Demonstrate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Demonstrate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to show or prove something through examples or evidence. Example: "Please demonstrate how to use the new software during the training session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We believe together we have an opportunity to demonstrate the true nature of British Islam today.

The Guardian

Checks and balances are still in place, however, and students meet with their teacher at least once a week to demonstrate what they have been learning.

The Guardian

"The results clearly demonstrate that low-income families with children are the main family group to be adversely impacted by policy changes since the last election.

The Guardian

We should show our own strength and belief in the values of democracy and tolerance, and above all we should demonstrate that the future, however hard the path to it is, does not, and never will, belong to fanatics but will be with those who believe that we should live in peace with each other, whatever our race, nation, colour or religion.

The Guardian

There is a new gateway at each incremental point and every year you have to demonstrate that you are at the appropriate level of competency to be moved up an increment.

The Guardian

(One recent survey found that school pupils thought men taking their wives' surnames would demonstrate a "weak character" but the reverse would show women were "grown-up").

The Guardian - Books

The Daily Mirror organised a man in a chicken costume to demonstrate against Cameron's cowardice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Curiously, pro-Russian sympathies are growing, as reactions to the crisis in Ukraine tend to demonstrate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Related: Brazil drought: water rationing alone won't save Sao Paulo At the Waterbank School in Laikipia, pupils demonstrate in class what they learn about economically and environmentally sustainable rainwater harvesting, water filtration, sanitation and agricultural practices, which is bound to have a wider knock-on effect for their futures.

The Guardian

Only time will tell if these spirits will, unfettered, demonstrate mutual tolerance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, it's hard not to empathise with some of the requests that we've seen – from the man who asked that we do not show a news article saying that he had been questioned in connection with a crime (he's able to demonstrate that he was never charged) to the mother who requested that we remove news articles for her daughter's name as she had been the victim of abuse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "demonstrate", ensure you provide specific examples or evidence to support your claim for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "demonstrate" in contexts where you don't actually provide a clear example or supporting evidence. It can weaken your statement if you promise to show something but fail to deliver concrete proof.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "demonstrate" is as a verb. It is used to express the action of showing, proving, or making something evident. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "demonstrate" functions primarily as a verb, meaning to show, prove, or illustrate something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's commonly found in news, business, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. To use it effectively, provide clear examples or evidence to support your claims. While alternatives like "show", "prove", and "illustrate" exist, "demonstrate" often implies a more formal or detailed explanation. Avoid using it without providing substantive evidence. The term is very common and well-supported by numerous authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Show

A simpler and more direct way to indicate displaying or revealing something.

Prove

Focuses on establishing the truth or validity of something through evidence.

Illustrate

Highlights the act of clarifying or explaining something with examples or visuals.

Exhibit

Suggests displaying something publicly or formally.

Display

Emphasizes the act of making something visible or prominent.

Manifest

Implies revealing or showing something abstract or intangible.

Present

Focuses on formally offering or introducing something.

Evidence

Highlights providing proof or indication of something.

Attest

Suggests affirming or confirming something as true or accurate.

Certify

Focuses on officially confirming or validating something.

FAQs

How can I use "demonstrate" in a sentence?

You can use "demonstrate" to show how something works, prove a point, or participate in a protest. For example, "Can you "show" me how to use this software?" or "We will "march" to demonstrate our support.

What are some alternatives to using "demonstrate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "show", "prove", "illustrate", or "exhibit".

Is it better to say "demonstrate" or "show"?

"Demonstrate" and "show" are often interchangeable, but "demonstrate" implies a more formal and detailed explanation or proof, while "show" is more general.

What does "demonstrate true contrition" mean?

"Demonstrate true contrition" means to "exhibit" genuine remorse or regret for one's actions through words and behavior.