tentative evidence for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tentative evidence for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing preliminary or inconclusive findings that suggest a certain conclusion or hypothesis. Example: "The researchers found tentative evidence for a link between diet and mental health, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The bump is in the "diboson mass distribution", and can be interpreted as tentative evidence for a new fundamental particle, beyond the Standard Model, with a mass about two thousand times that of the proton.

The Guardian

Searches for this sixth and heaviest quark failed repeatedly until in April 1994 a team working on the Collider Detector Facility (CDF) at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in Batavia, Illinois, announced tentative evidence for the top quark.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other than that there are only a few legal records of disputes with his neighbours (from which Ludovico had to rescue him) to provide tentative evidence for the painter's irascible and contentious personality during his later years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, we find tentative evidence for a periodicity at 420 460 d.

Advances in Space Research

We also find tentative evidence for a moderating role of entrepreneurial experience and product newness.

Research Policy

There is tentative evidence for this from 2012, when a group of long-finned pilot whales stranded themselves on a beach in Scotland.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The analyses of GENOA data identified "tentative" evidence of linkage for albuminuria on chromosome 12 (at 57 cM from pter in black individuals) and on chromosome 19 (at 100 cM from pter in white individuals); however, the considerable distances from the loci that were identified in the HyperGen analysis do not support replication.

Application of Clinical Genetics

Some evidence exists and provides tentative evidence of impulsivity as a vulnerability marker for BD (e.g. Kwapil et al. 2000; Fulford et al. 2008; Giovanelli et al. 2013).

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

The tentative evidence from Australia is that caps on interchange fees for retailers have not been offset by any gain in the form of lower consumer prices.

The Economist

The results also show tentative evidence of an association between spoilt test kits (another reason for multiple gFOB testing) and lower subsequent uptake.

British Journal of Cancer

There was tentative evidence of an association between hazardous alcohol use and non-attendance for PTC (adjusted OR = 0.69, 0.45-1.02).

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tentative evidence for", clearly state that further research or investigation is needed to confirm the initial findings. This manages expectations and maintains scientific integrity.

Common error

Avoid presenting "tentative evidence for" as conclusive proof. Doing so can mislead readers and undermine the credibility of your argument. Always frame it as preliminary or suggestive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative evidence for" functions as an introductory qualifier to a claim or finding. It indicates that there is some support for an idea, but that the evidence is not yet strong enough to be considered conclusive. Ludwig AI also confirms that this is a usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tentative evidence for" is a useful tool for introducing preliminary findings or suggesting possible connections that require further investigation. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for formal and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to avoid overstating the significance of the evidence and to clearly communicate the need for more research. Alternatives include "preliminary support for" and "initial indications of". While used across different contexts, it most commonly appears in scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary support for

Focuses on the initial stage of evidence rather than the uncertainty.

initial indications of

Highlights that the evidence is only a starting point.

suggestive findings regarding

Emphasizes the suggestive nature of the findings without definitive proof.

limited proof concerning

Underscores the scarcity of evidence available.

early signs of

Highlights the temporal aspect of the evidence, being in its early stages.

possible clues about

Shifts the focus to the potential for future discoveries.

undeveloped data pertaining to

Stresses the raw and unrefined nature of the evidence.

unconfirmed signals regarding

Points out that the signals or indicators have not been verified.

emerging insights into

Focuses on the gradual revealing of new information or understanding.

circumstantial data relating to

Highlights that the data is indirect and suggestive rather than conclusive.

FAQs

How should I use "tentative evidence for" in a sentence?

Use "tentative evidence for" to introduce findings that suggest a possible conclusion, but require further investigation. For example, "The study provides "tentative evidence for" a link between X and Y, but more research is needed."

What phrases can I use instead of "tentative evidence for"?

You can use alternatives like "preliminary support for", "initial indications of", or "suggestive findings regarding" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "tentative evidence for" in formal writing?

Yes, ""tentative evidence for"" is appropriate in formal writing, especially in scientific or academic contexts where preliminary findings are discussed. However, ensure you clearly state the limitations and the need for further research.

How strong is "tentative evidence for" compared to "conclusive evidence for"?

"Tentative evidence for" suggests a possibility that something is true, while "conclusive evidence for" indicates that something has been proven true beyond reasonable doubt. The former is weaker and requires more support.