primary evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary evidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal, academic, or research contexts to refer to original or direct evidence that supports a claim or argument. Example: "In her research paper, she emphasized the importance of primary evidence to substantiate her thesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The government's "primary evidence was a C.I.A. conclusion," Mr. Frenzen said.

The New York Times

The primary evidence used to support the report's finding of excess beds is hospital occupancy rates.

The New York Times

Go Ask Alice by Anonymous, all bleeding hearts and shocking truths and primary evidence.

The Guardian

Now, his statements will serve as the primary evidence of criminal intent within Andersen.

The New York Times

This primary evidence carries considerable weight, particularly when these staff members see first-hand instances of abuse or assaults.

The Guardian

The primary evidence cited by their lawyers was a set of anonymous comments on The Washington Post Web site.

The New York Times

The dearth of dependable primary evidence about Knight forces Jenkins and Stauffer to rely often on conjecture.

The New York Times - Books

The primary evidence against him would have been his inability to account for his new wealth.

The New York Times - Sports

The videotaped statements were the primary evidence against the teenagers in 1990, when they were tried in connection with the rape and the other assaults.

The New York Times

Mr. Parrott's argument rests principally on the primary evidence: the performance materials surviving from Bach's musical household, produced by the composer's numerous offspring and equally numerous apprentices.

The New York Times - Books

Grimm explored the possibility of a German "Ostara" in Deutsche Mythologie, but in the absence of any primary evidence, all he could produce was conjecture.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting arguments, always prioritize presenting "primary evidence" to build a strong and credible foundation.

Common error

Avoid building arguments solely on interpretations of "primary evidence". Always review the original source material to form your own conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary evidence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As per Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English. It identifies the most important or original source of proof or information. For example, 'The government's "primary evidence" was a C.I.A conclusion.'

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "primary evidence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig, it refers to the original or most important evidence supporting a claim. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When writing, prioritize using and citing "primary evidence" to bolster the credibility of your arguments, avoiding over-reliance on secondary interpretations. Consider alternatives like "key evidence" or "main evidence" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key evidence

Focuses on the importance of the evidence.

main evidence

Highlights that this is the principal evidence.

crucial evidence

Emphasizes the critical nature of the evidence.

chief evidence

Indicates the most important piece of evidence.

central evidence

Highlights the core importance of this specific evidence.

original evidence

Stresses that the evidence is in its initial form.

direct evidence

Implies the evidence is straightforward and unequivocal.

firsthand evidence

Emphasizes that evidence is based on personal experience.

principal evidence

Indicates the evidence is leading or dominant.

core evidence

Highlights the fundamental nature of the evidence.

FAQs

What does "primary evidence" mean in research?

In research, "primary evidence" refers to original documents, firsthand accounts, or raw data used directly in a study or analysis. It contrasts with secondary sources that interpret or analyze "primary evidence".

How can I distinguish "primary evidence" from secondary evidence?

"Primary evidence" is original and direct, while secondary evidence involves analysis or interpretation of "primary evidence". Look for original sources and firsthand accounts to identify "primary evidence".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "primary evidence"?

You can use alternatives like "key evidence", "main evidence", or "original evidence" depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

Why is "primary evidence" important in academic writing?

"Primary evidence" provides the most direct and credible support for your arguments, enhancing the validity and persuasiveness of your academic writing. Using "primary evidence" demonstrates that you have directly engaged with the subject matter.