incomplete evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incomplete evidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where the available information or proof is not sufficient to draw a conclusion or make a decision. Example: "The jury was unable to reach a verdict due to the presence of incomplete evidence presented during the trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both sides accuse the disciplinary board of operating with incomplete evidence.

The Guardian

But the case will be decided on the basis of incomplete evidence.

The Guardian - Sport

The world would benefit from a transparent, international investigation, rather than piecemeal reports based on incomplete evidence.

The New York Times

For a start, Markit's prediction of 0.1% growth in the second quarter are based on incomplete evidence.

The Guardian - Business

Ms Miller expressed regret to the Commons for her "incomplete" evidence, and apologised, but briefly.

Independent

He found that a quarter of 300 randomly selected disability cases were awarded with insufficient, contradictory or incomplete evidence.

The Economist

First that intelligence is neither art nor science but a system of best guesses based on incomplete evidence.

The Economist

There is incomplete evidence that he was canonized in 1163, though some scholars contend that he was canonized by Pope Alexander VI in 1494.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Catherine Collins, of the British Dietetic Association, said the doctors had downplayed the metabolic and physical health benefits of undertaking even moderately intense exercise and had used "incomplete evidence" to make their case.

The Guardian

Rumfitt said the MSC had knowingly given police incomplete evidence when they handed over the internal emails, which included references to payments to a "police contact", a "Chelsea copper", or "Tipster Bob", who worked at Broadmoor high security hospital.

The Guardian

When you focus on uncertainty, you are offered a chance to consider more than just "oooh, but what if … " but spaces of incomplete evidence, divergent values or scientific disagreement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incomplete evidence", clarify what specific information is missing and how it impacts the reliability or validity of a conclusion.

Common error

Avoid making definitive statements or strong claims when your analysis relies on "incomplete evidence". Acknowledge the limitations and potential uncertainties in your findings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incomplete evidence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "incomplete" modifies the noun "evidence". As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is used to denote a situation where the available proof or information is not comprehensive or fully developed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incomplete evidence" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe situations where the available evidence is not comprehensive. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. Related terms include "insufficient evidence" and "partial evidence", each carrying slightly different connotations. When using "incomplete evidence", be mindful of avoiding overstatements and acknowledge the limitations of your analysis. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, indicating a lack of sufficient information and maintaining a neutral to formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient evidence

Focuses more on the inadequacy of the evidence rather than its unfinished state.

partial evidence

Highlights that only a portion of the evidence is available.

fragmentary evidence

Suggests the evidence exists in broken or disconnected pieces.

sketchy evidence

Implies the evidence is vague or lacks detail.

inadequate evidence

Emphasizes the evidence is not good enough or is of poor quality.

deficient evidence

Points out a clear lack or shortage in the evidence.

patchy evidence

Indicates the evidence is inconsistent and not uniformly distributed.

fragmented evidence

Similar to fragmentary, it denotes that the evidence is broken into pieces.

imperfect evidence

Highlights the evidence isn't ideal or flawless.

flawed evidence

Indicates errors or weaknesses within the evidence.

FAQs

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

"Incomplete evidence" is used to describe situations where the available information is not comprehensive. For example: "The investigation stalled due to "incomplete evidence" at the crime scene."

What are some synonyms for "incomplete evidence"?

Alternatives include "insufficient evidence", "partial evidence", or "fragmentary evidence", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to draw conclusions from "incomplete evidence"?

Drawing firm conclusions from "incomplete evidence" is generally not recommended. It's better to acknowledge the limitations and potential uncertainties in your analysis.

What's the difference between "incomplete evidence" and "inconclusive evidence"?

"Incomplete evidence" means that some information is missing, while "inconclusive evidence" means the evidence, even if complete, does not lead to a clear or definitive conclusion.