lend credibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lend credibility" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe when something lends legitimacy to a statement or idea, making it appear more trustworthy or believable. For example, a news organization's reputation can lend credibility to the stories it publishes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Coalitions lend credibility.

The New York Times

Best needed someone to lend credibility to the company.

The New Yorker

It invited foreign experts to lend credibility to its investigation.

The New York Times

deal would lend credibility to whatever proposals Argentina makes.

The New York Times

"This was done to lend credibility to the medicine".

The New York Times

Duncan said the prestige of playing for the Yankees might lend credibility in a future job.

The New York Times

Its jealously guarded independence is supposed to lend credibility to the system.

The Economist

This is because such deviants lend credibility and support to the in-group's social reality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Ceglia's own history did nothing to lend credibility to his improbable claim.

The New York Times - Tech

Besides providing expertise, activists can lend credibility to a company's environmental programmes.

The Economist

Cultic practices probably lie behind and lend credibility to many such tales.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lend credibility" when you want to indicate that something enhances the believability or trustworthiness of a statement, idea, or person. For example, citing reputable sources can "lend credibility" to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "lend credibility" in contexts where factual accuracy or logical reasoning is more important. For instance, instead of saying 'The bright colors lend credibility to the painting', consider 'The bright colors enhance the painting's visual appeal'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lend credibility" functions as a verb phrase where "lend" acts as a transitive verb taking "credibility" as its direct object. This indicates the action of contributing or imparting credibility to something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lend credibility" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that conveys the act of enhancing believability or trustworthiness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts. To use it effectively, consider that reputable sources can ""lend credibility"" to an argument and be mindful of avoiding its use in contexts where relevance is key. Alternatives include "add credence" and "enhance trustworthiness".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

add credence

Uses "credence" instead of "credibility", implying the act of adding belief or acceptance.

enhance trustworthiness

Focuses on improving the quality of being trusted, rather than specifically lending credibility.

bolster reliability

Emphasizes strengthening the dependability or consistency of something.

support validity

Highlights the act of providing evidence or justification for something's truthfulness.

increase believability

Directly focuses on making something more believable or convincing.

fortify reputation

Concentrates on strengthening the overall positive perception or standing of someone or something.

validate authenticity

Emphasizes confirming the genuineness or originality of something.

give weight to

Indicates adding importance or significance to something, thus making it more credible.

invest with authority

Focuses on granting or bestowing official power or right, which can enhance credibility.

underpin reputation

Focuses on providing a solid foundation for reputation, thereby indirectly supporting credibility.

FAQs

How can I use "lend credibility" in a sentence?

You can use "lend credibility" to show that something is making a statement or idea more believable. For example: "Expert testimony can "lend credibility" to a legal case".

What can I say instead of "lend credibility"?

You can use alternatives like "add credence", "enhance trustworthiness", or "bolster reliability" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "give credibility" or "lend credibility"?

"Give credibility" and ""lend credibility"" are often interchangeable. However, ""lend credibility"" implies a temporary or contributory enhancement of believability, while "give credibility" might suggest a more permanent or complete bestowal of trust.

How does evidence "lend credibility" to a claim?

Evidence "lends credibility" by providing verifiable support or justification for the claim, making it more likely to be accepted as true or valid.