weak evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"weak evidence" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe any sort of evidence that is not particularly reliable or convincing. For example, "The detective dismissed the suspect's alibi as weak evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's at best very weak evidence," Dr. Zito said.

The New York Times - Health

In spite of the weak evidence, flossing remains a low-risk, high-reward habit.

The Washington Post

This is farcically weak evidence, blatantly unfit for purpose, absurdly reductionist.

The Guardian

Regardless, the public and the profession is left with anecdotes and weak evidence.

The Washington Post

There is only weak evidence that even exceptionally large redistributions hamper growth.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there was really weak evidence that it reduced plaque in the short term.

The New York Times

There is however only weak evidence of willingness to pay for mitigating these effects.

Energy Economics

The studies of MDC (case series) provide weak evidence that MDC may alter treatment patterns.

European Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

There is only weak (evidence-based) support for the commonly accepted treatments.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Nevertheless, one faces the possibility that psychiatry will remain a relatively weak evidence-based medical discipline.

Clinical Epigenetics

Our data showed weak evidence of a causal relationship between elevated BP and retinal arteriolar narrowing.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weak evidence", clearly articulate why the evidence is considered weak. Specify the limitations, biases, or gaps in the data to provide a transparent assessment.

Common error

Avoid making definitive claims or strong assertions when your argument relies on "weak evidence". Instead, acknowledge the uncertainty and suggest further investigation is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak evidence" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "weak" modifies the noun "evidence". According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and describes evidence lacking strength or persuasiveness. It commonly serves as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

28%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weak evidence" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe evidence that lacks strength or persuasiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used across diverse contexts like Science, News & Media, and Academia. When using "weak evidence", acknowledge its limitations and avoid overstating conclusions. Related phrases include "limited evidence", "scant evidence", and "tenuous evidence". Always be transparent about the weaknesses and suggest further investigation when presenting information based on "weak evidence".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited evidence

This alternative suggests that the amount of evidence available is not substantial.

scant evidence

This alternative emphasizes the insufficient or barely adequate nature of the evidence.

tenuous evidence

This alternative highlights the fragility and unreliability of the evidence.

inconclusive evidence

This alternative suggests that the evidence does not lead to a definitive conclusion.

flimsy evidence

This alternative emphasizes the poor quality and lack of solidity in the evidence.

dubious evidence

This alternative indicates that the evidence is questionable and likely unreliable.

fragile evidence

This alternative implies that the evidence is easily undermined or refuted.

speculative evidence

This alternative suggests that the evidence is based on conjecture rather than solid facts.

anecdotal evidence

This alternative points to evidence based on personal stories rather than rigorous research.

circumstantial evidence

This alternative refers to evidence that indirectly suggests a fact but does not prove it directly.

FAQs

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

You can use "weak evidence" to describe a situation where the available proof is not compelling or conclusive. For example, "The prosecution's case relied on "circumstantial evidence" and the defense argued it was ultimately "weak evidence"".

What are some synonyms for "weak evidence"?

Alternatives to "weak evidence" include "limited evidence", "scant evidence", "tenuous evidence", or "inconclusive evidence", each conveying a slightly different nuance of insufficient proof.

Is it acceptable to base an argument on "weak evidence"?

While you can present an argument based on "weak evidence", it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations and uncertainties involved. Strong conclusions should be avoided, and the need for further investigation should be emphasized.

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

"Weak evidence" refers to the overall quality and persuasiveness of the proof, while "circumstantial evidence" specifically describes evidence that indirectly suggests a fact without directly proving it. "Weak evidence" can include "circumstantial evidence", but it can also refer to direct evidence that is simply unreliable or incomplete.