can corroborate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can corroborate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to confirm or support a statement or claim with evidence or testimony. Example: "The witness can corroborate the defendant's alibi, providing crucial evidence for the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I can corroborate that from my own experience.

The Economist

Philip Clayton London I can corroborate Peter Bradshaw's story of Ted Hughes' coldness (My week, 17 October).

The Guardian

Jane Clugston, who sells children's books and has been with the store for almost 30 years, can corroborate.

The Guardian - Books

He wiggles his big toe at the spot where he claims witnesses who can corroborate his story live.

The New York Times

If it's a bit iffy we'll talk to the rater and see if they can corroborate it".

The Guardian

Interviews with both Han and Uighur residents in Urumqi, however, have not yielded any witnesses who can corroborate such accounts.

The New York Times

"They're clearly looking for evidence that can corroborate the handwriting identification and provide clues about the missing body [of Durst's first wife Kathie, who disappeared in 1982].

The Guardian

Anyone who's ever argued about anything with anyone else on the internet can corroborate the ineffectiveness of name-calling as a debate strategy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Attorney Michele Calantropo has requested access to a refugee camp in Sicily, where he hopes to meet Eritreans who can corroborate the claims of the first two witnesses.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Farage can now corroborate those doubts with "proof" of a Europhile double-cross.

The Guardian - Opinion

Can I corroborate these findings from local independent sources?

Conflict and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can corroborate" when you want to emphasize the ability of someone or something to provide supporting evidence or confirmation for a statement or claim. This phrase is often used in legal, academic, and journalistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "can corroborate" in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "can confirm" or "can verify" are often more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can corroborate" functions as a verb phrase indicating the ability to provide supporting evidence or confirmation. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is commonly used to suggest that someone or something is capable of validating a statement or claim.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can corroborate" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate the ability to provide supporting evidence or confirmation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal settings. While very common, it's best to avoid in overly informal conversation, opting instead for simpler alternatives like "can confirm" or "can verify". Ludwig's examples highlight its prevalence in authoritative sources, such as The Guardian and The New York Times, further solidifying its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can verify

A more direct and simple way of saying 'can corroborate'.

is able to confirm

Emphasizes the capability to verify something.

can validate

Focuses on establishing the correctness of something.

is capable of substantiating

Highlights the capacity to support with evidence.

can substantiate

Highlights the act of providing evidence to support a claim.

has the power to validate

Focuses on the authority to make something valid.

is in a position to verify

Stresses the suitable state to confirm the truth.

can attest to

Highlights the act of providing personal testimony.

can bear witness to

Similar to 'attest', but more formal and solemn.

can authenticate

Focuses on proving something is genuine.

FAQs

How can I use "can corroborate" in a sentence?

You can use "can corroborate" to indicate that someone or something is able to provide evidence or support for a claim. For example, "The witness "can corroborate" the defendant's alibi."

What are some alternatives to "can corroborate"?

Alternatives include "can confirm", "can verify", "can substantiate", and "can validate" depending on the context.

Is "can corroborate" formal or informal?

"Can corroborate" leans towards the formal side. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "can confirm" or "can verify" are generally preferred.

What's the difference between "can confirm" and "can corroborate"?

"Can confirm" generally means to establish the truth or correctness of something, while "can corroborate" specifically implies providing additional evidence or support to strengthen an existing claim or statement. Therefore "can corroborate" typically indicates a stronger level of support.