key evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"key evidence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a piece of information that is particularly relevant or important to a case, debate, discussion, or situation. For example, "The prosecution presented key evidence linking the defendant to the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We've dug out some of the key evidence he gave.

The Guardian

Some fail to present key evidence or witnesses.

The New York Times

The key evidence was an eyewitness and the incriminating statement.

The New York Times

In other cases, too, his colleagues say, the fetal monitor readings would constitute the key evidence.

The New York Times

But he complained that some of that key evidence could not be used in court.

The New York Times

The New York Times allege key evidence was withheld from the Crown Prosecutions Service.

The Guardian

Observers noted that key evidence — namely, phone conversations between the subjects — was not taken into account.

The New Yorker

A majority of senators had voted to suppress key evidence, making his acquittal appear inevitable.

The New York Times

Key evidence for this argument is provided by satellite data, he adds.

The Guardian

Previous investigations by military police and Surrey constabulary were criticised over failures to collect key evidence.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ten key evidence-policy factors informed APPS programming (Table  1).

Globalization and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "key evidence", ensure it is clearly and directly linked to the argument or conclusion it supports. Provide context and explanation to highlight its significance.

Common error

Avoid labeling all evidence as "key". Reserve the term for evidence that is truly crucial and pivotal to your argument; overusing it weakens its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key evidence" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting evidence that is essential or crucial to a particular matter. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key evidence" is a widely used and grammatically correct noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It signifies evidence of utmost importance within a given context. Its frequent appearance in news, scientific, and formal business settings underscores its versatility and relevance. To enhance your writing, remember to use "key evidence" judiciously, reserving it for truly critical pieces of information to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "critical proof" or "vital evidence" can be used to add variety while retaining the core meaning. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively leverage "key evidence" to strengthen your arguments and convey essential information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical proof

Emphasizes the importance of the proof in a decisive manner.

vital evidence

Highlights the essential nature of the evidence.

crucial testimony

Specifically refers to spoken evidence of utmost importance.

pivotal fact

Indicates the turning point or hinge upon which something depends.

significant data

Focuses on the statistical or informational weight of the evidence.

central element

Highlights the core or focal point of the evidence.

main indicator

Suggests the evidence serves as a primary sign or signal.

chief component

Emphasizes the role of the evidence as a leading part of the whole.

primary clue

Points to the evidence as a lead in solving a mystery or problem.

cornerstone evidence

Metaphorically positions the evidence as a foundational piece.

FAQs

How to use "key evidence" in a sentence?

You can use "key evidence" to refer to crucial information or data that supports a claim, such as "The prosecution presented "key evidence" linking the defendant to the crime scene".

What can I say instead of "key evidence"?

Alternatives to "key evidence" include "critical proof", "vital evidence", or "crucial testimony", depending on the specific context.

What makes evidence "key"?

Evidence is considered "key" when it is essential in proving a point or resolving an issue. It's the evidence that directly supports the main argument or claim.

Is "key evidence" a formal or informal phrase?

"Key evidence" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in legal, academic, and everyday discussions.