testify not to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "testify not to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is indicating that they will not provide evidence or a statement regarding a particular matter. Example: "The witness chose to testify not to the events of that night, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The center's 24 statues (taken from Congress's collection of two from each state) also testify not to the largest national perspective, but the most particular and peculiar interests.

The New York Times - Arts

In their furious rattle, the recordings testify not to the redemptive power of music but to its impotence in the face of the rage, dissatisfaction and horror to which Cobain and Shakur gave voice.

The New York Times - Books

Contrary to Cameron's argument, there is no evidence that existing "stop and search rules... protect young black and Asian British kids," and there has been no "police stand-off in black areas" - quite the reverse, as the continued increase in disproportionate stop and search among black people will testify, not to mention the huge numbers of black people on the DNA database.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Still, the lives unfolding here testify not just to economic hardship but to a strain of what used to be called American exceptionalism — the elasticity of economic class.

The New Yorker

"I can testify not only to his sublime, professional excellence but to his often terrifying obsession with detail and accuracy – the ultimate perfectionist," Hubbard said.

The Guardian - Sport

How, then, to explain a recent array of openings testifying not just to ongoing activity in the capital but to arguably the most revelatory performance of Jude Law's career?

The New York Times - Arts

And those leaders are mostly people who thrived under Suharto, too, testifying not just to the elite's tenacious staying power, but also to the lack of any accountability for the abuses of the Suharto years.

The Economist

"We don't have disclosure rules for publications, we haven't had discussions about the ethics of whether to testify or not to testify".

The New York Times - Arts

"We had her in town to testify, we expected her to testify, we prepared her to testify; she chose not to testify.

Huffington Post

The Post reported that Mr. Woodward said a confidentiality agreement with his source allowed him to testify but not to discuss their conversations publicly.

The New York Times

A defendant's decision whether to testify does not seem to have any appreciable effect on the outcome, as Mr. Whitman's conviction shows.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "testify not to" when you want to emphasize that something does not provide evidence or support for a particular claim. It's more impactful than simply saying something is unproven.

Common error

Avoid using "testify not to" when you simply mean 'not to mention'. The phrase carries a specific legal or formal weight related to providing evidence, so ensure the context aligns with this meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "testify not to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of evidence or support for something. It implies that available information does not confirm or validate a particular claim. Ludwig examples show its use in formal contexts where evidence is being assessed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "testify not to" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate a lack of evidence or support for a particular claim. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in formal contexts, particularly within news and media. While not very common, its distinct connotation related to bearing witness against something makes it a valuable tool in specific situations. Alternatives such as "does not prove" or "does not confirm" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not prove

Focuses on the lack of proof or evidence, instead of the act of testifying.

does not confirm

Emphasizes the absence of confirmation or validation.

does not support

Indicates a lack of backing or corroboration for a statement or claim.

fails to demonstrate

Highlights the inability to show or establish something convincingly.

offers no evidence of

Directly states the absence of supporting evidence.

does not bear witness to

A more literal and direct alternative, emphasizing the absence of witnessing.

provides no attestation of

Uses a more formal term for confirmation, highlighting its absence.

is not indicative of

Focuses on the lack of indication or suggestion.

is not an affirmation of

Highlights the lack of a positive statement or endorsement.

does not validate

Emphasizes the absence of validation or official approval.

FAQs

How can I use "testify not to" in a sentence?

You can use "testify not to" to indicate that something does not provide evidence or support for a claim. For example, "The data "testifies not to" any significant increase in sales."

What is a good alternative to "testify not to"?

Alternatives include "does not prove", "does not confirm", or "does not support", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "testify not to" or "does not prove"?

"Testify not to" carries a slightly more formal tone due to the association with legal or official contexts. "Does not prove" is generally more neutral.

What's the difference between "testify to" and "testify not to"?

"Testify to" indicates providing evidence or affirmation of something, while "testify not to" indicates the opposite: a lack of evidence or affirmation. The first confirms, while the second denies or casts doubt.