definitively show

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitively show" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that something is being demonstrated or proven in a clear and conclusive manner. Example: "The results of the experiment definitively show that the new drug is effective in treating the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There have been few randomized controlled clinical trials of alcohol use to definitively show that alcohol consumed in any amount by any group of people benefits health.

The New York Times - Health

What Eisenhower shows us today is that while we cannot completely assure safety given any amount of spending, we can definitively show what that spending could otherwise accomplish.

The New York Times

The briefing documents, prepared by F.D.A. staff members and released Monday ahead of the meeting, also found that although tofacitinib did ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and the physical functioning of those who have it, the studies didn't definitively show that the drug stopped the disease from progressing.

The New York Times - Health

Any western analyst who thinks that a victory for Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich would herald the end of the reformist dream or, worse, that it would definitively show that the events of late 2004 were not revolutionary in character, has no idea what they are talking about.

The Economist

Other experts caution that the new results don't definitively show that buckyballs are to blame.

Science Magazine

"This doesn't definitively show that STAP cells don't exist, but there is no evidence supporting their existence," Wakayama said at a press conference.

Science Magazine

This research is the first to definitively show that a psychological characteristic, for example, jealousy, may be influenced differentially by endogenous hormones vs. exogenous hormones administered via hormonal contraceptives.

Evolution and Human Behavior

While the results do not definitively show which filtering technique is most effective for this application, it is clear that both wavelet processing and wavenumber filtering can reduce speckle noise while retaining the salient physical features in the image data.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

"This doesn't definitively show that STAP cells don't exist, but there is no evidence supporting their existence," said Teruhiko Wakayama, a mouse cloning pioneer at University of Yamanashi here, at a press conference today.

Science Magazine

What is right about the traditional view that ad hominem arguments are fallacious can still be captured in the observation that such arguments cannot definitively show that there are flaws in the arguments offered for the position they dismiss.

SEP

The present commentary reviews data from recent studies conducted in our two laboratories (at the NIMH in the USA and at Imanova in the UK) that definitively show that three second-generation radioligands 11C-PBR28, DPA-713, and ER176 have much greater specific binding in human subjects than in 11C- R -PK11195.

EJNMMI Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitively show" when you want to convey a strong sense of certainty and leave no room for doubt about the evidence being presented. This phrase is particularly effective in scientific or legal contexts where precision and clarity are crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "definitively show" if the evidence is suggestive but not conclusive. Ensure your data or arguments genuinely support an irrefutable conclusion, or opt for softer phrasing like "suggest" or "indicate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitively show" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a clear and irrefutable demonstration or proof. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is used to assert that something has been proven beyond doubt. This is evident in examples where it's used to describe scientific findings or evidence presented in court.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitively show" is a verb phrase used to express that something has been conclusively demonstrated or proven. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used. It's most common in scientific and news contexts, emphasizing clarity and certainty. When writing, use "definitively show" only when the evidence strongly supports an irrefutable conclusion and avoid overstating the strength of the evidence. Alternatives like "conclusively demonstrate" and "clearly establish" can be used for similar meanings. Ensure that your claims are well supported to justify this strong assertion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conclusively demonstrate

Highlights the conclusive and irrefutable nature of the demonstration, emphasizing a closed case.

demonstrate conclusively

Similar to "conclusively demonstrate", but places more emphasis on the act of demonstrating rather than the finality of the conclusion.

clearly establish

Focuses on the clarity and firm foundation provided by the demonstration, signifying that something is proven beyond doubt.

prove unequivocally

Emphasizes the absence of any doubt or ambiguity in the proof, reinforcing the certainty of the demonstration.

unequivocally establish

Combines the clarity of 'establish' with the certainty of 'unequivocally', pointing to something being solidly and unmistakably shown.

irrefutably prove

Highlights the impossibility of disproving the demonstrated fact, solidifying its position as undeniable truth.

establish beyond doubt

Focuses on eliminating any uncertainty, ensuring the demonstration is irrefutable and leaves no room for questioning.

show beyond any doubt

Emphasizes the removal of uncertainty, indicating the demonstration is so clear that doubt is impossible.

confirm decisively

Highlights the definitive and resolute confirmation of something, eliminating any lingering questions.

substantiate definitively

Focuses on providing solid and conclusive evidence to support a claim, making it definitively shown.

FAQs

How can I use "definitively show" in a sentence?

You can use "definitively show" to express that something has been proven or demonstrated conclusively. For example, "The experiment results "definitively show" the effectiveness of the treatment."

What can I say instead of "definitively show"?

You can use alternatives like "conclusively demonstrate", "clearly establish", or "prove unequivocally" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "definitively show" or "definite show"?

"Definitively show" is the correct and grammatically sound phrase. "Definite show" does not convey the same meaning of conclusive demonstration.

What's the difference between "definitively show" and "suggest"?

"Definitively show" implies a conclusive demonstration with strong evidence, while "suggest" indicates a possibility or hint without firm proof. The former is much stronger and more certain than the latter.