although the scope of your paper might seem overwhelming at the start, generally the narrower the thesis the more effective your argument will be. Your thesis or claim must be supported by evidence. The broader your claim is, the more evidence you will need to convince readers that your position is right.

Your thesis is the central claim in your essay—your main insight or idea about your source or topic. Your thesis should appear early in an academic essay, followed by a logically constructed argument that supports this central claim. A strong thesis is arguable, which means a thoughtful reader could disagree with it and therefore needs

Step 1. Ask a question. Writing a hypothesis begins with a research question that you want to answer. The question should be focused, specific, and researchable within the constraints of your project.

Table of contents. Step 1: Hook your reader. Step 2: Give background information. Step 3: Present your thesis statement. Step 4: Map your essay's structure. Step 5: Check and revise. More examples of essay introductions. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.

Include an opposing viewpoint to your main idea, if applicable. A good thesis statement acknowledges that there is always another side to the argument. So, include an opposing viewpoint (a counterargument) to your opinion. Basically, write down what a person who disagrees with your position might say about your topic.

business plan
course work
research paper

Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of thesis in English

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

I wrote my thesis on literacy strategies for boys .
Her main thesis is that children need a lot of verbal stimulation .
boilerplate
composition
dissertation
essay question
peer review

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

thesis | American Dictionary

Examples of thesis, collocations with thesis.

These are words often used in combination with thesis .

Click on a collocation to see more examples of it.

Translations of thesis

Get a quick, free translation!

Word of the Day

rescue centre

a place where animals who are ill, injured, not cared for, or badly treated can be taken and given treatment and care

Binding, nailing, and gluing: talking about fastening things together

Learn more with +Plus

Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
English–Dutch Dutch–English
English–French French–English
English–German German–English
English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
English–Italian Italian–English
English–Japanese Japanese–English
English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
English–Polish Polish–English
English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
English–Spanish Spanish–English
English–Swedish Swedish–English
Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
English Noun
American Noun
Collocations
Translations
All translations

Add thesis to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

Edu for All

What is the Plural Noun of Thesis? (Thesises? Theses?)

Plural of theses.

In simple terms, the plural noun of thesis is theses . This might come as a surprise to many, as the word “thesis” seems to follow a different pattern compared to other words in the English language. However, according to the rules of grammar, “theses” is the correct and widely accepted plural form of thesis.

Definition of Theses

Before we delve into the plural form, let’s first understand what a thesis is. According to Oxford Languages, a thesis is defined as a “statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved.” In academic terms, it is a document that presents original research and findings on a specific topic, usually as a requirement for a master’s or doctoral degree.

The word thesis comes from the Greek word “thésis” which means “placing” or “positioning.” The plural form of theses is derived from the Greek word “thesew,” meaning “placing” or “position” in English. Interestingly, the singular form of thesis is also derived from this same Greek word.

Comparison of Theses (singular and plural)

As mentioned earlier, the word thesis does not follow the conventional rule of adding -s or -es to make it plural. Instead, its plural form is “theses.”

Here is a comparison table to further understand the difference between the singular and plural forms of thesis:

Examples of Theses

Here are a few examples that use the plural noun of thesis in a sentence:

She wrote her thesis on the impact of climate change on coastal communities.
The professor gave us a list of recommended theses to read for our research assignment.
The panel of experts reviewed theses submitted by the students and selected the best one for the award.
The research center has a collection of over 5000 theses from various disciplines.
They are currently working on their theses, which will be published in the university’s academic journal.

Origin of Theses

The plural form of theses has its roots in the Greek language. In the Greek language, there are different patterns of forming plurals, and the plural for “thesis” follows the “theses” pattern. When words are borrowed from other languages, it is common for their plural forms to retain the original language’s pattern, even in English.

Over time, the word “theses” entered the English language, and its use as the plural form of thesis became widely accepted. Initially, there was some debate about the plural form, with some people advocating for “thesises” as the plural form. However, “theses” emerged as the dominant and accepted plural form, and it is now used universally by writers, editors, and academicians worldwide.

In summary, the plural noun of thesis is “theses.” The word thesis has its origin in the Greek language, and its plural form follows the “theses” pattern. Although it may seem unusual for a singular form to have a plural form that is entirely different, it is not uncommon in the English language. The word “axes” follows a similar pattern, with its singular form being “axis.”

Next time you are writing about multiple theses, remember to use the correct plural form to avoid any confusion or grammar errors. And now that you know the plural form, go forth and use it with confidence!

Here are some commonly asked questions about the plural noun of thesis:

What is the singular form of theses? The singular form of theses is “thesis.”
Is “thesises” a correct plural form of thesis? No, “thesises” is not a recognized plural form of thesis. The correct plural form is “theses.”
When should I use “theses” in a sentence? You should use “theses” when referring to multiple statements, theories, or written documents.

Thesis Plural, What is the Plural of Thesis?

Meaning: a statement that is put forward as premise

Table of Contents

Singular and Plural of Thesis

Thesis as a singular noun in example sentences:.

She spent months researching and writing her thesis .
The student defended her thesis in front of a panel of professors.
The thesis presented a novel approach to the problem.
The professor guided the student in developing a strong thesis
The researcher’s thesis contributed to the field’s understanding of the topic.
The graduate student received funding to conduct experiments for her thesis .
The thesis required extensive data analysis and interpretation.
The academic journal published an article based on the researcher’s thesis .
The conference featured presentations on diverse thesis
The defense committee praised the clarity and depth of the student’s thesis .

Thesis as a Plural Noun in Example Sentences:

The university library stores an extensive collection of doctoral theses .
The scholars debated different approaches proposed in their respective theses .
The conference showcased the groundbreaking research presented in the participants’ theses .
The professors provided valuable feedback on the students’ draft theses .
The candidates diligently prepared their final theses for submission.
The graduate students shared their findings during a panel discussion on their theses .
The scholars engaged in lively discussions about the implications of their theses .
The research symposium featured presentations on a wide range of topics from various theses .
The library offers online access to digitized versions of historic theses .
The academic journal published an issue dedicated to exceptional doctoral theses .

Singular Possessive of Thesis

The singular possessive form of “Thesis” is “Thesis’s”.

Examples of Singular Possessive Form of Thesis:

We analyzed Thesis’s research methodology.
Thesis’s findings provided valuable insights.
The committee reviewed Thesis’s abstract and conclusion.
We discussed the implications of Thesis’s hypothesis.
Thesis’s literature review presented a comprehensive analysis.
The professor praised Thesis’s organization and structure.
We examined Thesis’s data collection process.
Thesis’s bibliography included relevant sources.
The defense highlighted the significance of Thesis’s contribution.
The advisor provided feedback on Thesis’s methodology.

Plural Possessive of Thesis

The plural possessive form of “Thesis” is “Theses'”.

Examples of Plural Possessive Form of Thesis:

We analyzed multiple theses’ research methodologies.
Theses’ findings provided valuable insights.
The committee reviewed theses’ abstracts and conclusions.
We discussed the implications of theses’ hypotheses.
Theses’ literature reviews presented comprehensive analyses.
The professors praised theses’ organization and structure.
We examined theses’ data collection processes.
Theses’ bibliographies included relevant sources.
The defenses highlighted the significance of theses’ contributions.
The advisors provided feedback on theses’ methodologies.

Explore Related Nouns:

Complete List of Singular Plurals

Last updated on June 10th, 2023 at 10:57 am

Inca Plural, What is the plural of Inca?

Medicine Plural, What is the Plural of Medicine?

Puzzle Plural, What is the Plural of Puzzle?

Mouse Plural, What is the Plural of Mouse?

Lunch Plural, What is the Plural of Lunch?

Torso Plural, What is the Plural of Torso?

About the author.

Hi, I'm USMI, engdic.org's Author & Lifestyle Linguist. My decade-long journey in language and lifestyle curation fuels my passion for weaving words into everyday life. Join me in exploring the dynamic interplay between English and our diverse lifestyles. Dive into my latest insights, where language enriches every aspect of living.

IMAGES

Plural of Thesis: A Quick Guide for English Learners
The Plural of Thesis
What is the plural of thesis?
plural of Thesis
What is the plural version of thesis
💋 What to include in a thesis. Thesis Statements: Definition and

VIDEO

What Is a Thesis?
Thesis pronunciation
What is a thesis Statement
PLURAL FORM
Formatting Plural Numbers in APA Style
What Is a master's Thesis (5 Characteristics of an A Plus Thesis)

COMMENTS

What Is the Plural of Thesis
Thesis becomes theses in plural form for two reasons: 1) The word thesis has a Greek root, and theses is how it is pluralized in that original language. 2) There are many English words ending with -is that take on -es endings when pluralized: e.g., crisis becomes crises. The pluralization isn't all that unique.
The Plural of Thesis
"Theses" is the only way to make the noun "thesis" plural. Confusion arises because some mistakenly believe that all nouns ending in "s" should form a plural that adds "es" to the end of the word. When a noun ends with "is," you need to replace the "is" with an "es" to form the plural. This is because its plural form derives from Greek.
Thesis Definition & Meaning
The meaning of THESIS is a dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view; especially : one written by a candidate for an academic degree. ... But a thesis may also be an idea; so in the course of the paper the student may put forth several theses (notice the plural form) and attempt to prove ...
What's the Plural of Thesis? (Thesises? Theses?)
Thesis is an irregular plural noun that does not end in the typical -s/-es that regular plural noun forms take. This is so despite that theses plural does in fact end in the conventional -s/-es suffix. Why is it still considered irregular; then, given that it follows the regular plural form? Notice the following regular plural noun forms: ‍
THESIS Definition & Meaning
Thesis definition: a proposition stated or put forward for consideration, especially one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections. See examples of THESIS used in a sentence.
THESES
THESES meaning: 1. plural of thesis 2. plural of thesis . Learn more.
Whats the Plural of Thesis: Understanding Singular and Plural Forms
The plural of "thesis" adheres to the Greek-rooted pattern, changing the singular -is to a plural -es. Accurate use of "thesis" and "theses" reflects scholarly precision in both written and oral communication. Awareness of correct pluralization extends to other similar nouns ending in -sis, emphasizing the importance of ...
thesis noun
Collocations Scientific research Scientific research Theory. formulate/ advance a theory/ hypothesis; build/ construct/ create/ develop a simple/ theoretical/ mathematical model; develop/ establish/ provide/ use a theoretical/ conceptual framework; advance/ argue/ develop the thesis that…; explore an idea/ a concept/ a hypothesis; make a prediction/ an inference
Plural of Thesis: A Quick Guide for English Learners
The plural of thesis is "theses.". In English, most nouns form the plural by adding an "s" at the end. However, "thesis" is one of the few exceptions to this rule. The word "thesis" has a Greek root, and "theses" is how it is pluralized in that original language. Singular.
THESIS definition in American English
thesis in American English. (ˈθisɪs) noun Word forms: plural -ses (-siz) 1. a proposition stated or put forward for consideration, esp. one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections. He vigorously defended his thesis on the causes of war. 2. a subject for a composition or essay. 3.
THESES
THESES definition: 1. plural of thesis 2. plural of thesis . Learn more.
thesis
Noun [ edit] thesis (plural theses) ( rhetoric) A proposition or statement supported by arguments. (by extension) A lengthy essay written to establish the validity of a thesis (sense 1.1), especially one submitted in order to complete the requirements for a non- doctoral degree in the US and a doctoral degree in the UK; a dissertation .
THESIS
THESIS meaning: 1. a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done for a higher…. Learn more.
What Is a Thesis?
A thesis statement is a very common component of an essay, particularly in the humanities. It usually comprises 1 or 2 sentences in the introduction of your essay, and should clearly and concisely summarize the central points of your academic essay. A thesis is a long-form piece of academic writing, often taking more than a full semester to ...
What is the plural of thesis?
The plural form of thesis is theses . Find more words! Many scientists, including people writing doctoral theses, had access to the bones, and they were laboriously studied. Today, most universities require their students to submit electronic theses and dissertations for their graduation. They can continue classes or use the research as their ...
Thesis Definition & Meaning
plural theses / ˈθiːˌsiːz/. Britannica Dictionary definition of THESIS. [count] 1. : a long piece of writing on a particular subject that is done to earn a degree at a university. She wrote her thesis on Renaissance Nativity scenes. a master's/doctoral thesis on the effects of global warming. 2. formal : a statement that someone wants to ...
plural for theses
The noun "thesis" has a Greek root, which is the derivation of the plural "theses." There is no alternative English plural form.... This, that, these and those are demonstratives. We use this, that, these and those to point to people and things. This and that are singular. These and those are plural.
THESIS
THESIS definition: 1. a long piece of writing on a particular subject, especially one that is done for a higher…. Learn more.
What is the Plural Noun of Thesis? (Thesises? Theses?)
In simple terms, the plural noun of thesis is theses. This might come as a surprise to many, as the word "thesis" seems to follow a different pattern compared. ... This article discusses the correct plural form of thesis, its definition, origin, and examples. Contents. What is the Plural Noun of Thesis? (Thesises? Theses?) Plural of Theses;
What is the correct shortened form for "Goals of the Theses"
Thesis' is singular genitive, theses' is plural genitive. As a general rule for genitives of words ending in s, you use s', the Saxon genitive. So, assuming you want to talk about the multiple goals in multiple theses, then you would use "theses' goals". If you want to talk about multiple goals on a single thesis, you would use "thesis' goals."
Plural of thesis
The plural of thesis is theses. The answer is: 👍. Helpful ( 0) 💡. Interesting ( 0) 😄. Funny ( 0) 🤔.
Thesis Plural, What is the Plural of Thesis?
Thesis as a Plural Noun in Example Sentences: The university library stores an extensive collection of doctoral theses. The scholars debated different approaches proposed in their respective theses. The conference showcased the groundbreaking research presented in the participants' theses.

Plural of Thesis

The Plural of Thesis

Are You Good at Plurals?

Learning Resources

You might also like...

Definition of thesis

Examples of thesis in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near thesis

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Popular in Grammar & Usage

What’s the Plural of Thesis? (Thesises? Theses?)

What’s the plural of “thesis”?

What’s the singular of thesis?

What’s a thesis?

Nouns that end in -sis/ses

Examples of “thesis” (singular) in sentences

Examples of “theses” (plural) in sentences

Origin of the word “thesis”

Read about other irregular nouns

Read about other topics in grammar

Recent Posts

“Beck and Call” or “Beckon Call”? Which is Correct?

What’s the Meaning of the Word “Connotation”?

What’s the Difference Between Ambiguous & Ambivalent?

When to Use Have or Had? (Explained with Examples)

What’s the Past Participle? (Explanation & Usage)

Emigrate vs. Immigrate (Meaning + Examples)

Recurring vs. Reoccurring (Correct Usage, + Examples)

What’s the Difference Between Nevertheless vs. Nonetheless?

Assent or Ascent (or Accent?)

Word of the Day

Discover More

Example Sentences

Related Words

What Is The Plural Of Thesis?

Whats the Plural of Thesis: Understanding Singular and Plural Forms

What’s the Plural of Thesis?

Singular Form of Thesis

Definition of Thesis

Other Irregular Plural Nouns Ending in -sis/ses

Examples of Thesis (Singular) in Sentences

In Academic Context

Examples of Theses (Plural) in Sentences

Origin of the Word Thesis

Etymological Background

Usage in Academia

Similar Posts

What’s the Plural of Aircraft: Understanding Singular and Plural Aviation Terms

When to Use a Comma Before ‘And’: Understanding Punctuation Rules

What’s the Singular of Means: Understanding Singular and Plural Nouns

Is It Lay Down or Lie Down: Understanding Verb Forms in English

What’s the Plural of Shorts: Understanding English Nouns

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Plural of Thesis: A Quick Guide for English Learners

Definition and Plural of Thesis

When to Use Thesis and Its Plural Form

Examples of Thesis and Its Plural Form in Sentences

Plural Noun Rules for Regular Nouns

Plural Noun Rules for Irregular Nouns

List of Common Irregular Plural Nouns

Nouns that End in Us

Nouns that End in Is

Nouns that End in On

Plurals That Are the Same as Singulars

Words That Look Like Plural Nouns but Are Singular Nouns

Collective Nouns and List

Plural Nouns vs. Possessive Nouns

Common Mistakes with Plural Nouns

Adding an Apostrophe

Irregular Plurals

Confusion over Plurals

Using Incorrect Count Nouns

Frequently Asked Questions

Related posts:

Definition of 'thesis'

Video: pronunciation of thesis

thesis in American English