Language is a powerful tool, one that shapes how we communicate ideas and convey information. Whether you’re writing a formal essay, academic paper, or even a legal document, the precision of your language matters. One common point of confusion many writers encounter is the correct use of certain phrases.
A perfect example of this is the subtle difference between “as evidenced by” and “as evident by.” You’ve likely come across both phrases in your reading, but have you ever stopped to question whether you’ve been using them correctly?
This article aims to clear up the confusion between these two phrases, explain their meanings, and help you understand why one is grammatically correct while the other isn’t. By the end, you’ll feel confident in using the phrase “as evidenced by” appropriately, elevating the clarity and professionalism of your writing.
Introduction: Clearing Up a Common Misunderstanding in English
There’s a good chance you’ve stumbled upon the phrase “as evident by” in your readings. Perhaps you’ve been unsure whether it’s acceptable to use it in your own writing, or maybe you’ve used it without a second thought. Unfortunately, many people make this mistake without realizing it.
The truth is, the phrase “as evident by” is grammatically incorrect, while “as evidenced by” is the correct form. But why does this matter? Well, using the wrong phrase can undermine your credibility, especially in formal or academic contexts, where precision is paramount. Language matters, and getting it right helps you communicate more clearly and effectively.
In this article, we will:
- Dive into the correct usage of “as evidenced by”.
- Discuss why “as evident by” is grammatically incorrect.
- Break down the key differences between “evidenced” and “evident.”
- Provide you with practical examples of how to use these phrases correctly.
Let’s explore this grammatical mystery together!
What Is the Correct Phrase: “As Evidenced By”?
The correct phrase is “as evidenced by”. The word “evidenced” functions as a verb in this context, which means it’s actively showing or proving something. The phrase is commonly used in formal writing, especially in academic papers, research studies, and legal documents, to introduce evidence or support a claim.
Definition and Usage
“As evidenced by” means that something is demonstrated or proven by the evidence that follows. It suggests that a fact, argument, or point is supported by observable proof.
Example 1:
- The company’s success, as evidenced by its record-breaking sales this quarter, demonstrates the effectiveness of its new marketing strategy.
Example 2:
- His expertise in the field, as evidenced by his numerous publications, makes him an authority on the subject.
In both examples, the phrase “as evidenced by” introduces specific proof that supports the claim being made. The verb “evidenced” means that the evidence has been shown or demonstrated.
Clarify the Role of “Evidenced”
To understand why “as evidenced by” works, it’s important to break down the role of “evidenced.” The word comes from the verb “to evidence,” which means to show proof or provide evidence. It’s a more formal way of saying “to prove.”
In the sentence “His knowledge, as evidenced by his scholarly articles, is unparalleled,” the verb “evidenced” connects the knowledge to the proof (the scholarly articles) in a grammatically correct way. This sentence shows how evidence (the articles) substantiates the claim (his knowledge).
What Does “As Evidenced By” Imply?
The phrase “as evidenced by” does more than just introduce proof—it implies that there is something undeniable or conclusive about the evidence being presented. It’s a formal expression that ties a statement to verifiable facts, leaving no room for ambiguity. This is why it is so commonly used in academic writing, legal arguments, and scientific discourse where facts and evidence are essential.
Breaking Down the Meaning
- Evidenced: The verb “evidenced” shows that something has been demonstrated or proven by facts, data, or other concrete proof.
- As: The preposition “as” here means “in the manner of,” “in the role of,” or “according to.”
For example, when someone says “As evidenced by the data, the hypothesis was correct,” they’re pointing to the data as the proof that supports their argument. The phrase adds weight to the assertion by linking it to verifiable evidence.
The Grammatical Structure of “As Evidenced By”
Now that we know the phrase “as evidenced by” is grammatically correct, let’s dive into its structure. Understanding why this phrase works requires a look at how its components function together.
- “As”: A preposition that indicates comparison or manner. It connects the main idea of the sentence with the evidence that follows.
- “Evidenced”: The verb, specifically the past participle form of “evidence,” meaning to show or prove.
- “By”: A preposition indicating the source of the evidence.
Together, “as evidenced by” means that the evidence comes from or is supported by something specific. Here’s an example breakdown:
Sentence: The team’s improvement, as evidenced by the recent performance metrics, has been remarkable.
- “As” shows that the improvement is being demonstrated or proven by the performance metrics.
- “Evidenced” is the verb that ties the improvement to the proof.
- “By” connects the evidence (performance metrics) to the improvement.
Common Errors and Why “As Evident By” Is Grammatical Misstep
One of the most common mistakes is using “as evident by” instead of “as evidenced by.” But why is this grammatically incorrect?
Analyzing “As Evident By”
The word “evident” is an adjective, not a verb. It means “clear” or “obvious,” but it doesn’t function in the same way a verb does. When you use “as evident by,” you’re essentially trying to use an adjective where a verb should be, which creates a mismatch in grammatical structure.
How Adjectives and Verbs Differ
- Adjective: Modifies or describes a noun (e.g., The evident truth).
- Verb: Expresses an action or state of being (e.g., He evidenced his point).
In the phrase “as evident by,” the adjective “evident” doesn’t work as the active element that demonstrates or proves something. It simply describes the clarity of a fact or situation, but it doesn’t perform the function of showing or proving. As such, “as evident by” doesn’t make sense in the way “as evidenced by” does.
Understanding the Definitions: “Evidenced” vs “Evident”
To further clarify the distinction, let’s take a closer look at the definitions of “evidenced” and “evident.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition | Example |
| Evidenced | Verb | To show proof or evidence of something; to prove. | The scientist evidenced the theory through rigorous testing. |
| Evident | Adjective | Clear or obvious to the eye or mind. | The evident signs of improvement were clear in the results. |
As we can see from the table, “evidenced” is a verb, which makes it appropriate for use in “as evidenced by.” It describes the act of showing proof. On the other hand, “evident” is an adjective, which simply describes something that is clear or obvious—it doesn’t carry the action of proving or showing.
The Role of Prepositions in English Phrases
In English, prepositions like “as” and “by” are crucial for connecting ideas and conveying relationships between different elements in a sentence. The choice of preposition can change the meaning of a sentence entirely.
In the case of “as evidenced by,” the prepositions “as” and “by” perform specific roles.
- “As” connects the evidence to the claim or statement.
- “By” indicates the source or origin of the evidence.
This combination of prepositions makes the phrase grammatically and logically sound.
Correct Usage in Context: Examples and Practice
Now, let’s look at some concrete examples of “as evidenced by” in different contexts. These will help you understand how to use the phrase properly in your own writing.
Example 1: Academic Context
- The effectiveness of the new teaching method, as evidenced by improved test scores, has been widely acknowledged.
Example 2: Legal Context
- The defendant’s involvement in the case, as evidenced by his fingerprints on the weapon, cannot be disputed.
Example 3: Business Context
- The company’s rapid growth, as evidenced by its increasing market share, signals a promising future.
In all of these examples, “as evidenced by” introduces clear, verifiable evidence that supports the claim being made.
Final Thoughts: The Importance of Precision in Language Use
Getting your grammar right—especially in formal contexts—can significantly impact how your writing is perceived. Using “as evidenced by” correctly helps to reinforce the validity of your arguments and ensures clarity. On the other hand, using “as evident by” could make you seem less credible and may confuse your readers.
Language precision is key to professional communication, whether in academic writing, business reports, or legal documentation. By understanding the difference between “as evidenced by” and “as evident by,” you’re setting yourself up for success in expressing your ideas clearly and convincingly.
Additional Resources
For more help with grammar and writing precision, check out the following resources:
- GrammarBook.com: Offers clear explanations and examples of proper grammar usage.
- Purdue OWL: Provides extensive writing tips, including formal writing guides.
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Excellent resource for understanding word meanings and usages.
With these tools at your disposal, you’ll continue to refine your writing skills and avoid common mistakes like confusing “evidenced” and “evident.”
FAQs About “As Evidenced By” vs “As Evident By”
1. Why is “As Evident By” Incorrect?
“As evident by” is grammatically incorrect because “evident” is an adjective, not a verb. It describes something as clear or obvious but does not express the action of showing proof. On the other hand, “as evidenced by” uses “evidenced” as a verb, which means to demonstrate or prove something. In short, “evidenced” is the correct word because it conveys the action of providing evidence, while “evident” merely describes something as obvious or clear.
2. Can I Use “As Evidenced By” in Informal Writing?
While “as evidenced by” is commonly used in formal and academic contexts, it can also be used in informal writing to show support for an argument or claim. However, it’s best reserved for situations where evidence is being discussed in a clear, factual way. For casual conversation or informal writing, you might want to simplify your language or choose a more conversational alternative like “as shown by” or “as demonstrated by.”
3. Are There Any Other Phrases Like “As Evidenced By” That Are Commonly Misused?
Yes! There are several common grammatical mistakes involving similar phrases. For example:
- “Due to” vs. “Because of” – “Due to” should only be used after a form of the verb “to be,” while “because of” is more flexible.
- “Less” vs. “Fewer” – Use “fewer” for countable items and “less” for uncountable things.
- “Between” vs. “Among” – “Between” refers to two things, while “among” refers to more than two.
4. What Are Some Alternatives to “As Evidenced By” for Everyday Writing?
If you’re looking to simplify your writing for everyday use, here are a few alternatives to “as evidenced by”:
- “As shown by”
- “As demonstrated by”
- “As proven by”
- “According to”
- “Based on”
These alternatives can help you avoid sounding overly formal or technical in casual writing.
5. Can “As Evidenced By” Be Used in Speech?
Yes, “as evidenced by” can absolutely be used in speech, especially in more formal presentations, academic discussions, or professional settings. It’s a phrase that works well when you want to back up a claim with specific evidence. However, in casual conversations, it’s often better to use simpler alternatives like “as shown by” or “as demonstrated by” to keep things sounding more natural.
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