testimony

USAGE SUMMARY

"testimony" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a statement, especially one given in a court of law, that is made under oath, or a declaration of experience, observation, or belief. For example: "The witness gave his testimony to the court, which helped to prove the defendant's innocence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He ended the testimony saying the family, especially his father, had not been about the loan.

The Guardian

We will also hear from Leonardo Sakamoto, who covers slavery for Reporter Brazil, and a first-hand testimony from a Chinese human trafficking survivor.

The Guardian

Kammer is armed in these last attempts to save his client with new testimony from three doctors who last week overturned their previous evaluation of Hill.

The Guardian

Early reports suggest that in his testimony to a congressional committee today, General David Petraeus will claim that the Iranians assisted the Mahdi Army militia to fight the forces of Iraqi prime minister Nuri al-Maliki in the recent week-long battle in Basra.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their testimony was central to the prosecution case that Hill was fully mentally capable and should be put to death for his crimes.

The Guardian

My favourites this year include Ballad of the Miners' Strike (March, Radio 2), a hugely moving and important testimony woven with folk music, archive clips and much warmth.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

However the specifics of his court testimony, which took place behind locked doors because of the potential damage to the FBI's investigation in the event of a leak, remained sealed.

The Guardian - Sport

Gabry said that the initial trial also failed to investigate claims that the defendants had produced testimony under duress, and as a result "the court of cassation is unable to show how right or wrong the verdict is".

The Guardian

He invites attendees who have used the product to give testimony.

The Guardian

This morning, Tony Blair's biographer wrote that Iraq is Britain's Watergate and that a day of testimony before the Chilcot inquiry gave the former prime minister a chance to do what Richard Nixon had finally, and reluctantly, done – and confess regret for the actions he had taken.

The Guardian - Opinion

According to 2009 testimony to a US House subcommittee, the Uighur detainees were subject to sleep deprivation, frigid temperatures and isolation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to court proceedings, use "testimony" to denote the statements made by witnesses under oath.

Common error

Avoid using "testimony" when you mean "testimonial", which is an endorsement or recommendation, especially from a satisfied customer.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "testimony" is that of a noun, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a formal statement or evidence presented in court or other settings, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

According to Ludwig, "testimony" is a grammatically sound and frequently used word. Functioning primarily as a noun, it denotes a formal statement or evidence, particularly in legal contexts. While "testimony" commonly appears in news and media, it's essential to distinguish it from "testimonial", which refers to an endorsement. To enhance clarity and precision in writing, remember that synonyms like "sworn statement" or "witness statement" can be used depending on the situation. Ludwig AI underscores its appropriateness in conveying statements under oath or declarations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

witness statement

Specifically denotes a written or oral account from someone who observed an event.

sworn statement

Focuses on the legal aspect of a formal declaration under oath.

official deposition

Stresses the formal and legal setting in which the statement is made.

personal account

Emphasizes the subjective and individual nature of the recounting.

oral evidence

Specifies that the evidence is communicated through spoken words rather than written documents.

first-hand report

Highlights the direct and immediate experience being conveyed.

declaration of fact

Underlines the assertive and definitive nature of the information given.

evidence presented

Shifts focus to the factual information offered as proof.

attestation

Emphasizes the act of affirming or certifying something as true or genuine.

confirmation

Highlights the corroboration of a fact or theory, making it more credible.

FAQs

How is "testimony" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "testimony" refers to a formal statement given by a witness under oath, providing evidence in court.

What are some synonyms for "testimony"?

Synonyms for "testimony" include "sworn statement", "evidence", and "witness statement", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "testimony" and "testimonial"?

"Testimony" is a formal statement or evidence, often in court, while "testimonial" is an endorsement or recommendation. For example, a customer provides a testimonial about a product.

How to use "testimony" in a sentence?

You can use "testimony" in a sentence like this: "The witness's testimony proved crucial to the outcome of the trial."