Random grammar question

[Quantum]

So I'm writing an English paper, and I have a sentence essentially saying, "they theorize about this." My question is, what is the proper preposition to follow the word "theorize"? Is there even one? Using "about" sounds odd to me, but I can't find a word that makes it flow well.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ShadowXP]

Wouldn't you just say "they theorize this"?

 

[Quantum]

Well, I guess I should be more specific: "they are theorizing about his life." In that case, should I even use the word "theorize"?

 

[mthrnite]

They have a theory (several theories) about his life.

edit:
They have a theory about his life; that he likes to answer questions concerning things he knows little about.

 

[Quantum]

They have a theory (several theories) about his life.

Dang, I guess I should be more specific again: "They are more interested in theorizing about his life than they are in the man himself." Theorizing needs to remain a verb.

 

[mthrnite]

Dang, I guess I should be more specific again: "They are more interested in theorizing about his life than they are in the man himself." Theorizing needs to remain a verb.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but that sounds right to me.

 

[question]

If you want to go with theorize I would probably use over after. "they are theorizing over his live".

 

[iciclebox]

As an English teacher, I would suggest using the word "speculate" unless the person you are referring to has multiple, documented theories concerning his or her lifetime.

 

[iciclebox]

Perhaps "They are more interested in concocting theories concerning his life than understanding who he was" will work. "Man himself" is a bit redundant.

 

[Quantum]

Yes! "Concerning" seems to be just the word I was looking for. And concocting is a pretty nifty word too. Thanks, everyone, for your help.

 

[2cb2ct7]

Who would have thought off-topic chat would be so educational...