demand proof

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demand proof" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to insist that someone provide evidence or verification for a claim or statement. Example: "In order to proceed with your request, we must first demand proof of your identity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Donors need to ask for truth and demand proof.

The Guardian

Courts demand proof that someone set a poisoned bait and that the bait killed a bird.

The Economist

Don't we demand proof of such responsibility when we license someone to drive on our highways?

The New York Times

The governor signed legislation allowing local police to demand proof of citizenship of those they stop.

The New York Times

We must demand proof of value from programs of lesser priority".

The New York Times

If bin Laden was killed, Black continued, the world would demand proof.

The New Yorker

When a collection agency is involved, consumers should demand proof that a debt exists.

The New York Times

Can Arizona's controversial new immigration law — allowing the police to stop people and demand proof of citizenship — pass constitutional muster?

The New York Times

Banks had to report suspicious transactions and to demand proof of identity for cash transfers exceeding ¥100,000 ($840).

The Economist

These are not closed events, and — don't worry — no one is going to demand proof of residency.

The New York Times - Travel

Carry an official record of all your immunisations – some countries demand proof of them at border crossings.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "demand proof" in formal writing, ensure that the context is appropriate for a firm request. In less formal settings, consider softening the tone with phrases like "request evidence" or "ask for verification".

Common error

While "demand proof" is grammatically correct, overusing it in casual conversation can sound overly aggressive or accusatory. Opt for gentler alternatives like "Can you show me...?" or "Do you have any evidence of...?" to maintain a more amicable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demand proof" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a strong request or insistence for evidence or verification. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. The examples show it used when someone wants validation or authentication of a claim.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "demand proof" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It signifies a strong request for evidence or verification and is employed across diverse contexts, primarily in news, business, and science. While generally neutral, it can lean towards formal depending on the situation. To avoid sounding overly aggressive, especially in informal settings, consider gentler alternatives such as "request evidence" or "ask for verification".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request verification

Focuses on the act of seeking confirmation or validation of something.

insist on evidence

Emphasizes the firmness of the request for supporting information.

require substantiation

Highlights the need for factual support or justification.

call for documentation

Specifies that the proof should be in the form of official records or documents.

seek confirmation

Underscores the act of trying to establish certainty or validity.

look for validation

Highlights the search for an affirmation or recognition of truth.

ask for corroboration

Focuses on seeking additional evidence to support a claim or theory.

compel demonstration

Places emphasis on forcing or obliging someone to show proof.

press for authentication

Highlights the need to establish genuineness or validity.

expect validation

Indicates an anticipation or assumption that confirmation will be provided.

FAQs

How to use "demand proof" in a sentence?

You can use "demand proof" when you want to insist that someone provide evidence or verification for a claim or statement. For example, "Donors need to ask for truth and "demand proof"".

What can I say instead of "demand proof"?

You can use alternatives like "request verification", "insist on evidence", or "require substantiation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "demand proof" or "demand evidence"?

Both "demand proof" and "demand evidence" are grammatically correct, but "demand proof" is more common. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Proof" implies a conclusive demonstration of truth, while "evidence" suggests information supporting a claim.

What's the difference between "ask for proof" and "demand proof"?

"Ask for proof" is a general request for evidence, while "demand proof" implies a more forceful or insistent request. "Demand" suggests that the speaker feels entitled to receive the proof or that the situation requires it.