definitive proof of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitive proof of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing evidence that conclusively establishes a fact or truth. Example: "The study provided definitive proof of the effectiveness of the new treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A definitive proof of this came from Fiji.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All that exists is absence, the lack of definitive proof of guilt.

The Guardian - Opinion

As Rhodes explained to Scott Hubbard, without definitive proof of a deception "our hands are tied".

The New Yorker

But definitive proof of the hotness of respiratory ailments can be found -- and purchased -- at Gazoontite.com.com

The New York Times - Style

But she decided to hold the memorial service only reluctantly, absent definitive proof of her husband's fate.

The New York Times

The society's guidelines "recommend against... offering testosterone to all older men with low testosterone" barring definitive proof of its efficacy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Despite not recommending charges, the FBI fears some of Clinton's emails may have been hacked, Comey said although the director said they found no definitive proof of this.

The Guardian

And no, even raising someone from the dead doesn't seem to be definitive proof of Jesus's divinity, either to Mary or to her friends.

The Guardian - Books

With an outcome, you can project that it won't be achieved, but there can't be any definitive proof of that until the process itself is over.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Some will argue whether it actually is a jump shot. In 20 years no one has definitive proof of his ever jumping).

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Our study provides definitive proof-of-concept into the mechanism by which DENV evades immune recognition and activation in vivo.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitive proof of" when you want to emphasize that the evidence presented is conclusive and leaves no room for doubt. This phrase is particularly effective in legal, scientific, and academic contexts where certainty is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "definitive proof of" when the evidence is strong but not entirely conclusive. Overstating the certainty can undermine your credibility if the evidence is later challenged. Consider using phrases like "strong evidence of" or "compelling indication of" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitive proof of" functions as a noun phrase adjunct, modifying another noun to indicate that the evidence presented is conclusive. It signifies a high degree of certainty and is used to strengthen claims. Ludwig AI shows it's often associated with legal or scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "definitive proof of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate conclusive evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most often in news, media, and scientific contexts, and its purpose is to strongly assert the validity of a claim. While several alternatives exist, such as "conclusive evidence of" or "irrefutable evidence of", it's important to use the phrase judiciously and only when the evidence truly warrants such a strong assertion. Overstating the strength of evidence is a common error to avoid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conclusive evidence of

Replaces "definitive proof" with "conclusive evidence", maintaining a formal tone but with a different word choice.

irrefutable evidence of

Emphasizes the undeniable nature of the evidence, suggesting it cannot be argued against.

absolute confirmation of

Focuses on the certainty provided by the evidence, highlighting a complete and unquestionable verification.

certain demonstration of

Highlights the act of showing or proving something with certainty.

unquestionable verification of

Stresses that the verification is beyond any doubt, emphasizing the reliability of the proof.

undeniable validation of

Similar to "irrefutable evidence", this phrase underscores that the validation cannot be denied or disputed.

clear attestation to

Focuses on providing clear and unambiguous testimony or evidence.

positive affirmation of

Highlights a strong and affirmative confirmation of something.

solid substantiation of

Emphasizes that the evidence provides a firm and reliable foundation for a claim.

final validation of

Indicates that the validation is the last and conclusive step in proving something.

FAQs

How can I use "definitive proof of" in a sentence?

You can use "definitive proof of" to assert that a piece of evidence completely confirms something. For example, "The DNA analysis provided "definitive proof of" the suspect's presence at the crime scene".

What are some alternatives to "definitive proof of"?

Alternatives include "conclusive evidence of", "irrefutable evidence of", or "absolute confirmation of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "absolute definitive proof of"?

Yes, using both "absolute" and "definitive" can be redundant. "Definitive proof" already implies a high degree of certainty, so adding "absolute" doesn't significantly strengthen the statement and can make it sound repetitive. Use either "definitive proof" or "absolute proof".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "definitive proof of"?

It is inappropriate to use "definitive proof of" when the evidence is circumstantial or open to interpretation. This phrase should be reserved for situations where the evidence is so strong that it leaves no reasonable doubt. If there is any uncertainty, alternatives like "strong evidence of" or "significant indication of" are more suitable.