The weight of evidence suggests
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Wörtlich: The heaviness of the proof indicates
Use this to present a logical conclusion based on a collection of facts rather than just feelings.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used when facts point strongly to one specific conclusion.
- Sounds objective, logical, and highly persuasive in professional settings.
- Implies you have looked at multiple pieces of information.
Bedeutung
This phrase means that when you look at all the facts, one side is much stronger than the other. It is like putting all the clues on a scale and seeing which side drops down.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Discussing a broken office printer
The weight of evidence suggests that Dave was the last one to use the printer before it jammed.
The facts show Dave likely broke the printer.
Talking about a sports team's poor performance
The weight of evidence suggests the team needs a new coach to win next season.
Looking at the losses, a new coach is the logical solution.
A formal academic presentation
The weight of evidence suggests that rising temperatures are impacting local bird migrations.
Data shows that heat is changing how birds move.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This expression is deeply rooted in the Anglo-American legal tradition of 'weighing' testimony. It reflects a cultural preference for empirical data and the 'reasonable person' standard in decision-making. It became popular in academic and journalistic writing in the 20th century to express confidence without claiming absolute certainty.
Softening the Blow
Use this phrase when you want to give bad news without sounding like you are personally attacking someone. It makes the 'facts' the bad guy, not you.
Don't be 'That' Person
Using this too often in casual conversation can make you sound a bit arrogant or overly clinical. Save it for when you actually have multiple points to back up your claim.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used when facts point strongly to one specific conclusion.
- Sounds objective, logical, and highly persuasive in professional settings.
- Implies you have looked at multiple pieces of information.
What It Means
Imagine a physical scale. On one side, you have facts supporting an idea. On the other, you have facts against it. The weight of evidence suggests means the 'pro' side is so heavy it tips the scale. You aren't saying something is 100% proven like a law of gravity. Instead, you are saying that any reasonable person looking at the pile of facts would reach the same conclusion. It is about the cumulative power of many small details.
How To Use It
You use this to sound objective and thoughtful. It usually starts a sentence to introduce a conclusion. Use it when you have more than one reason for your opinion. For example, if your plant died, you might see dry soil, brown leaves, and high heat. You would say, The weight of evidence suggests I forgot to water it. It moves the focus from your personal opinion to the facts themselves. It makes you sound like a detective or a fair judge.
When To Use It
This is perfect for professional settings or serious debates. Use it in a meeting when analyzing why a project failed. Use it when discussing news or scientific findings with friends. It is great for writing essays or reports where you need to be persuasive. You can even use it at home when solving a 'mystery,' like who ate the last cookie. It adds a touch of intellectual authority to your speech.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase for purely emotional or subjective things. Do not say, The weight of evidence suggests I love pizza. That sounds robotic and weird. Also, do not use it if there is only one single fact. If you see rain, just say it is raining. Don't say the evidence suggests it. It can also feel too 'heavy' for a very casual text message to a close friend. You might sound like you are trying too hard to be smart.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the English legal system. In civil law, there is a concept called 'preponderance of evidence.' It means you don't need 'beyond a shadow of a doubt' proof. You just need enough to tip the scale. English speakers value this 'balanced' approach to truth. It reflects a culture that prizes logic, data, and fair play over raw emotion in public discourse.
Common Variations
The preponderance of evidence suggests(Very formal/Legal)All signs point to(More casual)The evidence points toward(Neutral)Given the facts, it seems likely(Conversational)The bulk of the data indicates(Scientific/Technical)
Nutzungshinweise
This is a C2-level expression primarily used in formal writing and professional speech. It requires a singular verb ('suggests') and should be followed by a 'that' clause.
Softening the Blow
Use this phrase when you want to give bad news without sounding like you are personally attacking someone. It makes the 'facts' the bad guy, not you.
Don't be 'That' Person
Using this too often in casual conversation can make you sound a bit arrogant or overly clinical. Save it for when you actually have multiple points to back up your claim.
The 'British' Understatement
In British English, this is often used as a polite way to say 'You are obviously wrong.' It sounds gentler than saying 'You're wrong,' but it's just as firm.
Beispiele
6The weight of evidence suggests that Dave was the last one to use the printer before it jammed.
The facts show Dave likely broke the printer.
Uses multiple clues (Dave's deadline, his empty coffee cup) to point to a culprit.
The weight of evidence suggests the team needs a new coach to win next season.
Looking at the losses, a new coach is the logical solution.
Summarizes a season of bad results into one clear recommendation.
The weight of evidence suggests that rising temperatures are impacting local bird migrations.
Data shows that heat is changing how birds move.
Standard way to introduce a scientific conclusion based on data sets.
He hasn't replied in three days; the weight of evidence suggests he's just not that into you.
He isn't texting back, so he probably doesn't like you.
Uses a formal phrase in a casual context for a slightly dramatic, humorous effect.
The weight of evidence suggests we have simply grown apart over the last year.
Looking at our behavior, it's clear we are different people now.
Provides a gentle, logical way to discuss a difficult emotional realization.
The crumbs on your shirt provide a weight of evidence that suggests you ate my toast.
The crumbs prove you ate my food.
Playfully uses high-level language for a trivial domestic 'crime.'
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best word to complete the phrase for a professional report.
The ___ of evidence suggests that our marketing strategy needs to change.
The standard idiom is 'the weight of evidence,' which metaphorically refers to the heaviness on a scale of justice.
Select the most appropriate verb to follow the phrase.
The weight of evidence ___ that the market will recover by June.
The subject is 'weight' (singular), so the verb must be 'suggests'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 'The weight of evidence suggests'
Talking to a sibling about a missing sock.
All signs point to the dog eating it.
Discussing a news story with a colleague.
It seems likely that the company will merge.
Writing a business report or academic paper.
The weight of evidence suggests a decline in sales.
Legal proceedings or high-level policy debate.
The preponderance of evidence suggests negligence.
Where to use 'The weight of evidence suggests'
Work Meeting
Explaining why a product launch failed.
Science Lab
Summarizing the results of an experiment.
Friend Debate
Proving which movie is the best in a series.
Personal Life
Deciding if a car is worth repairing.
Courtroom
A lawyer summarizing their case to a jury.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot at all! While common in science, it is used in business, law, and even everyday arguments where you want to sound logical.
Yes, shows is fine, but suggests is more common because it sounds more careful and professional.
In English, evidence is an uncountable noun. Never say 'evidences' in this phrase; it will sound like a mistake.
It is quite formal (C2 level). You would use it in a university essay or a serious work email, but rarely while drinking at a bar.
It refers to the 'importance' or 'convincing power' of the facts, not their physical heaviness.
It's better not to. This phrase is for external facts. Saying The weight of evidence suggests I'm hungry sounds like a joke.
You can say Evidence suggests... but adding the weight of makes your argument feel much more substantial and serious.
You might say There is little evidence to support... or The evidence is inconclusive.
No, suggests implies a small margin of error. It means 'based on what we know now, this is the most likely truth.'
Only if you are being slightly funny or dramatic with a friend. For example: The weight of evidence suggests you're late again!
Verwandte Redewendungen
All things considered
Taking all facts into account before making a judgment.
On the balance of probabilities
A legal term meaning something is more likely than not.
The facts speak for themselves
The situation is so obvious that no explanation is needed.
Point toward
To suggest that a particular conclusion is likely.
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