contradictory evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'contradictory evidence' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing two different sources of evidence that oppose each other. For example, "The prosecution argued that the accused was guilty, but the defense found contradictory evidence that showed he was innocent."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Contradictory evidence is brushed aside.

The New York Times - Books

In some cases, contradictory evidence can even strengthen the belief.

Columbia University

This is partly due to contradictory evidence on the presence of thick post-cycling surface oxides.

Acta Materialia

If an extraterrestrial impact occurred during a gradual decline, that might explain the seemingly contradictory evidence.

University of California, Berkeley

There has been contradictory evidence about the relationship between skin cancer and ultraviolet light.

The New York Times

In particular, we believe more readily what fits our preconceptions and block out contradictory evidence.

The Guardian - Books

"We are in this terrible position where we are again getting contradictory evidence," she said.

The Guardian

Even the most well-established scientific theory can be disproved by new contradictory evidence.

The New York Times

It may be that Mohammed killed Pearl, but contradictory evidence and opinion continue to surface.

The New Yorker

We've seen the end of racism announced in the face of contradictory evidence before.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is contradictory evidence as to whether mammalian NMD is a nuclear or a cytoplasmic process.

Molecular Cell

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "contradictory evidence", always cite your sources and explain the different interpretations to maintain objectivity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "contradictory evidence" without providing sufficient context. Always explain the conditions under which each piece of evidence was obtained and why the contradiction exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contradictory evidence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to facts or information that oppose or disagree with each other. Ludwig confirms its correct and widespread usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

42%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contradictory evidence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to highlight conflicting information across diverse fields, from scientific research to legal debates. Its neutral register makes it suitable for formal and informal contexts alike. When using "contradictory evidence", ensure to provide sufficient context and cite sources appropriately to maintain objectivity. Alternative phrases include "conflicting testimony" and "inconsistent data". Given its widespread use, understanding the nuances of "contradictory evidence" is essential for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discrepant findings

Highlights differences observed in research outcomes or observations.

inconsistent data

Emphasizes the lack of uniformity within a set of information.

disputed facts

Highlights that the veracity or accuracy of certain details are being challenged.

conflicting testimony

Focuses specifically on inconsistencies in spoken or written statements.

varying accounts

Focuses on the presence of multiple, differing narratives or descriptions of an event.

opposing viewpoints

Highlights differing perspectives or opinions rather than concrete data.

mixed signals

Suggests unclear or ambiguous communication, often implying uncertainty.

unreliable information

Implies that the data cannot be trusted or depended upon.

dubious claims

Suggests the assertions lack credibility or are questionable.

contentious arguments

Emphasizes disagreement and debate surrounding a particular issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "contradictory evidence" to highlight conflicting information or viewpoints. For example, "The jury had to weigh the "contradictory evidence" presented by both sides before reaching a verdict."

What's the difference between "contradictory evidence" and "inconsistent evidence"?

"Contradictory evidence" presents opposing facts or claims, while "inconsistent evidence" /s/inconsistent+evidence suggests a lack of uniformity or logical coherence within a set of data.

What are some synonyms for "contradictory evidence"?

Alternatives to "contradictory evidence" include "conflicting testimony", "inconsistent data", or "discrepant findings".

In what situations is it important to acknowledge "contradictory evidence"?

It's vital to acknowledge "contradictory evidence" in research papers, legal proceedings, and journalistic reports to provide a balanced and unbiased representation of the facts.