collateral evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"collateral evidence" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is used when referring to evidence from a source other than the primary or direct source. For example, "The prosecution used the defendant's past criminal record as collateral evidence to show a pattern of similar behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

All such claims have rested on a partial examination of surviving documents and collateral evidence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Collateral evidence as to the transmission of a text may be supplied from sources external to the direct or indirect textual tradition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A sorption model and collateral evidence introduced in Part I of the series were used to interpret and explain Tg variation in epoxy resin systems.

Polymer

Judge Heinrichs also found, "There is clear medical and collateral evidence that the Prozac affected his behavior and judgment, thereby reducing his moral culpability" (p. 20).

Huffington Post

The four diffuse-type AIP patients were deniable for HISORt but fit ICDC NOS owing to these four patients did not have any collateral evidence.

BMJ Open

These clinical observations remind us that the collateral evidence of AIP in focal-type AIP is mostly in OOI, but not serology.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Direct or collateral evidences suggested the involvement of procoagulant molecular mechanisms in musculoskeletal sarcoma.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Some indirect evidence for the CF collateral-induced synaptic change is the configuration of the CF collateral terminals that contact distal as well as proximal dendrites and cell bodies (e.g., [86]).

Plosone

I considered the flecks it left on my towels, sheets and pillows collateral damage, evidence that I was living my best life.

The New York Times

Knockdown of RGS5 evoked opposite effects and thus strongly impaired collateral growth as evidenced by a blockade of RhoA activation, SMC proliferation and the inability of these cells to acquire an activated phenotype in RGS5-deficient mice after the onset of arteriogenesis.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

The "collateral murder" video, among evidence alleged to have been released by Chelsea Manning, showed a US Apache helicopter obliterating an ambulance in Baghdad as it collected the wounded.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "collateral evidence", ensure it genuinely supports the main argument without overshadowing primary evidence. Use it to add depth and credibility, not as a replacement for more direct proof.

Common error

Avoid building your argument solely on "collateral evidence". Remember it's supplementary. Always prioritize direct evidence, using "collateral evidence" only to enhance or clarify the primary points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collateral evidence" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies evidence which is not directly related to the main point but provides supporting or contextual information. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct expression in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "collateral evidence" refers to supplementary information that supports a main claim. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts. While not as frequent as other types of evidence, it is used across diverse sources from science journals to news outlets. When incorporating "collateral evidence" into your writing, prioritize direct evidence, use "collateral evidence" strategically to reinforce key points, and avoid over-reliance on indirect proofs. Alternatives like "supporting evidence" or "corroborating evidence" can provide similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supporting evidence

Replaces "collateral" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing the supportive nature of the evidence.

corroborating evidence

Highlights the aspect of confirming or strengthening the primary evidence.

secondary evidence

Focuses on the evidence being not primary or direct but still relevant.

indirect evidence

Emphasizes that the evidence is not directly linked but suggests a connection.

circumstantial evidence

Indicates reliance on circumstances to infer a fact.

additional proof

Replaces "evidence" with "proof" and highlights the supplementary nature.

ancillary evidence

Uses a more formal term for supporting or auxiliary evidence.

supplemental evidence

Similar to "supporting evidence" but with a focus on adding to the existing evidence.

related evidence

Suggests the evidence is connected but not necessarily directly supportive.

background evidence

Focuses on evidence that provides context or background information.

FAQs

How does "collateral evidence" differ from direct evidence?

"Collateral evidence" is indirect and supports primary evidence, while direct evidence proves a fact without inference. Think of collateral evidence as background information that strengthens the main point.

What are some synonyms for "collateral evidence"?

Alternatives include "supporting evidence", "corroborating evidence", or "secondary evidence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I effectively use "collateral evidence" in my writing?

Use "collateral evidence" to add credibility to your main argument by providing context or supporting details. Be sure to clearly explain the connection between the "collateral evidence" and your central claim.

Is it acceptable to base an argument solely on "collateral evidence"?

Relying exclusively on "collateral evidence" is generally weak. It's best used in conjunction with direct evidence to create a more compelling case. Use alternatives like "supporting evidence" or "corroborating evidence" if it's secondary to the core of your point.