evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

'evidence' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe evidence that supports a statement or claim. For example: "The police presented multiple pieces of evidence to prove the suspect's guilt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Although the investigation is in its early stages, we will take action to protect the public if we uncover evidence that could affect the safety of other rides at the park or elsewhere".

The Guardian

We have determined that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest".

The Guardian

She added: "This is further evidence that Paterson's unwillingness to accept the science on climate change is leading him to make the wrong choices on spending cuts within his department".

The Guardian

The evidence is inconclusive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Data protection authorities seem content to rely on search engines' application of the ruling's balancing test, citing low appeal rates as evidence that the balance is being appropriately struck.

The Guardian - Tech

He added: "The evidence for that is overwhelming".

The Guardian

The evidence suggests otherwise.

The Economist

Giving evidence to the House of Commons' international development committee, which is looking into the future of the CDC – Britain's investment fund for developing countries – Andrew Mitchell said the corporation's fund of funds model was too narrow and needed to be expanded.

The Guardian

The sister of Troy Davis, the man whose execution a year ago amid substantial evidence that he was innocent sparked protests across the US and the world, has vowed to keep on fighting until the death penalty is ended "one state at a time".

The Guardian

A leading academic study concludes there is "equivocal evidence regarding its magnitude".

The Guardian - Film

The answer is not for "formal" education to begin earlier, but the evidence in favour of state funding for play-based, nursery settings from the age of two – followed by a gentle transition into school life – is clear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use credible and reliable sources to strengthen the validity and impact of your "evidence".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the conclusiveness of "evidence". Use cautious language like "suggests" or "indicates" when the evidence is not definitive.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "evidence" is that of a noun, typically used to denote facts, objects, or signs that make one believe that something exists or is true. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions effectively in written English. Ludwig's examples show its usage across a variety of sentences and contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "evidence" functions primarily as a noun and is used to provide support for claims or arguments across various contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, the term is grammatically sound and broadly applicable in English writing. The analysis reveals its frequent occurrence in news and media, science and encyclopedic sources indicating a neutral register. When using "evidence", ensure its relevance to your argument and cite credible sources to bolster its impact. Alternatives such as "proof" or "grounds" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proof

Focuses on the conclusive nature of the support for a claim.

grounds

Emphasizes the basis or justification for a belief or action.

testimony

Refers specifically to statements given under oath.

documentation

Highlights the written or recorded information serving as support.

verification

Implies the act of confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

confirmation

Stresses the act of establishing something as true or valid.

substantiation

Indicates the act of providing support or proof for a claim.

validation

Emphasizes the act of checking or proving the validity of something.

corroboration

Highlights the act of strengthening or supporting a statement with additional evidence.

indicia

Refers to signs or indications that point to a particular fact or conclusion.

FAQs

How to use "evidence" in a sentence?

You can use "evidence" to refer to facts or information that support a claim, as in "The police presented multiple pieces of evidence to prove the suspect's guilt."

What can I say instead of "evidence"?

You can use alternatives like "proof", "grounds", or "testimony" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "evidence" and "proof"?

"Evidence" is information that supports a claim, while "proof" is conclusive evidence that establishes something as a fact.

How do you gather "evidence" for an argument?

Gathering "evidence" involves researching credible sources, conducting experiments, or collecting data that supports your claim. Ensure that the "evidence" is relevant and verifiable.