demonstrate themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demonstrate themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to individuals or entities showing their qualities, abilities, or characteristics through their actions or behavior. Example: "In challenging situations, leaders often demonstrate themselves as resilient and resourceful."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's a peer-group problem, she says: "If some young fathers take that leave and demonstrate themselves as equal caregivers, others will as well".

Science Magazine

But now, I can definitely see the advantages men have; there seems to be a broader acceptance of the potential of their artistic practices, whereas I feel that female artists more often have to create their own opportunities and demonstrate themselves before they are taken seriously".

Vice

He notes that 'Real men don't …' campaigns obscure the actual links between manhood and men's violence against women: that men rape or hit women in order to experience or demonstrate themselves as real men; that maintain men's anxieties about their successful performance of gender; and that keep ethical choice-making locked into gender identity.

Culture, Health and Sexuality

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

These units handpick leaders from the Army's conventional ranks who have already demonstrated themselves to be among the best.

The New York Times

Devolution will facilitate more straightforward avenues for advocacy on NCDs at the county-level, as the decision-makers in government will be more localised and have so far demonstrated themselves as easier to communicate with.

The Guardian

Called bayraq-e-iftekhar (the pride flag), this rectangular piece of red, black, green and blue fabric bearing two crossed swords was only issued to Afghan units that had demonstrated themselves capable of operating without United States assistance.

The New York Times

It is hoped that this paper, published, in 1989, in the Swiss-based journal European Neurology (Vol. 29, No. 6) may illuminate the phenomenon, often seen in Republican patients, whereby failed Bush policies are retained in policy-processing areas of the brain long after these policies have demonstrated themselves to be abject failures.

The New Yorker

As they reveal longer circulation half-life and better biocompatibility, they have demonstrated themselves as a promising T1 candidate for MRI.

Materials Today

After all, they argued, this is where all the cyberbullying, sexting, overexposure and addictive behaviors are demonstrating themselves.

Huffington Post

Pricing, policing, and stricter licensing terms have all demonstrated themselves to be useful tools for helping to curb the worst public excesses of alcohol consumption.

Vice

Eagle Scouts are expected to set an example for other Scouts and to become the leaders in life that they have demonstrated themselves to be in Scouting.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demonstrate themselves" to emphasize how someone's actions serve as proof of their character or abilities. For example: 'The candidates had several opportunities to "demonstrate themselves" during the debate.'

Common error

Don't let the subjects of your sentences become hidden. Instead of 'It was demonstrated by them that...', use 'They "demonstrate themselves" by...' for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demonstrate themselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the action of demonstrating reflects back upon the subject. This construction is used to show how individuals or entities display their own qualities or abilities through their actions. As Ludwig AI explains, this usage is correct and effective in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "demonstrate themselves" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing how individuals or entities showcase their qualities or abilities through actions. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the frequency analysis indicates it's an uncommon expression, predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. To enhance writing, use "demonstrate themselves" to highlight direct displays of character or skill, while avoiding passive voice constructions. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "prove themselves" or "show their true selves", depending on the specific nuances needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prove themselves

Focuses more on establishing credibility or worth through evidence.

show their true selves

Emphasizes revealing one's authentic character or personality.

reveal their capabilities

Highlights the act of making one's skills or potential known.

establish their reputation

Centers on building a positive image or standing over time.

make a name for themselves

Implies achieving recognition or fame through their actions.

distinguish themselves

Focuses on setting oneself apart from others through unique qualities.

validate their skills

Emphasizes confirming the legitimacy or effectiveness of their abilities.

confirm their potential

Stresses the act of verifying or solidifying their future prospects.

affirm their character

Highlights the act of reinforcing or asserting one's moral qualities.

illustrate their proficiency

Focuses on giving a clear example of expertise or skill.

FAQs

What does "demonstrate themselves" mean?

The phrase "demonstrate themselves" means to show or prove one's qualities, skills, or character through actions or behavior.

How can I use "demonstrate themselves" in a sentence?

You can use "demonstrate themselves" to describe how individuals or entities reveal their true abilities or nature. For example: 'Leaders often "demonstrate themselves" as resilient in challenging situations'.

What are some alternatives to "demonstrate themselves"?

Alternatives include "prove themselves", "show their true selves", or "reveal their capabilities", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "themselves" after "demonstrate"?

The use of "themselves" is necessary when the subject and object of the verb are the same. It clarifies that the subjects are displaying their own characteristics or skills, rather than demonstrating something external.