“As Evidenced By” vs. “As Evident By”: Which One is Correct and Why It Matters

When it comes to precision in language, a small mistake can make a big difference. One common error people make is using the phrase “as evident by” instead of the correct “as evidenced by.” It may seem like a minor issue, but using the right phrase can elevate your communication and demonstrate your expertise in writing. In this article, we’ll dive into the grammatical details of both expressions, explore their correct usage, and show why one is much more fitting than the other.

Language precision is critical, especially in formal and professional writing. The correct use of phrases like “as evidenced by” can boost your credibility and ensure your message is clearly understood. Misusing “as evident by” can create confusion or suggest a lack of attention to detail. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the etymology of both phrases, their grammatical differences, and real-world examples to help you master their usage.

Understanding the Phrases

Before diving into grammatical rules and exceptions, let’s start with the basic definitions of the two phrases. Both are intended to indicate evidence or proof of something, but they’re constructed differently.

What Does “As Evidenced By” Mean?

“As evidenced by” is a correct and commonly used phrase. It’s the passive form of the verb “evidence” and is used to show that something is demonstrated or “proven” by evidence. The word evidenced here is a past participle of the verb “evidence,” which means to show or make clear. For example:

• “The success of the project, as evidenced by its positive impact on the community, was undeniable.”
  

In this example, the phrase “as evidenced by” introduces the proof or supporting evidence for the project’s success.

What Does “As Evident By” Mean?

On the other hand, “as evident by” is not grammatically correct. The word evident is an adjective that describes something that is clear or obvious. It doesn’t function as a verb and, therefore, doesn’t work with “by.” The proper structure should be “as is evident from” or “as is evident in.” Here’s an example of the incorrect use:

• “The solution, as evident by the data, was effective.”
  

This sentence doesn’t follow standard grammatical rules and may sound awkward to a native speaker.

Grammatical Breakdown

To fully understand why “as evidenced by” is correct and “as evident by” is not, let’s break down the grammatical structures of these two phrases.

The Role of “Evidenced” as a Verb

The key to understanding the difference between these two phrases lies in the verb form “evidenced.” In “as evidenced by”, the word evidenced is a past participle derived from the verb evidence, which means to provide proof or demonstrate something clearly. In this context, the phrase uses the passive voice to indicate that something has been shown or proven by evidence. The passive structure is appropriate here because we are focusing on the evidence, not the person or thing doing the demonstrating.

• “The effectiveness of the policy, as evidenced by the reduction in crime, speaks for itself.”
  

In this case, the phrase clearly introduces evidence supporting the effectiveness of the policy.

The Function of “Evident” as an Adjective

In contrast, “evident” is an adjective, which means “clear” or “obvious.” Adjectives describe or modify nouns and do not take the verb form required for this type of construction. Thus, using “as evident by” is grammatically incorrect because the adjective evident should be paired with prepositions like “from” or “in,” not “by.”

• “The solution, as is evident from the recent reports, was successful.”
  

Here, we correctly pair the adjective evident with “from,” a preposition that indicates where the evidence comes from.

Correct Usage in Context

Now that we’ve explored the grammar behind the phrases, let’s look at some real-world examples of how to use “as evidenced by” correctly in writing. Using this phrase properly helps strengthen your writing and ensures that you communicate clearly and professionally.

Examples of “As Evidenced By” in Correct Context

• “The improvements in customer satisfaction, as evidenced by the recent surveys, indicate a positive shift in public perception.”
  
• “The company’s growth, as evidenced by its expanding market share, suggests that the new strategy is working.”
  
• “The data, as evidenced by the extensive research, supports the hypothesis that climate change is accelerating.”
  

Each of these examples uses “as evidenced by” to introduce specific evidence that proves the claims being made.

When Not to Use “As Evident By”

It’s important to remember the grammatical structure of the phrase you’re using. “As evident by” should be avoided. Here’s how to correct sentences that mistakenly use this phrase:

• Incorrect: “The improvements in customer satisfaction, as evident by the recent surveys, indicate a positive shift in public perception.”
  
  • Corrected: “The improvements in customer satisfaction, as is evident from the recent surveys, indicate a positive shift in public perception.”
    
• Incorrect: “The company’s growth, as evident by its expanding market share, suggests that the new strategy is working.”
  
  • Corrected: “The company’s growth, as is evident from its expanding market share, suggests that the new strategy is working.”
    

By simply replacing “as evident by” with “as is evident from” or “as is evident in,” the sentence becomes grammatically sound.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Misusing “as evident by” is a common mistake that many writers make, especially when they confuse the adjective “evident” with the verb “evidenced.” Here are some tips to help you avoid this mistake and ensure your writing is grammatically accurate.

Identifying Misuse of “As Evident By”

• When you want to introduce evidence, think carefully about whether you need an adjective or a verb. If you need a verb to show that something is demonstrated by evidence, use “as evidenced by.”
  
• If you want to indicate that something is obvious or clear, use “as is evident from” or “as is evident in.”
  

Correcting Common Mistakes

• Always double-check the function of the words you’re using. If you see “evident,” make sure it’s paired with the correct preposition (“from” or “in”), not “by.”
  
• If you’re unsure whether your sentence is grammatically correct, read it aloud. The correct phrase “as evidenced by” should flow naturally in formal writing.
  

Tips for Choosing the Appropriate Phrase

Choosing between “as evidenced by” and “as evident by” might seem challenging, but once you understand their grammatical roles, it becomes straightforward. Here’s a quick guide:

• Use “as evidenced by” when referring to something that proves a point or provides evidence.
  
• Use “as is evident from” or “as is evident in” when you want to highlight something that is obvious or clear from the evidence.
  

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between “as evidenced by” and “as evident by” may seem minor, but it has important implications for effective communication. Using “as evidenced by” is grammatically correct and will make your writing sound more professional and polished. On the other hand, “as evident by” is a common error that should be avoided in favor of structures like “as is evident from.”

By focusing on grammatical accuracy and understanding the role of each word in a sentence, you can ensure your writing stands out for all the right reasons. Whether you’re crafting a business report, academic paper, or simply making a point in an essay, using the correct phrase will elevate your credibility and reinforce your expertise in writing.