not attested

USAGE SUMMARY

"not attested" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is not supported or backed up by evidence or proof. You can use it when discussing historical events, scientific theories, or any other claims that lack sufficient evidence. Example: The claim that aliens exist on Mars is not attested by any scientific research or observation, thus it is considered unsubstantiated and not accepted by the scientific community.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The haoma cult was practiced at Persepolis, but animal sacrifice is not attested.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the latter sense is not attested in English until after Knox's death.

The New York Times - Books

(An asterisk before a letter or word indicates that the sound or word is not attested but is a hypothetical, reconstructed form).

Encyclopedia Britannica

But there is little supporting evidence for this claim, and the presence of Dravidian speakers throughout the whole subcontinent at any time in history is not attested.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Rhetra demands the setting up of a council with the kings and stipulates regular meetings for the Assembly (something not attested at Athens until far later).

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is not attested in any known records; all that is sure is that bubonic plague invaded Europe and the Middle East in 1347 via the steppe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

He could not attest to other specific conditions of the dead man's detention.

The New York Times

The current rage may or may not attest to patriotic fervor, however.

The New York Times

But underwriters do not attest to the moral virtue of their clients.

The New York Times

During his trial he said, 'I will not attest to killing her, but if I had, it was because she gave me syphilis.' " He starts laughing.

The New York Times

Since nearly all the Jews who originally settled here were men, their descendants could not attest to having Jewish mothers, ruling them out as being Jewish according to strict interpretations of Jewish law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not attested", ensure you clearly indicate what lacks evidence or documentation. Provide context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not attested" to definitively disprove something. It simply means there's no current evidence, not that it's impossible. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not attested" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or concept by indicating that it lacks supporting evidence or documentation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and typical usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

28%

Science

42%

News & Media

17%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not attested" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a lack of evidence or confirmation, as verified by Ludwig AI. It is particularly common in formal and scientific contexts, such as academic papers and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify what lacks evidence and avoid misinterpreting its meaning as absolute disproof. Consider alternatives like "unsubstantiated" or "unconfirmed" depending on the specific context. Be aware that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. Therefore, proper use of "not attested" involves providing relevant context and avoiding overstatements about the existence or non-existence of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsubstantiated

Indicates a lack of evidence to support a claim.

undocumented

Suggests a lack of official records or documentation.

unconfirmed

Implies that a statement or fact has not been verified.

unproven

Signifies that something has not been demonstrated to be true or valid.

unverified

Similar to "unconfirmed", but often used in technical or scientific contexts.

without evidence

Directly states the absence of proof.

lacking support

Implies that a claim does not have sufficient backing or justification.

not recorded

Indicates the absence of something within official records.

not validated

Similar to "unverified", emphasizes the lack of formal validation.

without corroboration

Highlights the absence of supporting evidence from multiple sources.

FAQs

How can I use "not attested" in a sentence?

Use "not attested" to indicate that something lacks supporting evidence or documentation. For example, "The existence of unicorns is "not attested" by scientific findings".

What does "not attested" mean?

"Not attested" means that something has not been confirmed or supported by evidence, documentation, or reliable sources.

Which is correct, "not attested" or "unattested"?

Both "not attested" and "unattested" are grammatically correct. However, "not attested" is more commonly used and generally preferred in formal writing.

What are some alternatives to saying "not attested"?

Alternatives include "unsubstantiated", "undocumented", or "unconfirmed", depending on the specific context.