the evidence base

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the evidence base" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a collection of evidence related to a particular topic or issue. For example, "We need to expand the evidence base to get a clearer picture of the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So that's the evidence base for relationships.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The evidence base for the Tory claim is weak.

The Guardian - Opinion

Where is the evidence base to justify this measure?

The Guardian - Opinion

But, he added, "the evidence base, while growing and showing consistent findings, is still small".

The New York Times

5.07pm BST Labour's Diana Johnson asks Gove to share the evidence base behind today's announcement.

The Guardian

When will the government refer to the evidence base and introduce some real cost saving measures?

The Guardian

A major problem is that the evidence base for yoga is not there.

The Guardian

The evidence base attesting to the health risks presented by climate change is now well established.

The Guardian

This set out the evidence base and identified the "best buys" for mental health promotion.

The Guardian

"I wanted to go forward on the evidence base, wherever that takes you.

The Guardian

Reviewing the evidence base that supports dieting.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the evidence base", ensure you're referring to a specific and defined collection of evidence, not just a general idea.

Common error

Avoid implying that "the evidence base" is exhaustive or definitive when it may have gaps or limitations. Acknowledge any shortcomings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the evidence base" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the collection of facts, data, or research findings that support a claim, theory, or practice. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is used correctly in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the evidence base" is a frequently used noun phrase that refers to the collected body of evidence supporting a claim or theory. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its use is grammatically correct and particularly common in scientific and news contexts. It serves to lend credibility and authority to arguments by grounding them in empirical research. While alternatives exist, such as ""the body of evidence"", it's important to avoid overstating the completeness of the "the evidence base" and to acknowledge any limitations. Its high frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times demonstrate its widespread acceptance and importance in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the body of evidence

This alternative focuses on the collective nature of the evidence.

the evidentiary foundation

This alternative emphasizes the role of evidence as a base or groundwork.

the research basis

This alternative specifically highlights the role of research in providing the evidence.

the data underpinning

This emphasizes data as the support or justification.

the factual support

This highlights the factual nature of the evidence providing support.

the scientific rationale

This highlights the scientific reasons or logic behind something.

the empirical data

This focuses on data derived from observation or experiment.

the available research

This refers to the research that is currently accessible or known.

the supporting data

Focuses on data acting as a support.

the existing knowledge

This emphasizes the current state of understanding.

FAQs

How is "the evidence base" typically used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "the evidence base" is commonly used to refer to the accumulated body of research, data, and findings that support a particular theory, practice, or policy. It's often used to justify or critique arguments, highlighting the strength or weakness of empirical support.

What are some alternatives to using "the evidence base"?

You can use alternatives like "the body of evidence", "the evidentiary foundation", or "the research basis" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "the evidence base" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "the evidence base" is more suited for formal writing and discussions. In informal settings, simpler terms like "the facts" or "the research" might be more appropriate.

How do you assess the strength of "the evidence base"?

The strength of "the evidence base" is typically assessed by evaluating the quality, quantity, and consistency of the evidence. Factors such as sample size, study design, methodological rigor, and replication of findings are considered.