substantial evidence

Meanings

1. 1phraseuncountableformal

   A large amount of proof that something is true or likely.

   Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun phrase; you can say 'substantial evidence of something' or 'substantial evidence that ...', but not 'a substantial evidence'.

   Patterns

   • substantial evidence of something
   • substantial evidence that ...
   • provide substantial evidence
   • find substantial evidence

   The police said there was substantial evidence linking him to the crime.

   Scientists have gathered substantial evidence that the climate is warming.

   Without substantial evidence, the committee could not make a decision.

2. 2phraseuncountablelegaltechnical

   In law, enough relevant evidence that a reasonable mind might accept it as adequate to support a conclusion.

   Grammar: Used as a legal standard of review, often in the phrase 'substantial evidence test' or 'substantial evidence standard'.

   Patterns

   • substantial evidence standard
   • substantial evidence test
   • meet the substantial evidence standard

   The appeals court reviewed the agency's decision under the substantial evidence standard.

   The judge found that the jury's verdict was supported by substantial evidence.

   Under the substantial evidence test, the court asks whether a reasonable person could have reached the same conclusion.

Common combinations

substantial evidence of

There is substantial evidence of fraud in the company's accounts.

substantial evidence that

There is substantial evidence that the drug is effective.

provide substantial evidence

The study provides substantial evidence for the new theory.

substantial evidence standard

The court applied the substantial evidence standard to the agency's findings.

Synonyms and how they differ

considerable evidence

Means a large amount of proof; 'substantial evidence' is more formal and in law has a specific technical meaning.

ample evidence

Emphasizes that there is more than enough proof; 'substantial evidence' focuses on the amount and, in law, on a legal standard.

Opposites

Word family

substantiate verb

To provide evidence that proves something is true.

substantiation noun

The act of providing evidence to support a claim.

Commonly confused: substantial evidence or substantive evidence?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “substantial evidence”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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