Evidence is information that helps support or challenge a claim.

The idea

Use evidence without an ordinary plural: some evidence; evidence is. To count individual items, say a piece of evidence or several pieces of evidence.

Examples

  • There is evidence of a change.
  • The report presents evidence for the claim.
  • We need more evidence before deciding.
  • One piece of evidence is missing.
  • The team examined several pieces of evidence.
  • This result is evidence, not proof, of a possible link.

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Watch out

Evidence may support a claim without establishing it conclusively; evaluate what it actually shows.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the singular verb with evidence. The evidence ___ incomplete. (is / are)

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    is

    Evidence takes the singular verb is.

  2. Choose the plural for individual items. The team examined several ___ of evidence. (piece / pieces)

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    pieces

    Pieces counts individual items of evidence.

  3. Choose the preposition introducing the supported claim. The report presents evidence ___ the claim. (for / under)

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    for

    For introduces the claim being supported.

Use it today

Describe a claim and identify one piece of evidence that could support it.