thin evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thin evidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe evidence that is weak, insubstantial, or lacking in support for a claim or argument. Example: "The prosecution's case was built on thin evidence, making it difficult to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

But that is thin evidence in the court of members' opinion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thin evidence for the safety or efficacy of spraying hundreds of thousands of kilograms of antibiotics.

Nature

As, admittedly somewhat thin, evidence for my hypothesis, I would point to Earth's more advanced cultures.

Independent

The thin evidence against him is tainted by his credible allegations of abuse.

The New York Times

This is pretty thin evidence on which to hang a 6,000-word 6,000-wordinvestigation

The New York Times

The U.S. medical establishment has been making a recommendation that is supported by some pretty thin evidence.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Perhaps some courts have been induced to adopt the principle urged by respondent in order to avoid creating a prima facie case on the basis of very thin evidence--for example, the replacement of a 68 year old by a 65 year old.

Cornell University

In our ageing society, where scarce health resources are being spread increasingly thin, evidence-based, valid, population-wide estimates of chronic conditions are required by decision-makers.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

"The Lords spent seven months cherry-picking the wafer-thin evidence that fits a foregone conclusion about the benefits of shale gas.

BBC

In short, and perhaps unsurprisingly, ACA enthusiasts took already-thin evidence and exaggerated it to proportions more to their liking--i.e., inflating actual coverage gains by anywhere from 40 to 75%.

Forbes

In late phase US may show a fluid-filled lumen, bowel wall thinning, evidence of extraluminal fluid and decreased or absent peristalsis.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When arguing a point, avoid relying solely on "thin evidence". Strengthen your argument by gathering additional supporting data and facts to create a more compelling case.

Common error

Avoid drawing sweeping conclusions or making definitive statements when the available evidence is "thin". Acknowledge the limitations of the evidence and frame your assertions cautiously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin evidence" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "thin" modifies the noun "evidence". Ludwig AI indicates that it describes the quality or nature of the evidence presented.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thin evidence" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe evidence that lacks strength or substance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. When using this phrase, it's important to avoid overstating conclusions and to acknowledge the limitations of the evidence. Alternatives such as "weak evidence" or "scant evidence" can be used for variety. The phrase is most often used in news and media and authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flimsy evidence

Indicates that the evidence is weak and easily refuted.

meager evidence

Suggests that the amount of evidence is very small or insufficient.

slim evidence

Emphasizes the lack of substantial support from the evidence.

scant evidence

Highlights that there is very little evidence available.

weak evidence

Directly points out the lack of strength or persuasiveness in the evidence.

fragile evidence

Implies that the evidence is delicate and easily broken or discredited.

tenuous evidence

Shows that the evidence is shaky and not firmly established.

insubstantial evidence

Highlights the lack of concrete substance or importance in the evidence.

slight evidence

Indicates that the evidence is minimal and barely noticeable.

sparse evidence

Stresses that the evidence is thinly distributed and not abundant.

FAQs

How can I use "thin evidence" in a sentence?

You can use "thin evidence" to describe a situation where the available proof is weak or unconvincing. For example: "The case was dismissed due to the prosecution's reliance on "thin evidence"".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "thin evidence"?

Alternatives to "thin evidence" include "weak evidence", "scant evidence", or "flimsy evidence", all of which imply a lack of substantial support.

Is it acceptable to use "thin evidence" in formal writing?

Yes, "thin evidence" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, always ensure that your usage is precise and contextually relevant.

What's the difference between "thin evidence" and "circumstantial evidence"?

"Thin evidence" refers to the weakness or lack of substantiality of the evidence itself. "Circumstantial evidence", on the other hand, refers to evidence that indirectly suggests a fact, requiring inference, regardless of its strength.