until proven otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

'until proven otherwise' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is true until it can be proven false. For example, "In the absence of evidence to the contrary, I believe her story to be true until proven otherwise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I always see Brazil, until proven otherwise.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's anthrax until proven otherwise," Dr. Zelicoff said.

The New York Times

Until proven otherwise, class actions deserve a cautious welcome.

The Economist

The Colts are the class of the league until proven otherwise.

The New York Times

The things the NYT publishes are automatically journalism, or at least they are until proven otherwise".

The Guardian - Tech

"I think you've always got to begin with trust until proven otherwise," Mr. Bush said.

The New York Times

"Until proven otherwise," he said, "this is a rally in a bear market".

The New York Times

But until proven otherwise, the Sox' motto remains: suffer now -- or later.

The New York Times - Sports

How can anyone, however, pick against the fleet Rams, champions and unbeaten until proven otherwise?

The New York Times - Sports

The important thing to remember: until proven otherwise, it's not of her doing.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

FDA must consider dietary supplements safe--unlike drugs or food additives--until proven otherwise.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "until proven otherwise" to clearly state a default assumption that holds true unless contradicted by evidence. This can add clarity and transparency to your reasoning.

Common error

Avoid placing "until proven otherwise" at the beginning of a sentence, as it typically modifies the verb or action being discussed. Placing it elsewhere can lead to ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "until proven otherwise" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the duration or condition under which a statement is considered valid. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "until proven otherwise" is a versatile adverbial phrase that sets a default assumption, valid until contradicted by evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its widespread use spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. Remember to place the phrase carefully within your sentences to avoid ambiguity. Common alternatives include "absent evidence to the contrary" and "unless there's evidence to the contrary", each offering a slight nuance in formality or emphasis. By following these guidelines, you can effectively integrate this phrase into your writing, ensuring clarity and intellectual honesty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absent evidence to the contrary

Focuses on the lack of opposing evidence, more formal.

unless there's evidence to the contrary

More conversational and emphasizes the possibility of future evidence.

in the absence of proof otherwise

Highlights the lack of conclusive proof as the basis for the current assumption.

barring evidence to the contrary

Uses 'barring' to indicate an exception if evidence emerges.

for all intents and purposes

Implies accepting a state as fact for practical reasons, pending new information.

presumed to be the case

Directly states a presumption, which needs substantiation.

considered as such

Implies a commonly accepted view, subject to change.

taken at face value

Suggests accepting something without scrutiny unless there's a reason to doubt it.

deemed valid

Suggests a formal or official acceptance, unless invalidated.

assumed as a given

Highlights the automatic acceptance of something, which needs later investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "until proven otherwise" in a sentence?

Use "until proven otherwise" to indicate a default assumption. For example, "All data is considered accurate "until proven otherwise"."

What's a formal alternative to "until proven otherwise"?

A more formal alternative is "absent evidence to the contrary". For example, "Absent evidence to the contrary, we will proceed as planned."

Is it better to say "until proven otherwise" or "unless proven otherwise"?

Both "until proven otherwise" and "unless proven otherwise" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. "Until" emphasizes a time frame, while "unless" emphasizes a condition.

What does "presumed innocent until proven guilty" mean?

The phrase "presumed innocent until proven guilty" is a legal principle stating that a person is considered innocent of a crime "until proven otherwise" in a court of law. The prosecution must present sufficient evidence to convince the court of the defendant's guilt.