conclusive evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conclusive evidence" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to evidence that proves a point definitively, beyond any doubt. For example: "The witness's testimony provided conclusive evidence to support the defendant's innocence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The FRC said the Bank of England's conclusions were "conclusive evidence of misconduct".

The Guardian - Business

This is conclusive evidence?

The New York Times - Sports

No conclusive evidence.

The Guardian

It's not conclusive evidence".

The New York Times

There is no conclusive evidence for Pres.

The New Yorker

Yet there's no conclusive evidence either way.

The Guardian - Books

The find did not provide conclusive evidence.

The Guardian

"I can't give conclusive evidence of it.

The New York Times

"This is not conclusive evidence, but another layer in what I consider conclusive evidence".

The New York Times - Arts

Rwanda claims no conclusive evidence has been produced.

The Guardian

Of course, these are more suggestions than conclusive evidence.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conclusive evidence" when you want to emphasize that the proof is strong enough to eliminate reasonable doubt. For example: "The DNA analysis provided "conclusive evidence" linking the suspect to the crime scene."

Common error

Avoid using "conclusive evidence" when the evidence is merely suggestive or circumstantial. Ensure the evidence truly leads to an undeniable conclusion; otherwise, use terms like "strong evidence" or "suggestive evidence" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conclusive evidence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes information that serves as definitive proof, resolving uncertainty. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase indicates that a point is proven definitively, leaving no doubt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conclusive evidence" is a noun phrase that signifies definitive proof, often used to eliminate doubt in an argument or claim. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and widespread application. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a preference for formal and neutral registers. When using this phrase, ensure that the evidence genuinely provides an undeniable conclusion, distinguishing it from merely suggestive or circumstantial proof. Alternatives include "solid evidence", "definitive evidence", and "irrefutable evidence", which offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solid evidence

Replaces "conclusive" with "solid", indicating a strong and reliable basis for a claim.

definitive evidence

Substitutes "conclusive" with "definitive", emphasizing the final and authoritative nature of the evidence.

irrefutable evidence

Replaces "conclusive" with "irrefutable", highlighting that the evidence cannot be disproven.

compelling evidence

Changes "conclusive" to "compelling", focusing on the evidence's ability to persuade or convince.

incontrovertible evidence

Similar to "irrefutable evidence", but with a slightly more formal tone.

decisive evidence

Emphasizes the evidence's role in settling a matter or argument.

undeniable proof

Switches from "evidence" to "proof", indicating a higher level of certainty and replacing "conclusive" with "undeniable" for emphasis.

absolute proof

Similar to "undeniable proof", but uses "absolute" to stress the completeness of the proof.

certain proof

Simpler alternative emphasizing the sureness of the proof.

demonstrable fact

Shifts the focus to a "fact" that can be clearly shown or proven, rather than relying solely on evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "conclusive evidence" in a sentence?

Use "conclusive evidence" to describe proof that is strong and undeniable, such as "The experiment provided "conclusive evidence" of the drug's effectiveness".

What are some alternatives to using "conclusive evidence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "solid evidence", "definitive evidence", or "irrefutable evidence".

Is there a difference between "strong evidence" and "conclusive evidence"?

"Strong evidence" suggests a good degree of proof, while "conclusive evidence" implies proof that is undeniable and leaves no room for doubt. The latter is more definitive.

When is it inappropriate to use the term "conclusive evidence"?

Avoid using "conclusive evidence" when the proof is not definitive or when there are conflicting findings. In such cases, "suggestive evidence" or "preliminary findings" might be more suitable.