validates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "validates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of confirming or supporting the truth or validity of something. Example: "The research findings validate the hypothesis that regular exercise improves mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is still not enough evidence to suggest that's the case in general, never mind that it specifically applies here; Target's acquiescence validates what is still an assertion.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a space which validates our right to choose our own identity, unlimited by culture, religion or nationality.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even if the 3G roll-out goes as planned and validates Mr Sarin's reputation for operational expertise, some swashbuckling may yet be required.

The Economist

To hold an account, PayPal validates the identity of its users through established bank accounts or credit cards.

The Economist

You type in a user name and password and the server validates your identity.

The Economist

When career advancement is based on merit, it only benefits the individual, because it confirms one's capabilities and validates one's credibility.

The Economist

Next, it validates this information independently using either its own built-in data or those included in the operating system.

The Economist

On one hand, Ohio State's victory as an underdog validates the argument that the sport should determine its champion "on the field" rather than by computer.

The Economist

According to Mr Will, the argument "helpfully validates the right-to-life contention that the pro-abortion argument, which already defends third-trimester abortions, contains no standard for why the killing should be stopped by arbitrarily assigning moral significance to the moment of birth".

The Economist

What's happened since then -- on Friday, Woods announced he was taking an indefinite leave of absence from golf; on Saturday, Gillette said it would be "limiting" Woods' role in its advertising; and yesterday, the consulting firm Accenture terminated its relationship with Woods, who had been the company's public face since 2003 -- validates, I think, the fundamental argument of the piece.

The Economist

While I am not suggesting that the reprisal of this theory (for other reasons) in any way validates the theory of the existence of the mythical 'lost continent', I would point out that Muck was generally ridiculed for proposing this very theory.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "validates", ensure that the evidence or support provided is strong and directly relevant to the claim being validated. The strength of the validation hinges on the quality of supporting material.

Common error

Avoid using "validates" when the evidence only weakly supports a claim. Using words like "suggests" or "hints at" might be more appropriate when the evidence is not conclusive.

Linguistic Context

The verb "validates" primarily functions to assert the confirmation or support of a claim, theory, or idea through evidence or proof. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "validates" is a versatile verb used to affirm the truth or soundness of something, supported by evidence or logical reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage of the word is correct. It is commonly found in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts, lending itself well to formal and professional communication. When employing "validates", ensure there is sufficient support for the claim, and consider alternatives like "confirms" or "substantiates" to fine-tune your message's nuance. Remember to avoid overstating the level of validation when evidence is weak.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confirms

Focuses on establishing the truth or correctness of something, often through evidence.

verifies

Emphasizes the process of checking or proving something to be true or accurate.

substantiates

Highlights the act of providing evidence to support or prove something.

corroborates

Suggests providing additional support to an existing claim or piece of evidence.

authenticates

Focuses on proving that something is genuine or of undisputed origin.

endorses

Implies approval and support, often in a more formal or official context.

ratifies

Signifies formal confirmation or approval, often in legal or political settings.

establishes

Emphasizes the act of setting up or proving something definitively.

demonstrates

Highlights the act of showing or proving something through evidence or example.

proves

Indicates the conclusive establishment of truth or validity.

FAQs

How can I use "validates" in a sentence?

You can use "validates" to show how a piece of evidence supports a claim. For example, "The new data "validates" the earlier findings."

What are some alternatives to using "validates"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "confirms", "verifies", or "substantiates".

Is it better to use "validates" or "supports"?

"Validates" implies a stronger confirmation than "supports". Use "validates" when the evidence provides a high degree of certainty, and "supports" when the evidence is less conclusive.

What does it mean when research "validates" a theory?

When research "validates" a theory, it means that the research findings provide strong evidence that the theory is accurate or correct. It's similar to saying the research "confirms" or "proves" the theory.