corroborate something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "corroborate something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to indicate that you are confirming or supporting a statement or piece of information. Example: "The witness was able to corroborate the defendant's alibi." Alternative expressions include "confirm something" and "support something."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I raised about $30 million—if you're saying that I can be bought for $5,000, I'm offended".I've argued before that campaign gaffes are most costly when they reveal something noxious or seem to corroborate something unlikeable about a candidate.

The Economist

"Their source of information was Paul Le Roux, and if you can't corroborate something Paul Le Roux tells you, you should not act on it".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The family, who was further inspected by doctors, was diagnosed with no mental illness and police corroborated that something evil might have been responsible.

Vice

Sometimes his father will corroborate or deny something – for instance it was Jorge who pointed me in the direction of the Canal+ extended video when I asked whether Messi has reason to mock Tata's game plan.

The Guardian - Sport

Reproducibility and objectivity form the "bedrock of science," but are also it's "grand limitations". They are essential to corroborating the results of a scientific study or experiment, but can they really confirm something as scientific truth?

Duke University

Defendant's own testimony is not enough, you need something to corroborate it.

Harvard University

He doesn't want to go into details, but says that when "there was a question mark over what was going to happen to me, I saw something that gave me a sense of reassurance and then it was qualified some years later as being something corroborated by a feeling of what it was.

The Guardian - Film

Associates of Mr. Spielberg say they have not seriously entertained any Hollywood overtures, something corroborated by Ron Meyer, the president of Universal Studios.

The New York Times

He won his appeal in 2011 after proving that he accidentally took sexual-enhancement pills, something corroborated by a clerk at the convenience store where he bought them.

The New York Times - Sports

He won his appeal in 2011 after proving that he accidentally took sexual-enhancement pills, something corroborated by a clerk at the convenience store where he bought them.

The New York Times - Sports

When Colton leaves the room, Gene accuses Josh of abandoning his baby; the latter protests that he had no idea Colton existed, something corroborated by Maura, who informs the pastor that the Pfeffermans made a "sizable contribution" to the pastor's church when he adopted Colton.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "corroborate something", ensure you clearly identify what specific piece of information or claim is being supported by evidence.

Common error

Avoid claiming something is corroborated if your evidence relies solely on a single, potentially biased source. Seek diverse and independent confirmations to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "corroborate something" functions as a transitive verb phrase, where "corroborate" requires a direct object (the "something") to complete its meaning. It indicates the action of providing support or confirmation for the object, lending it credibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "corroborate something" is used to confirm or support a statement with evidence, as highlighted by Ludwig. Grammatically sound and relatively common, it appears across varied contexts like news, academic writing, and scientific reports. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase follows standard grammar rules. To enhance clarity, always specify what is being corroborated and avoid relying on single, potentially biased sources. Consider alternatives such as "verify something" or "validate something" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verify something

This alternative focuses on establishing the truth or accuracy of information.

validate something

This alternative emphasizes the act of confirming the legitimacy or correctness of something.

confirm something

This suggests solidifying or establishing something as true or certain.

substantiate something

This indicates providing evidence to support the truth of a claim or statement.

authenticate something

This focuses on proving that something is genuine or valid.

attest to something

This suggests providing formal or official confirmation of something.

prove something

This emphasizes demonstrating the truth or validity of something beyond doubt.

support something

This highlights providing evidence or backing for a particular idea or claim.

bear out something

This implies confirming the accuracy or truth of something through additional evidence or facts.

endorse something

This suggests giving approval or support to something, often in a formal or public way.

FAQs

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

You can use "corroborate something" to indicate that you are confirming or supporting a statement or piece of information with evidence. For example: "The witness was able to corroborate the defendant's alibi".

What does it mean to "corroborate something"?

To "corroborate something" means to confirm or support a statement, theory, or finding with evidence or additional information.

What can I say instead of "corroborate something"?

You can use alternatives like "verify something", "validate something", or "confirm something" depending on the context.

How important is it to have evidence that "corroborates something"?

Having corroborating evidence is crucial for establishing the credibility and reliability of a claim or statement. Without it, assertions may be viewed with skepticism.