compelling evidence — convincing or powerful evidence
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
evidence that is so strong or persuasive that it is hard to disagree with or ignore.
Say it like a native
Textbook The evidence was of a highly persuasive nature.
Native The evidence was pretty compelling.
'Of a persuasive nature' is clunky; 'compelling' carries 'hard to argue with' in one word.
Pattern: compelling evidence (of/that + clause)
In use
- The documentary presented compelling evidence that changed many viewers' minds about climate change.study
- In my opinion, the most compelling evidence for the benefits of public transport is the significant reduction in air pollution seen in cities that invest in it.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ There is a compelling evidence for this.
✓ There is compelling evidence for this.
'Evidence' is uncountable — no 'a'.
Common collocations
compelling evidence— provide, no, for/against, scientific
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'clear evidence' (which means easy to see or understand), 'compelling evidence' emphasizes that the evidence is so persuasive it almost forces agreement. It is stronger than 'strong evidence' and often used when the evidence changes opinions or decisions.