little evidence
دليل قليل
Use it to politely express doubt when someone lacks enough facts to back up their claims.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used when proof is insufficient to support a claim.
- Sounds more professional and objective than saying 'that's a lie'.
- Common in news, science, and workplace discussions.
معنی
This phrase describes a situation where there isn't enough proof or information to show that something is true. It suggests that while there might be a tiny bit of info, it's definitely not enough to convince anyone.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6In a business meeting
There is little evidence that this marketing plan will work.
هناك دليل قليل على أن خطة التسويق هذه ستنجح.
Discussing a news story
The police found little evidence at the crime scene.
وجدت الشرطة أدلة قليلة في مسرح الجريمة.
Texting a friend about a rumor
I heard they broke up, but there's little evidence of that on Instagram.
سمعت أنهما انفصلا، لكن هناك القليل من الأدلة على ذلك في إنستغرام.
زمینه فرهنگی
This phrase is deeply rooted in the scientific method and the legal principle of 'burden of proof' common in Western societies. It reflects a cultural tendency to remain skeptical until a claim is backed by observable data. It gained massive popularity in the 20th century with the rise of evidence-based medicine and investigative journalism.
The 'A' Difference
Saying 'a little evidence' (with 'a') means you have some proof. Saying 'little evidence' (without 'a') means you don't have enough. It's a tiny word with a big impact!
Don't pluralize it
Evidence is uncountable. Never say 'little evidences'. It's a common mistake that will immediately mark you as a non-native speaker.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used when proof is insufficient to support a claim.
- Sounds more professional and objective than saying 'that's a lie'.
- Common in news, science, and workplace discussions.
What It Means
Think of little evidence as a polite way to say "I don't believe you because you can't prove it." It means the facts are missing. It is like trying to build a house on sand. You have a few grains, but nothing solid to stand on. It implies that a claim is probably weak or even totally wrong.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase after the word there is. For example, "There is little evidence to support that theory." You can also use it as a subject. "Little evidence exists for ghosts." It is a very flexible tool for your English toolkit. It helps you sound smart and objective without being too aggressive.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be skeptical but professional. It is perfect for a meeting when a colleague makes a wild claim. Use it when reading news or discussing science. It is great for those "prove it" moments in life. It works well in academic writing too. It sounds much better than saying "You are lying."
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if there is absolutely zero evidence. In that case, say no evidence. Also, avoid it in very emotional, heated arguments with a partner. Saying "There is little evidence you did the dishes" might get you a cold shoulder. It can sound a bit too robotic in a casual bar setting. Stick to I don't see it or No way there.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, value "empirical proof." We love data and facts. This phrase became popular because it sounds fair. It suggests you are willing to listen if more proof appears. It’s the language of detectives, scientists, and polite skeptics. It reflects a culture that prefers logic over blind faith in many professional settings.
Common Variations
You might hear scant evidence which sounds even more formal. There is also thin evidence which implies the proof is weak. If you want to be stronger, use virtually no evidence. For a more casual vibe, people might say not much to go on. Each variation changes the "flavor" of your skepticism just a little bit.
نکات کاربردی
This phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly effective in professional settings because it sounds objective rather than personal. Be careful not to use 'a' before 'little' unless you want to sound more optimistic about the proof.
The 'A' Difference
Saying 'a little evidence' (with 'a') means you have some proof. Saying 'little evidence' (without 'a') means you don't have enough. It's a tiny word with a big impact!
Don't pluralize it
Evidence is uncountable. Never say 'little evidences'. It's a common mistake that will immediately mark you as a non-native speaker.
The 'Polite No'
In English-speaking corporate culture, saying 'there is little evidence' is often a polite way to say 'I think you're wrong' without starting a fight.
مثالها
6There is little evidence that this marketing plan will work.
هناك دليل قليل على أن خطة التسويق هذه ستنجح.
A professional way to challenge a colleague's idea.
The police found little evidence at the crime scene.
وجدت الشرطة أدلة قليلة في مسرح الجريمة.
Describes a lack of physical proof in a factual way.
I heard they broke up, but there's little evidence of that on Instagram.
سمعت أنهما انفصلا، لكن هناك القليل من الأدلة على ذلك في إنستغرام.
Using a formal phrase in a casual context for a slightly ironic tone.
There is little evidence you're actually a human and not an alien.
هناك دليل قليل على أنك إنسان حقاً ولست كائناً فضائياً.
Using formal logic to make a joke.
Scientists say there is little evidence that this juice cleanses your soul.
يقول العلماء إن هناك دليلاً قليلاً على أن هذا العصير يطهر روحك.
Used to debunk a popular but unproven myth.
I see little evidence of the hard work you promised me.
أرى دليلاً قليلاً على العمل الشاق الذي وعدتني به.
A serious, slightly emotional way to hold someone accountable.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the best word to complete the skeptical statement.
The manager said the project is failing, but there is ___ evidence to support that.
We use 'little' with uncountable nouns like 'evidence' to show a lack of something.
Complete the sentence to sound professional in a report.
Despite the rumors, we found ___ evidence of a security breach.
'Little evidence' is the standard collocation; 'few' is for countable items and 'small' doesn't fit here.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Formality Range of 'Little Evidence'
Not much proof
I don't see much proof.
The standard phrase
There is little evidence.
Academic/Legal
Scant evidence exists.
Where to use 'Little Evidence'
Office Meeting
Questioning a strategy
Science Lab
Discussing a hypothesis
Courtroom
Talking about a suspect
Daily Life
Debunking a rumor
سوالات متداول
10 سوالNot exactly. It means there might be a tiny bit, but it's not enough to be useful or convincing. If there is absolutely nothing, use no evidence instead.
No, you cannot. Evidence is an uncountable noun in English, so you must use little. Use few only for things you can count, like few clues.
Yes, it's perfect for academic writing! It shows you are being careful and objective. For example: There is little evidence to support the author's claim.
This is a big one! Little evidence is negative (not enough). A little evidence is positive (at least we have something).
Sure, but it might sound a bit formal or sarcastic. If your friend says they saw a UFO, replying with There is little evidence for that is a funny way to be a skeptic.
Yes, but scant is much more formal and poetic. You'll see it in newspapers or old books more than you'll hear it at a coffee shop.
You can say precious little evidence. This adds a bit of emotion and emphasizes that there is almost nothing there.
Yes, always. Even if you have 100 pieces of proof, you still call it evidence. If you need to count it, say pieces of evidence.
It's rare. Usually, we use it for facts or theories. Saying I have little evidence you love me sounds like a lawyer is breaking up with someone!
You could say not much proof or nothing to back it up. These sound more natural when talking to friends.
عبارات مرتبط
Lack of proof
When there is no information to show something is true.
Hard evidence
Very strong, undeniable proof.
Circumstantial evidence
Proof that suggests something but doesn't prove it directly.
Anecdotal evidence
Proof based on personal stories rather than facts/data.
نظرات (0)
برای نظر دادن وارد شویدیادگیری زبانها را رایگان شروع کنید
شروع رایگان یادگیری