Abstract: This paper takes stock of the role of theory in the humanities away from the usual notion that it has no place in qualitative inquiry. The paper then maps the broader view of qualitative approach in an academic writing, it goes further to diffuse some misunderstandings, analyses the specifics of qualitative research, and outlines some practical significances of theory in the humanities as a paradigm, or that which may inform our understanding of the phenomenon under exploration. The use of theory in an academic writing is seen as that which underpins research design, as a lens which may emerge from studies usually viewed as new knowledge. Some recommendations were made on how best to use a theory when reporting qualitative inquiry.