What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
testifying
Example
The witness was testifying about what he saw on the night of the crime. [testifying: verb]
Example
She was asked to testify in court about her experience with the defendant. [testify: infinitive]
attest
Example
I can attest to the fact that he was present at the meeting. [attest: verb]
Example
The certificate attests to the completion of the course. [attests: third person singular]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Attest is less common than testifying in everyday language, but it is still used in formal contexts such as business or academic settings. Testifying is more commonly used in legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between testifying and attest?
Attest is generally considered more formal than testifying. It is often used in official documents or statements, while testifying is more commonly used in spoken language in legal proceedings.
