When it comes to mastering the English language, even small details can make a big difference. One common confusion many people face is the choice between “As Evidenced By” and “As Evident By.”
This may seem like a trivial issue at first, but getting the phrasing right can significantly impact the clarity and correctness of your writing, especially in academic, professional, and formal contexts. In this article, we’ll explore why “As Evidenced By” is the grammatically correct choice and break down why “As Evident By” falls short.
Introduction: Clarifying Common English Misconceptions
English is full of tricky phrases and subtle distinctions that often confuse even the most seasoned writers. From everyday conversational missteps to more formal writing errors, English offers a vast playground for grammatical slip-ups. One such example is the confusion between “As Evidenced By” and “As Evident By.”
While these two phrases may seem interchangeable at first glance, their meanings and grammatical constructions are quite different. In this post, we’ll provide you with a detailed breakdown of the correct phrase, explain why “As Evident By” is grammatically incorrect, and offer valuable insights into how to use these phrases properly in your writing.
The Correct Usage: “As Evidenced By”
The phrase “As Evidenced By” is often used in formal writing to introduce a piece of evidence or support for a statement. The word “evidenced” here is the past participle of the verb “to evidence,” which means “to provide evidence” or “to demonstrate something clearly.” This usage is not only grammatically correct, but it is also widely accepted in academic, legal, and professional contexts.
What Does “As Evidenced By” Imply?
When you use “As Evidenced By,” you are typically referring to a fact, action, or event that serves as evidence for a claim or argument. The phrase emphasizes that something has been demonstrated, proven, or clarified through some form of evidence.
For example:
- “As evidenced by the results of the study, the hypothesis was confirmed.”
- “Her dedication, as evidenced by her countless hours of work, proved she was committed to the project.”
In both cases, the phrase signals that what follows will provide the proof or support for the statement that precedes it.
The Grammatical Structure of “As Evidenced By”
The structure of the phrase “As Evidenced By” is made up of the following components:
- “As” – a preposition indicating comparison or similarity.
- “Evidenced” – the past participle form of the verb “evidence,” meaning something that has been shown or demonstrated.
- “By” – a preposition introducing the agent or means by which something is demonstrated.
This structure follows standard English grammar rules and allows the writer to introduce evidence in a precise and grammatically correct way.
Unpacking the Implications of “As Evidenced By”
When you choose to use “As Evidenced By,” you are not only introducing evidence but also suggesting that the evidence presented has been thoroughly established. The phrase implies a clear, factual demonstration of the claim.
For instance, in academic writing, the phrase can help bolster the strength of an argument. If you’re discussing a study or a research paper, using “As Evidenced By” can lend credibility to the point you are making by showing that your argument is backed by proven facts.
Read More: Involved or Envolved – Which Is Correct?
Example in Context
- “As evidenced by the significant increase in sales over the last quarter, the marketing strategy has proven effective.”
- Here, the phrase highlights the evidence supporting the effectiveness of the marketing strategy.
Why “As Evident By” Is Grammatically Incorrect
Now that we understand the proper use of “As Evidenced By,” let’s examine why “As Evident By” is grammatically incorrect.
Defining “Evident” vs. “Evidenced”
To fully grasp the mistake behind “As Evident By,” it’s important to understand the difference between the two words: “evident” and “evidenced.”
- “Evident” is an adjective. It means “clear to the sight or understanding,” or something that is plainly obvious.
- “Evidenced” is the past participle of the verb “to evidence,” meaning “to provide evidence” or “to demonstrate.”
In the phrase “As Evident By,” “evident” is being used incorrectly as a verb, which creates a logical and grammatical inconsistency. The preposition “by” calls for a verb or verb phrase, but “evident” is an adjective, making it unsuitable for this construction.
Why “As Evident By” Does Not Work
- Incorrect construction: “As evident by” cannot work because “evident” does not function as a verb. This violates basic sentence structure rules.
- Lack of action: “Evident” does not demonstrate action, which is essential in phrases that require a verb to show how something is proven or established.
Thus, “As Evident By” is grammatically flawed and does not follow standard English conventions.
Prepositions in English Phrases: Why “By” Matters
The preposition “by” is crucial in sentences like “As Evidenced By” because it introduces the means or agent through which something is demonstrated. Prepositions like “by” are often used in conjunction with verbs or participles, which is why “evidenced” (a past participle) works perfectly here.
Common Preposition Errors to Avoid
- “By” with adjectives: As we’ve established, “by” requires a verb or a past participle. Pairing “by” with adjectives like “evident” results in an incorrect phrase.
- Other incorrect pairings: Similar errors can occur with adjectives like “clear” or “apparent.” For example, “As clear by” or “As apparent by” are both grammatically wrong because the adjective should not be followed by “by.”
Correct Usage in Context: Examples of “As Evidenced By”
Now that we know the rules and the reason behind the choice of “As Evidenced By,” let’s explore some real-world examples of how to use it correctly in various contexts.
Academic Writing
In research papers and academic writing, it’s crucial to back up claims with evidence. The phrase “As Evidenced By” helps introduce data, studies, and findings that support the argument.
- “As evidenced by the comprehensive analysis in Chapter 3, the data clearly supports the hypothesis.”
Legal Documents
In legal writing, precision is essential. Using “As Evidenced By” can help cite supporting documents, witness testimony, or any form of proof.
- “As evidenced by the defendant’s alibi, he was not at the scene of the crime.”
Business Reports
In business, managers and analysts often need to present evidence to justify decisions or strategies. “As Evidenced By” makes the point clear and concise.
- “As evidenced by the steady growth in customer satisfaction scores, the new policies are working as intended.”
Avoiding Common Mistakes with “As Evidenced By”
To avoid making the mistake of using “As Evident By,” here are some practical tips:
- Always check the word type: Before using “evident,” ask yourself if you need a verb or participle. If you need an action, use “evidenced.”
- Be cautious with prepositions: Make sure the preposition “by” is followed by a verb or past participle, not an adjective.
- Read aloud: Sometimes, hearing the phrase can help identify whether it sounds natural or not.
Conclusion: Mastering Proper Usage
In conclusion, mastering the correct use of “As Evidenced By” is essential for clear, accurate, and professional writing. It provides a straightforward way to present evidence in support of your arguments, making your writing more persuasive and credible.
Remember, the phrase “As Evident By” is grammatically incorrect because “evident” is an adjective, not a verb. Always opt for “As Evidenced By” when you want to refer to evidence or proof. By understanding the rules of grammar and being mindful of the structure of these phrases, you can ensure your writing is polished, precise, and powerful.
With a deeper understanding of the differences between “evidenced” and “evident,” along with how prepositions function in English, you can confidently avoid these common mistakes and write with clarity and accuracy. Happy writing!
FAQs: “As Evidenced By” vs. “As Evident By”
1. What is the correct phrase: “As Evidenced By” or “As Evident By”?
The correct phrase is “As Evidenced By.” It follows proper grammatical structure, using “evidenced” as the past participle of “evidence” (a verb). The phrase means that something is demonstrated or proven by a specific piece of evidence.
2. Why is “As Evident By” incorrect?
The word “evident” is an adjective, meaning “clear or obvious.” Adjectives do not function as verbs, so they cannot be used with “by” in this construction. The phrase “As Evident By” is grammatically incorrect because “evident” does not perform an action.
3. Can I use “As Evident In” instead?
No, “As Evident In” is also incorrect. If you want to use “evident,” you need a different sentence structure. For example:
- “The benefits were evident in the results.” (Correct)
- “As evident in the results, the benefits were clear.” (Incorrect)
4. Where is “As Evidenced By” commonly used?
This phrase is commonly found in academic writing, legal documents, business reports, and formal communication. It helps introduce evidence to support an argument.
5. What are some examples of “As Evidenced By” in a sentence?
- “As evidenced by multiple studies, exercise improves mental health.”
- “The company’s success, as evidenced by its increasing revenue, is undeniable.”
- “As evidenced by her dedication, she truly deserved the promotion.”
