This study identified trends and patterns of theory use in open and distance learning research by examining the research articles published in open and distance journals between 2009 and 2018. A content analysis of 1,393 articles in open and distance learning journals was conducted. Theory use is characterised as a situation in which an author uses a theory to explain the research variables in the article and answer the research questions. The findings showed that 385 theories were used in 366 articles that were published in five open and distance learning journals. The theories that were mainly used were those from related disciplines such as education, social sciences and information systems. There has been an increase in theory use among open and distance learning journals over the years. Since theory advances research and scientific discipline, and predicts what will or could be, the importance of awareness of the role of theory in research should be highlighted and the growth in theory use in open and distance learning research should be intensified.