In 15 Seconds
- 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.
Meaning
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.
Key Examples
3 of 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.
Cultural Background
In Western universities, 'little evidence' is a polite way to fail a student's argument. If a professor writes this on your paper, it means you need more citations. British speakers often use 'little evidence' as a 'litotes' (understatement). They might say 'there is little evidence' when they actually mean 'there is absolutely no way this is true.' In US/UK law, 'little evidence' can lead to a 'directed verdict' where the judge ends the trial because the prosecution hasn't proven their case. In the tech world, 'little evidence' is often used to shut down 'vaporware' (products that are announced but don't exist).
The 'That' Rule
If you use a full sentence after the phrase, always use 'that'. Example: 'Little evidence *that* it works.'
Uncountable Alert
Never add an 's' to evidence. 'Evidences' is only used in very rare, old legal texts.
In 15 Seconds
- 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.
Usage Notes
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 'That' Rule
If you use a full sentence after the phrase, always use 'that'. Example: 'Little evidence *that* it works.'
Uncountable Alert
Never add an 's' to evidence. 'Evidences' is only used in very rare, old legal texts.
Softening Disagreement
Use 'I'm afraid there's little evidence...' to sound extra polite when disagreeing with a boss.
Scientific Skepticism
In English, saying 'there is little evidence' is considered more intelligent than saying 'that's a lie.'
Examples
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.
Test Yourself
Choose the grammatically correct sentence.
Which of these is correct?
'Evidence' is uncountable, so it takes 'is' and 'little'.
Fill in the blank to express skepticism.
The report provides _______ evidence to support the CEO's optimistic claims.
We use 'little' to show that the proof is not enough.
Match the response to the situation.
Someone says: 'I think it's going to snow in the desert today!'
You are expressing doubt about an unlikely event.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Do you think the suspect is guilty? B: Well, the police have found _________ so far.
Standard collocation for a lack of proof.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Little vs. A Little
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhich of these is correct?
'Evidence' is uncountable, so it takes 'is' and 'little'.
The report provides _______ evidence to support the CEO's optimistic claims.
We use 'little' to show that the proof is not enough.
Someone says: 'I think it's going to snow in the desert today!'
You are expressing doubt about an unlikely event.
A: Do you think the suspect is guilty? B: Well, the police have found _________ so far.
Standard collocation for a lack of proof.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, 'small' is for physical size. For quantity of uncountable things, use 'little'.
No, it's actually quite polite and professional compared to 'you're wrong'.
'Scant' is more formal and implies the amount is even smaller than 'little'.
Yes, e.g., 'There is little evidence of his talent.'
Yes! It's a high-scoring collocation for the writing task.
Because 'evidence' is uncountable. You can't have 'one evidence' or 'two evidences'.
Not exactly. It means there might be a tiny bit, but it's not enough to matter.
No, always use 'there is' because 'evidence' is singular/uncountable.
Just change 'is' to 'was': 'There was little evidence.'
Both! It is a universal English phrase.
No, the 'of' is not needed. Just 'little evidence'.
The opposite is 'ample evidence' or 'plenty of evidence'.
Yes, but it might sound a bit formal or sarcastic.
In modern English, yes. Always.
Related Phrases
scant evidence
synonymVery little or barely enough proof.
insufficient evidence
specialized formNot enough proof to meet a requirement.
no evidence
contrastZero proof.
ample evidence
contrastPlenty of proof.
anecdotal evidence
similarProof based on personal stories rather than facts.
