evidently

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "evidently" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb meaning "in an obvious way; clearly." For example, you can use it in a sentence like this: "Evidently, they had been planning the trip for a while now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Smacking is evidently distinct from outright physical abuse, but there is evidence that, among some parents, the use of whips, belts and electrical flex is considered a perfectly acceptable means of "correction".

The Guardian - Opinion

He was evidently referring to Sunday night - so how could he omit our year-round commitment to Songs Of Praise?

The Guardian

Although Binyamin Netanyahu has been vociferous in addressing the perceived Iranian threat to Israel, during his first term as prime minister in the late 1990s he evidently sent signals that he was interested in dialogue with Tehran.

The Guardian

There is a pattern emerging here: Carlyle, a lapsed socialist (his spirit, he has said, all but broken by the 1992 Tory victory), evidently likes his geniuses to come in different shades of troublemaker.

The Guardian - Film

I maintain my cheerful demeanour, though, anxious to chat with you and show I am not the inarticulate buffoon you evidently suppose I am.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I feel about crazy paving much as Dickens evidently felt about the life Wemmick lived with his Aged P in Walworth, with his drawbridge and his castle and a tiny lake with an island in the middle "which might have been the salad for dinner".

The Guardian - Opinion

"There was a moment where I felt like old media doesn't have the same power as it used to, people don't listen to the front pages of the Sun or the Mail – these things seem kind of ridiculous but evidently that is not the case," he said.

The Guardian

The white officer, evidently dissatisfied, drew his gun and pointed it at Nesbitt's left temple.

The Guardian

That the Soviet people welcomed her so warmly and with genuine interest, that they were so open to the "Iron Lady", was evidently an enjoyable experience to her.

The Guardian

The Mail evidently responded by removing the article without comment or apology.

The Guardian

Dunbar is a pretty market town in East Lothian with an evidently active community: civic week has just finished, and the bakery is supported by more than 740 local shareholders.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using "evidently" to signal to your audience that you are about to state something that is readily apparent, but also be prepared to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid overusing "evidently" in formal writing, as it can sometimes sound redundant or overly assertive. Choose more precise language to convey your meaning effectively.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "evidently" functions as a disjunct, modifying the entire clause to express the speaker's assessment of the truth or validity of the statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "evidently" is a versatile adverb used to indicate that something is clear or obvious based on available information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As this analysis shows, it is most commonly found in News & Media, conveying a neutral tone, but can also be used in Formal & Business writing. While similar to other adverbs like "obviously" or "apparently", it adds a nuanced meaning, suggesting that a conclusion is drawn from concrete evidence. Remember to avoid overuse, especially in very formal contexts, and you will improve the clarity of your writing by using alternatives to avoid using the same phrase every time. Ludwig's examples confirm it's a common way to start sentences, often found in journalistic contexts to present a deduction or clear outcome of an event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obviously

Emphasizes the clear and easily perceived nature of something.

clearly

Highlights the unambiguous and easily understood nature of something.

plainly

Stresses the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of something.

apparently

Suggests something seems to be the case based on available evidence.

manifestly

Indicates something is undeniably and obviously apparent.

patently

Highlights the undeniably obvious and evident nature of something.

ostensibly

Suggests something appears to be true but might not be.

visibly

Focuses on something being able to be seen or noticed.

unquestionably

Emphasizes that something is undoubtedly true and cannot be challenged.

it is clear that

Introduces a statement by asserting its clarity and obviousness.

FAQs

How can I use "evidently" in a sentence?

"Evidently" is used to indicate that something is obvious or apparent based on the available information. For example: "Evidently, the project was not well-planned from the start."

What are some alternatives to "evidently"?

You can use alternatives like "obviously", "clearly", or "apparently" depending on the specific context.

Is "evidently" interchangeable with "obviously"?

While similar, "evidently" suggests the conclusion is based on evidence, whereas "obviously" implies something is easily perceived without needing explicit proof.

What's the difference between "evidently" and "seemingly"?

"Evidently" implies something is clear based on evidence, while "seemingly" suggests an appearance that may or may not be true.