chain of evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"chain of evidence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a set of facts or pieces of evidence that are connected and used to form a logical argument or demonstrate a certain conclusion. For example, "The prosecution presented a convincing chain of evidence in the trial, which led to the defendant's conviction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"You'll have a secure chain of evidence," he added.

The New York Times

Is the chain of evidence there to convict him?

The New York Times

3. Which of the following phrases best describes the term chain of evidence?

The New York Times

His job was to piece together a logical chain of evidence that revealed the irrefutable truth.

The New Yorker

This is an important part of the chain of evidence linking alcohol to cancer risk.

Independent

That's a chain of evidence that would be really great to have.

The New York Times

"You can't break the chain of evidence," Dr. Rose was quoted as telling them.

The New York Times

"It might be a missing link in a chain of evidence," he said urging aliens to "give it a try".

The New York Times

Other forensics-heavy reads include Robin Cook's Acceptable Risk, Eileen Dreyer's Bad Medicine and Ridley Pearson's Chain of Evidence.

The Guardian - Books

So as people search for relatives, they fear, the chain of evidence that will be necessary to prosecute the ones responsible is lost.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Trained in anthropology, archaeology, human osteology, and chain-of-evidence procedures, forensic anthropologists are primary players in forensic science both in the field and in the laboratory.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "chain of evidence", ensure each piece of evidence is clearly linked to the overall argument, demonstrating its relevance and contribution to the final conclusion.

Common error

Avoid presenting evidence in a disjointed manner. Ensure each piece of evidence logically connects to the next, creating a cohesive and persuasive "chain of evidence". Gaps in the chain can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chain of evidence" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a series of interconnected facts or pieces of information used to support a particular argument or conclusion. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, indicating that it is indeed correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chain of evidence" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It refers to a series of interconnected facts or proofs used to support a claim. Its primary function is to establish proof or demonstrate a logical connection, making it suitable for various contexts ranging from news and media to science and business. While generally neutral to formal, the formality may vary based on surrounding language. When using "chain of evidence", it is important to ensure each piece of evidence is clearly linked and strengthens the overall argument. Remember that breaks in the chain can weaken your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

body of proof

Emphasizes the collective weight and substance of the evidence.

succession of proofs

Highlights individual proofs building upon one another.

line of reasoning

Focuses more on the logical sequence of thought rather than physical evidence.

logical connection

Stresses the rational link between different pieces of information.

web of information

Suggests a complex and interconnected network of details.

sequence of events

Highlights the temporal order and interconnectedness of occurrences.

trail of clues

Suggests a more investigative and potentially secretive aspect of the evidence.

series of facts

Presents a straightforward list of relevant information.

course of investigation

Highlights the process of gathering and analyzing information.

collection of data

Emphasizes the gathered information rather than its interconnectedness.

FAQs

How is "chain of evidence" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "chain of evidence" usually describes a series of connected pieces of information or proof used to support a claim or argument. For example, 'The prosecution presented a strong "chain of evidence" linking the defendant to the crime'.

What phrases can I use instead of "chain of evidence"?

You can use alternatives like "line of reasoning", "body of proof", or "succession of proofs" depending on the specific context.

What makes a "chain of evidence" strong?

A strong "chain of evidence" is characterized by clear, logical connections between each piece of evidence, with each element directly supporting the overall conclusion. A lack of ambiguity and reliable sourcing are also important.

In legal contexts, why is maintaining the "chain of evidence" important?

In legal settings, maintaining the "chain of evidence" ensures that evidence has not been tampered with or compromised, preserving its integrity and admissibility in court. Any break in the chain can cast doubt on the reliability of the evidence.