opposite evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opposite evidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing information or data that contradicts or challenges a particular claim or argument. Example: "The researcher presented opposite evidence that called into question the validity of the initial findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

From a helicopter, he had seen the opposite: evidence of brilliantly improvised and self-organizing urban planning.

The New Yorker

To me, now, they indicate the opposite: evidence you faced up to the primal horrors that are the meat and potatoes of the weepie.

The Guardian - Opinion

While the Dutchman's charges are hardly likely to do the opposite, evidence that switching between 3-5-2, 4-4-2, 4-1-3-2 and Sunday's 3-4-1-2 is notheisidetisg the side is found in United's six consecutive wins in the Premier League.

The Guardian - Sport

Though opposite evidence for sensitivity of the amygdala to emotional music with eyes open has also been presented especially with regard to the semantic structure of music [24], [25].

Plosone

Interestingly, another clinical study gave rise to opposite evidence that elevated expression of YKL-40 was associated with positive levels of ER and PR, but did not correlate with patient survival (Roslind et al, 2007).

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Trump has done the opposite, evidenced by including his business partners (i.e. his kids) in important meetings with foreign officials.

Huffington Post

However, there are also some opposite evidences.

BioMed Research International

Or adultesence might be just the opposite: not evidence of progress but another sign of a generalized regression.

The New Yorker

Her expression as we sat down said it all – had things got so desperate that, after fifteen years working on these issues, we'd turned to the opposite of evidence – the arts?

The Guardian

It is the opposite: further evidence of the violent displacement of civilians from rural areas.John RyleLondonTaxes and the FrenchSIR – It is true that most French people are pleased with their public sector ("They love it", May 26th).

The Economist

"Just the opposite, the evidence seized is consistent with the type of strict medical dosage that occurs with a doctor's supervision".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "opposite evidence", clearly articulate the original claim or hypothesis that the evidence contradicts to provide context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid presenting "opposite evidence" as conclusive proof against a claim when it may only weaken or challenge it. Acknowledge limitations and the need for further investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opposite evidence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It signifies data or findings that contradict a particular claim, hypothesis, or established belief. As seen in Ludwig, it directly challenges the validity of initial assertions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opposite evidence" is a noun phrase used to describe findings that contradict existing claims. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most frequently appears in scientific and news-related contexts. While not as prevalent as some other phrases, it is a useful term for highlighting contradictory information. When writing, it is important to use the phrase accurately and avoid overstating the strength of the "opposite evidence", understanding that while this phrase can weaken claims, it doesn't always invalidate them. Alternatives like "contradictory evidence" or "conflicting evidence" may also be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contradictory evidence

Directly indicates conflicting proof, stronger emphasis on contradiction.

conflicting evidence

Similar to contradictory evidence, implying a clash between different pieces of proof.

contrary evidence

Suggests evidence that goes against a particular claim, slightly more formal.

opposing evidence

Evidence that is in opposition to a particular view, similar to "opposite evidence".

rebutting evidence

Emphasizes the act of disproving something with evidence.

disproving evidence

Focuses on the evidence's capacity to negate a claim.

evidence to the contrary

More formal and emphasizes that the evidence exists in opposition.

counter evidence

A shorter, more direct way to describe opposing evidence.

inverse evidence

Signifies evidence pointing to the reverse of what is expected.

divergent evidence

Implies that the evidence branches off in different directions, creating opposition.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "opposite evidence" in an argument?

To effectively use "opposite evidence", first, clearly state the claim you're addressing. Then, present the "contradictory evidence", explaining how it challenges or refutes the original claim. Finally, discuss the implications of this conflicting data.

What's the difference between "opposite evidence" and "conflicting evidence"?

"Opposite evidence" generally refers to evidence that directly contradicts a specific claim. "Conflicting evidence"/"contradictory evidence" can encompass a broader range of data that is inconsistent or creates uncertainty, even if not in direct opposition.

Can "opposite evidence" definitively disprove a theory?

While "opposite evidence" can significantly weaken a theory, it doesn't always definitively disprove it. Additional factors like the strength and reliability of the "opposing evidence", the quality of the original data, and the potential for alternative explanations must be considered.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "opposite evidence" in my writing?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "conflicting evidence", "contrary evidence", or "rebutting evidence". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the disagreement.