evidence

Everyday

1. Evidence is facts, signs or objects that show something is true or help to prove it. tree →
2. In a court, evidence is what is shown to help decide if someone did a crime. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons evidence comes from observations and tests and backs up a conclusion; in history evidence comes from sources. In stories detectives look for evidence. Phrases: «find evidence», «there is no evidence», «evidence of», «scientific evidence», «use evidence from the text».

Examples

• Fossils are evidence that dinosaurs lived long ago. tree →
• The detective looked for evidence. tree →
• Use evidence from the text to answer the question. tree →
• There is no evidence that the moon is made of cheese. tree →
• Muddy footprints were evidence that the dog had come in. tree →
• Scientists collect evidence before they decide. tree →
• The police kept the evidence safe. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «some evidence», «a piece of evidence», never «an evidence» or «evidences». Adjective: evident (clear). Evidence supports an idea but one piece is not always proof; good thinking asks «what is the evidence?» before believing a claim.