The phrase “evident by” is commonly used to present proof or highlight supporting details—but in formal writing, it can become repetitive or feel slightly unpolished. More fluid alternatives like “demonstrated by,” “indicated through,” “reflected in,” or “as shown by” can strengthen your argument while improving the flow of your writing.
Whether you’re crafting an essay, research paper, or professional report, varying your phrasing keeps your ideas sharp and engaging. This guide offers a range of alternatives to “evident by,” with context-specific suggestions to help you express evidence and analysis more effectively.
Table of Contents
- Definition of “Evident By”
- Structural Breakdown of “Evident By”
- Alternatives to “Evident By”
- Examples of Alternative Phrases
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “Evident By”
“Evident by” is a phrase used to indicate that something is easily perceived or understood based on certain evidence or indicators. It suggests a clear and obvious connection between the evidence presented and the conclusion being drawn.
The phrase implies a direct and readily apparent relationship.
In terms of grammatical classification, “evident” is an adjective meaning clear or obvious. The preposition “by” indicates the means or agent through which this clarity is achieved.
Together, “evident by” functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, providing information about the basis for a particular observation or conclusion. The phrase often appears in formal or academic contexts.
For example, in the sentence “His anxiety was evident by his trembling hands,” the phrase “evident by his trembling hands” explains how his anxiety was made apparent. The trembling hands served as the evidence that revealed his underlying anxiety.
Structural Breakdown of “Evident By”
The structure of “evident by” is relatively straightforward: Adjective + Preposition. “Evident” is the adjective describing the state of being clear or obvious, and “by” is the preposition indicating the means or cause. This phrase is typically followed by a noun or noun phrase that serves as the evidence.
The general pattern is: [Subject] + [Verb] + evident by + [Evidence]. The subject is the thing being described, the verb links the subject to the description, and the evidence is what makes the subject evident. The phrase as a whole acts as an adverbial modifier, providing additional information about the verb.
The phrase can also be transformed into a passive construction. For example, “The problem is evident by the increasing number of complaints” can be rephrased as “The increasing number of complaints makes the problem evident.” The key components remain the same, but the sentence structure is altered.
Alternatives to “Evident By”
While “evident by” is a useful phrase, using it repeatedly can make your writing sound monotonous. Here are several alternatives, each with its own subtle nuance:
Shown By
“Shown by” indicates that something is revealed or demonstrated by something else. It’s a direct and clear alternative to “evident by.”
Demonstrated By
“Demonstrated by” implies a more active showing or proof. It suggests that the evidence clearly proves something.
Indicated By
“Indicated by” suggests that something points to or suggests something else, without necessarily being conclusive proof.
Suggested By
“Suggested by” is a weaker form of “indicated by,” implying a hint or possibility rather than a clear indication.
Revealed By
“Revealed by” indicates that something was previously hidden or unknown and is now made apparent by something else.
Illustrated By
“Illustrated by” means that something is clarified or exemplified by something else, often through examples or visual aids.
Manifested In
“Manifested in” suggests that an abstract quality or condition becomes apparent in a concrete form.
Apparent From
“Apparent from” is very close in meaning to “evident by,” indicating that something is easily understood based on something else.
Clear From
“Clear from” is similar to “apparent from,” emphasizing the ease of understanding.
As Evidenced By
“As evidenced by” is a more formal and emphatic version of “evident by,” often used in academic or legal contexts.
Corroborated By
“Corroborated by” indicates that something is supported or confirmed by additional evidence.
Attested By
“Attested by” suggests that something is confirmed or verified by evidence or testimony.
Gleaned From
“Gleaned from” means that information is gathered or discovered gradually from various sources.
Inferred From
“Inferred from” indicates that a conclusion is reached based on reasoning and evidence, though not explicitly stated.
Deduced From
“Deduced from” is similar to “inferred from,” but implies a more logical and systematic reasoning process.
As Seen In
“As seen in” indicates that something is visible or observable in something else.
As Displayed By
“As displayed by” emphasizes the way something is shown or presented.
Borne Out By
“Borne out by” means that something is confirmed or supported by evidence over time.
Confirmed By
“Confirmed by” is a direct statement that evidence supports a statement, idea, or belief.
Substantiated By
“Substantiated by” suggests the evidence is strong and proven.
Examples of Alternative Phrases
Here are some examples of how to use these alternative phrases in sentences. Each table will provide a variety of sentences using the different phrases to illustrate their usage in context.
These examples are designed to help you understand the nuances of each phrase and how to use them effectively in your own writing and speaking.
Table 1: “Shown By,” “Demonstrated By,” and “Indicated By”
This table provides examples of sentences using “shown by,” “demonstrated by,” and “indicated by.” These phrases are often used to show the relationship between evidence and a conclusion.
Phrase | Example Sentence |
---|---|
Shown By | The effectiveness of the new policy is shown by the increased productivity levels. |
Shown By | Her dedication to the project was shown by the long hours she worked. |
Shown By | The animal’s fear is shown by its rapid breathing and dilated pupils. |
Shown By | The success of the campaign is shown by the positive feedback from customers. |
Shown By | The damage to the car was shown by the deep scratches on the door. |
Demonstrated By | The athlete’s skill was demonstrated by his record-breaking performance. |
Demonstrated By | The company’s commitment to sustainability is demonstrated by its investments in renewable energy. |
Demonstrated By | The chef’s creativity is demonstrated by the unique dishes he creates. |
Demonstrated By | The strength of the bridge was demonstrated by its ability to withstand the earthquake. |
Demonstrated By | The teacher’s patience was demonstrated by her calm response to the student’s outburst. |
Indicated By | The patient’s improvement is indicated by the decrease in their symptoms. |
Indicated By | The rise in temperature is indicated by the melting glaciers. |
Indicated By | The presence of the predator is indicated by the tracks in the snow. |
Indicated By | The health of the economy is indicated by the unemployment rate. |
Indicated By | The success of the experiment is indicated by the positive results. |
Shown By | His lack of interest was shown by his constant yawning. |
Demonstrated By | Her knowledge of the subject was demonstrated by her insightful answers. |
Indicated By | The upcoming storm is indicated by the dark clouds and strong winds. |
Shown By | The quality of the product is shown by its durability. |
Demonstrated By | The effectiveness of the training program was demonstrated by the improved performance of the employees. |
Table 2: “Suggested By,” “Revealed By,” and “Illustrated By”
This table provides examples of sentences using “suggested by,” “revealed by,” and “illustrated by.” These phrases are useful for conveying that something is implied, uncovered, or clarified by evidence.
Phrase | Example Sentence |
---|---|
Suggested By | The possibility of rain is suggested by the overcast sky. |
Suggested By | The speaker’s nervousness was suggested by his fidgeting hands. |
Suggested By | A potential problem is suggested by the inconsistencies in the data. |
Suggested By | The existence of life on other planets is suggested by the discovery of water on Mars. |
Suggested By | The need for change is suggested by the declining sales figures. |
Revealed By | The truth about the scandal was revealed by the leaked documents. |
Revealed By | The beauty of the landscape was revealed by the morning mist. |
Revealed By | The ancient city was revealed by the archaeological dig. |
Revealed By | The artist’s emotions were revealed by the brushstrokes on the canvas. |
Revealed By | The extent of the damage was revealed by the aerial photographs. |
Illustrated By | The concept of supply and demand is illustrated by the fluctuating prices of gasoline. |
Illustrated By | The importance of teamwork is illustrated by the success of the project. |
Illustrated By | The principles of physics are illustrated by the motion of the planets. |
Illustrated By | The effects of climate change are illustrated by the rising sea levels. |
Illustrated By | The power of storytelling is illustrated by the enduring popularity of classic novels. |
Suggested By | The presence of wildlife is suggested by the tracks in the forest. |
Revealed By | The mystery was revealed by the detective’s careful investigation. |
Illustrated By | The benefits of exercise are illustrated by the improved health of those who work out regularly. |
Suggested By | The problem with the machine is suggested by the strange noises it’s making. |
Revealed By | The secret was revealed by the diary entries. |
Table 3: “Manifested In,” “Apparent From,” and “Clear From”
This table provides examples of sentences using “manifested in,” “apparent from,” and “clear from.” These phrases are useful for showing how something becomes visible or understandable through something else.
Phrase | Example Sentence |
---|---|
Manifested In | His anger was manifested in his clenched fists and raised voice. |
Manifested In | Her creativity was manifested in her unique artwork. |
Manifested In | The company’s success was manifested in its increasing profits. |
Manifested In | The effects of the drug were manifested in the patient’s improved mood. |
Manifested In | The community’s spirit was manifested in its response to the disaster. |
Apparent From | The solution to the problem was apparent from the data analysis. |
Apparent From | The team’s lack of preparation was apparent from their poor performance. |
Apparent From | The artist’s inspiration was apparent from her vibrant colors and bold strokes. |
Apparent From | The severity of the illness was apparent from the patient’s high fever. |
Apparent From | The company’s financial difficulties were apparent from its declining stock price. |
Clear From | The instructions were clear from the diagram provided. |
Clear From | The author’s intentions were clear from the tone of the novel. |
Clear From | The benefits of the exercise were clear from the improved fitness levels. |
Clear From | The danger of the situation was clear from the warning signs. |
Clear From | The reason for his absence was clear from his email. |
Manifested In | The stress of the job was manifested in his frequent headaches. |
Apparent From | The cause of the accident was apparent from the skid marks on the road. |
Clear From | The solution to the puzzle was clear from the first clue. |
Manifested In | Her happiness was manifested in her bright smile and cheerful demeanor. |
Apparent From | The age of the tree was apparent from the number of rings in its trunk. |
Table 4: “As Evidenced By,” “Corroborated By,” and “Attested By”
This table provides examples using “as evidenced by,” “corroborated by,” and “attested by.” These phrases add formality and emphasis, often used in academic or legal contexts to show that something is supported by evidence or testimony.
Phrase | Example Sentence |
---|---|
As Evidenced By | The defendant’s guilt was proven, as evidenced by the DNA found at the scene. |
As Evidenced By | The success of the program is clear, as evidenced by the positive results in the study. |
As Evidenced By | The decline in the species’ population is alarming, as evidenced by the recent census data. |
As Evidenced By | The improvements in the patient’s condition were significant, as evidenced by the medical records. |
As Evidenced By | The effectiveness of the new marketing strategy is apparent, as evidenced by the increased sales figures. |
Corroborated By | The witness’s testimony was corroborated by the security camera footage. |
Corroborated By | The scientist’s findings were corroborated by independent research. |
Corroborated By | The victim’s account of the incident was corroborated by the police report. |
Corroborated By | The company’s claims about its product were corroborated by customer reviews. |
Corroborated By | The historical account was corroborated by archaeological evidence. |
Attested By | The authenticity of the painting was attested by the art expert. |
Attested By | The quality of the craftsmanship was attested by the skilled artisans. |
Attested By | The safety of the product was attested by the rigorous testing procedures. |
Attested By | The accuracy of the information was attested by multiple sources. |
Attested By | The historical significance of the site was attested by the numerous artifacts found there. |
As Evidenced By | His commitment to the team was strong, as evidenced by his willingness to work overtime. |
Corroborated By | Her story was corroborated by other witnesses at the scene. |
Attested By | The value of the antique was attested by a certified appraiser. |
As Evidenced By | The company’s growth is significant, as evidenced by the expansion of its operations. |
Corroborated By | The theory was corroborated by years of research data. |
Table 5: “Gleaned From,” “Inferred From,” and “Deduced From”
This table provides examples using “gleaned from,” “inferred from,” and “deduced from.” These phrases are useful for describing how information is gathered or conclusions are reached through careful observation and reasoning.
Phrase | Example Sentence |
---|---|
Gleaned From | The information was gleaned from various sources, including interviews and documents. |
Gleaned From | The details of the event were gleaned from eyewitness accounts. |
Gleaned From | The insights were gleaned from years of experience in the field. |
Gleaned From | The data was gleaned from multiple research studies. |
Gleaned From | The understanding was gleaned from a combination of observation and analysis. |
Inferred From | The suspect’s motive was inferred from his past behavior. |
Inferred From | The meaning of the poem was inferred from the symbolism used. |
Inferred From | The customer’s dissatisfaction was inferred from their negative feedback. |
Inferred From | The presence of life on the planet was inferred from the atmospheric composition. |
Inferred From | The author’s intentions were inferred from the themes explored in the novel. |
Deduced From | The solution to the problem was deduced from the available facts. |
Deduced From | The cause of the malfunction was deduced from the diagnostic tests. |
Deduced From | The identity of the culprit was deduced from the clues left behind. |
Deduced From | The structure of the molecule was deduced from the spectroscopic data. |
Deduced From | The historical timeline was deduced from the archaeological findings. |
Gleaned From | The recipe was gleaned from old family cookbooks. |
Inferred From | His feelings for her were inferred from his body language. |
Deduced From | The answer was deduced from the logical steps in the argument. |
Gleaned From | The information about the culture was gleaned from travel blogs and documentaries. |
Inferred From | The outcome of the experiment was inferred from the initial results. |
Table 6: “As Seen In,” “As Displayed By,” and “Borne Out By”
This table showcases the use of “as seen in,” “as displayed by,” and “borne out by.” These phrases are helpful for indicating visibility, presentation, and confirmation over time.
Phrase | Example Sentence |
---|---|
As Seen In | The damage from the storm was clearly as seen in the satellite images. |
As Seen In | The artist’s skill is as seen in the intricate details of her paintings. |
As Seen In | The effects of pollution are as seen in the discoloration of the buildings. |
As Seen In | The animal’s adaptation to its environment is as seen in its camouflage. |
As Seen In | The beauty of the sunset is as seen in the vibrant colors across the sky. |
As Displayed By | The data is as displayed by the graph in the report. |
As Displayed By | The company’s values are as displayed by its commitment to social responsibility. |
As Displayed By | The museum’s collection is as displayed by the variety of artifacts on exhibit. |
As Displayed By | The athlete’s training regimen is as displayed by the intensity of his workouts. |
As Displayed By | The chef’s creativity is as displayed by the presentation of his dishes. |
Borne Out By | The theory was borne out by years of research and experimentation. |
Borne Out By | The predictions were borne out by the actual events that unfolded. |
Borne Out By | The initial findings were borne out by subsequent studies. |
Borne Out By | The company’s success was borne out by its long-term growth and profitability. |
Borne Out By | The effectiveness of the treatment was borne out by the patients’ improved health outcomes. |
As Seen In | The impact of the new law is as seen in the changes in public behavior. |
As Displayed By | The artist’s vision is as displayed by the unique style of his work. |
Borne Out By | The concerns about climate change were borne out by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. |
As Seen In | The benefits of education are as seen in the improved career prospects of graduates. |
As Displayed By | The team’s dedication is as displayed by their consistent effort. |
Table 7: “Confirmed By,” and “Substantiated By”
This table demonstrates the use of “confirmed by,” and “substantiated by.” These phrases are useful for indicating that something has been verified or proven by evidence.
Phrase | Example Sentence |
---|---|
Confirmed By | The rumor was confirmed by official sources. |
Confirmed By | The scientist’s hypothesis was confirmed by the experimental results. |
Confirmed By | The witness’s statement was confirmed by the surveillance footage. |
Confirmed By | The historical account was confirmed by newly discovered documents. |
Confirmed By | The doctor’s diagnosis was confirmed by the lab tests. |
Substantiated By | The allegations were substantiated By the evidence presented in court. |
Substantiated By | The company’s claims about its product’s effectiveness were substantiated By independent research. |
Substantiated By | The journalist’s report was substantiated By multiple sources. |
Substantiated By | The suspect’s alibi was substantiated By witness testimony. |
Substantiated By | The theory was substantiated By years of empirical data. |
Confirmed By | The appointment was confirmed by an email from the manager. |
Substantiated By | The accusations were substantiated By documents uncovered during the investigation. |
Confirmed By | The cancellation was confirmed By the airline. |
Substantiated By | The artist’s skill was substantiated By the awards and recognition he received. |
Confirmed By | The order was confirmed by the supplier. |
Confirmed By | The accident was confirmed by the police report. |
Substantiated By | The claims made by the company were substantiated By financial records. |
Confirmed By | The delivery was confirmed by the tracking number. |
Substantiated By | The effectiveness of the medicine was substantiated By clinical trials. |
Confirmed By | The reservation was confirmed by the hotel. |
Usage Rules
When using these alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. “Shown by” and “demonstrated by” are generally interchangeable with “evident by” but emphasize a more direct showing of evidence.
“Indicated by” and “suggested by” are weaker, implying a hint or possibility. “Revealed by” emphasizes the uncovering of something previously hidden.
“Manifested in” is best used when an abstract concept becomes concrete. “Apparent from” and “clear from” are very similar to “evident by” but can sound less formal.
“As evidenced by” is more formal and emphatic.
For academic and legal contexts, “corroborated by,” “attested by,” “gleaned from,” “inferred from,” and “deduced from” are particularly useful, as they imply a rigorous process of evidence gathering and logical reasoning. When describing something visible or observable, “as seen in” and “as displayed by” are good choices.
“Borne out by” is suitable when evidence accumulates over time.
Pay attention to the grammatical structure. Most of these phrases follow the pattern: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Phrase] + [Evidence]. Ensure that the evidence logically supports the statement you’re making.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using a weaker alternative like “suggested by” when the evidence is actually quite strong. For example, saying “The solution is suggested by the data” when the data clearly proves the solution weakens your argument.
Another mistake is using “manifested in” when you simply mean “shown by.” “Manifested in” should be reserved for cases where an abstract quality becomes concrete, not just any kind of evidence.
Finally, be careful with prepositions. Some phrases require different prepositions than “by.” For example, it’s “apparent from” not “apparent by.”
Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
---|---|---|
The problem was suggested by the clear evidence. | The problem was indicated by the clear evidence. | “Suggested by” implies a weaker connection than “indicated by” when the evidence is clear. |
His anger was evident in his loud voice. | His anger was manifested in his loud voice. | “Manifested in” is more appropriate when an emotion becomes concrete. |
The answer was apparent by the clues. | The answer was apparent from the clues. | The correct preposition is “from,” not “by.” |
The truth was revealed on the documents. | The truth was revealed by the documents. | The correct preposition is “by,” indicating the means through which the revelation occurred. |
The skill was attested by him. | The skill was attested by the expert. | Ensure the ‘attester’ is a credible source. |