Prove as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Prove as" is not an English phrase or structure, and is therefore incorrect in written English.
If you are trying to express the idea of having to provide evidence or proof of something, then you might use "prove" or "demonstrate". For example: The professor asked us to demonstrate our knowledge of the material.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Thomasina's grievous fate will prove as much).

The New York Times - Arts

Will this new monolith prove as fragile as Stone Mountain?

The New York Times

These are important points, but I don't think they prove as much as Cohn suggests.

The New York Times

Sometimes, though, in a competitive world, being overly conservative can prove as dangerous as being reckless.

The New York Times

Mr Noda will hope that voters prove as fickle as they have been in recent elections.

The Economist

Beyond construction delays and cost overruns, they worry assets will not prove as profitable as advertised.

The Economist

But the frustrations will not prove as painful as they might seem.

The Economist

So perhaps the new GMAT will soon prove as popular as the old one.

The Economist

In such a climate, smartphones and ubiquitous Internet prove as much a fetter as a tool.

The New York Times

Again, this might not prove as liberating as they hope, at least in the short term.

The Economist

But achieving that could prove as hard as finding Osama bin Laden.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "prove as" in formal writing. Opt for clearer alternatives like "demonstrate that" or "show that".

Common error

Many writers incorrectly use "prove as" when trying to make comparisons. Instead, use "prove to be as" or rephrase the sentence for clarity. For example, instead of "This might prove as difficult", try "This might prove to be as difficult" or "This might be as difficult".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prove as" functions as a verb phrase attempting to connect a subject with a characteristic or state, often in a comparative context. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this construction is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "prove as" appears frequently in various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. It is often used when a construction like "prove to be as" is more appropriate. Its primary function is to assert or suggest a quality or outcome, particularly in comparative contexts. Although found across different registers, avoiding "prove as" in formal writing is advisable. Alternatives such as "demonstrate that" or "show that" offer clearer and more grammatically sound options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show that

A simple and direct way to indicate evidence.

demonstrate that

Focuses on showing evidence of something.

establish that

Emphasizes confirming or proving something to be true.

confirm that

Highlights the act of verifying something already suspected.

validate that

Focuses on confirming the accuracy or legitimacy of something.

verify that

Highlights the act of checking or proving something.

substantiate that

Implies providing strong evidence to support a claim.

evidence suggests that

Focuses on the available evidence.

attest to the fact that

A formal way of declaring something is true or accurate.

make clear that

Emphasizes clarity and understanding.

FAQs

What's wrong with the phrase "prove as"?

The phrase "prove as" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It's often used incorrectly when the intended meaning requires a different structure, such as "prove to be as" or a rephrased sentence.

How can I use "prove" correctly in a comparative sentence?

Use "prove to be as" followed by the adjective and the object of comparison. For example, "This task might "prove to be as challenging" as the last one".

What are some alternatives to "prove as"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "demonstrate that", "establish that", or "show that".

Is it ever correct to use "prove as"?

While frequently encountered, "prove as" is generally not considered standard English. It's best to use grammatically sound alternatives for clear and effective communication.