ask for evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for evidence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting proof or support for a claim or statement made by someone. Example: "In a debate, it's important to ask for evidence to support the arguments being presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Ask for evidence that credits transfer.

The New York Times

Ask for evidence; look for the holes in the case.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ask for evidence of repairs or a breakdown of charges.

The Guardian - Money

Ask for evidence, and see whether there are any convincing research to back up the claim.

The Guardian

But that was decades ago, when I never thought to ask for evidence.

The New York Times - Health

"Instead, children should be taught to ask for evidence, to be sceptical, critical, open-minded.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Twigg asked for evidence to support the plans.

The Guardian

It also asked for evidence the legislation was compatible with rights to privacy.

The Guardian

"We asked for evidence, but they wouldn't give us any," he said.

The New York Times

We have been asked for evidence of how our engagement has made a difference.

The Guardian

GCHQ's recruitment page asks for evidence of strong problem-solving skills.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating information, especially in formal or professional contexts, always "ask for evidence" to support claims and assertions. This ensures decisions are based on verifiable facts rather than assumptions.

Common error

Avoid accepting anecdotal evidence as sufficient proof. While personal stories can be compelling, always "ask for evidence" from credible sources to validate claims, especially in areas like health, science, or finance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for evidence" functions primarily as a request for validation or proof of a statement or claim. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is used across various contexts where verification is needed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for evidence" is a versatile phrase used to request proof or validation across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, science, and wiki environments. To enhance your writing, remember to use this phrase when you need verifiable facts and avoid relying on anecdotal evidence alone. Alternatives include "demand proof" and "request substantiation". By mastering the art of "ask for evidence", you promote accuracy and critical thinking in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demand proof

Emphasizes a stronger, more assertive request for verification.

request substantiation

Focuses on the act of providing support or validation for a claim.

seek verification

Highlights the process of confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

require validation

Stresses the necessity of making something officially acceptable or legitimate.

insist on proof

Indicates a firm and unwavering demand for evidence.

look for validation

Emphasizes the search to confirm or support a claim.

challenge claims

Focuses on questioning the validity of statements.

investigate assertions

Implies a more formal and thorough examination of claims.

scrutinize statements

Suggests a careful and critical examination of declarations.

question assumptions

Highlights the act of doubting underlying beliefs or premises.

FAQs

How do I use "ask for evidence" in a formal email?

In a formal email, you can use "ask for evidence" by politely requesting supporting documentation or data. For example: "To proceed with this proposal, we would need to "ask for evidence" that supports the projected ROI."

What's a more assertive way to say "ask for evidence"?

If you need to be more assertive, you could use phrases like "demand proof" or "require substantiation." These options convey a stronger need for verification.

Is it appropriate to "ask for evidence" in casual conversation?

Yes, it's generally acceptable to "ask for evidence" in casual conversation when someone makes a claim that seems dubious or surprising. However, be mindful of your tone to avoid sounding accusatory. You could also say "can you back that up"?

What's the difference between "ask for evidence" and "request information"?

"Ask for evidence" specifically requests proof or support for a claim, while "request information" is a broader request for any kind of data or details. You "ask for evidence" to validate something, and "request information" to learn more about something.