testify to

USAGE SUMMARY

"testify to" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation that shows or proves something. For example, "The recent spike in sales numbers testifies to the success of our new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can't testify to that.

The New Yorker

I can't testify to anything".

The New York Times

I can testify to that.

The New York Times

They testify to the possibility of coexistence.

The New Yorker

Senior officers will testify to Parliament Tuesday.

The New York Times

Every doctor can testify to that.

The New Yorker

"I can testify to that firsthand".

The New Yorker

The numbers testify to the trend.

The New York Times - Tech

The British can testify to that.

The New Yorker

I can testify to that success.

Independent

City drivers can testify to the frustration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "testify to", ensure the subject clearly supports or demonstrates the object it's referring to, enhancing the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "testify to" when the evidence is weak or circumstantial. This phrase implies a strong, clear indication, so using it with flimsy evidence can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "testify to" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It indicates that something serves as evidence or proof of something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "testify to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something serves as evidence or confirmation of a particular fact. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in written English. It is most commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and business documents, reflecting a neutral to formal register. When using "testify to", ensure that the subject clearly and strongly supports the object for clear and persuasive communication. Consider alternatives like "attest to" or "vouch for" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attest to

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of declaring something to be true or genuine.

vouch for

This alternative implies a strong personal endorsement or guarantee of something's truth or reliability.

bear witness to

This alternative emphasizes the act of personally observing and confirming something.

give evidence of

This alternative focuses on presenting factual information that supports a claim or assertion.

confirm

This alternative is a more direct way of stating that something is true or accurate.

corroborate

This alternative suggests providing additional evidence to strengthen an existing claim or statement.

substantiate

This alternative emphasizes the provision of concrete proof or evidence to support a claim.

prove

This alternative indicates a conclusive demonstration of the truth or validity of something.

demonstrate

This alternative focuses on showing or illustrating something clearly and convincingly.

validate

This alternative suggests confirming the accuracy or legitimacy of something.

FAQs

How can I use "testify to" in a sentence?

Use "testify to" to indicate that something serves as evidence or proof. For example, "The increase in sales numbers "testifies to" the effectiveness of the new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "testify to"?

You can use alternatives such as "attest to", "vouch for", or "bear witness to", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "testify to" and "speak to"?

"Testify to" implies providing evidence or proof, while "speak to" generally means to address or relate to a topic. They are not interchangeable in most contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "testify to" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "testify to" in formal writing when you want to highlight that certain data or events provide strong evidence or confirmation of a particular point.