demonstrate to

USAGE SUMMARY

"demonstrate to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to show or explain something to someone in a clear and understandable way. Example: The teacher asked the student to demonstrate to the class how to solve a difficult math problem step by step.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"If we can demonstrate to commanders, 'Look.

The New York Times

"That is what we have to demonstrate to the N.R.C".

The New York Times

They demonstrate to control freaks the importance of letting go.

The Guardian

"But a man can easily demonstrate to his fellow man".

The Guardian

-being able to demonstrate to paying employers that they are serious and determined.

The Guardian

The BBFC said the explicit shot could demonstrate to teenagers a particularly dangerous technique of suicide.

The Guardian

Part of the challenge is to demonstrate to such Parties how the Treaty has benefited them.

The Guardian

What the international community has done is demonstrate to Afghans that democracy is a sham.

The New York Times

This becomes a visual way for teenagers to demonstrate to others that they are engaged.

The New York Times - Tech

"But to do this, I need you to demonstrate to me what you have to offer.

The Guardian

It seeks to demonstrate, to quote Bauman again, how "bureaucracy is intrinsically capable of genocidal action".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demonstrate to" when you want to emphasize the act of showing or proving something through a tangible or understandable method.

Common error

Avoid using "demonstrate to" in overly casual contexts where simpler words like "show" or "tell" would suffice. Using it inappropriately can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural. Retain the formality of "demonstrate to" for specific contexts and audiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demonstrate to" primarily functions as a transitive verb phrase requiring both a direct object (what is being demonstrated) and an indirect object (the recipient of the demonstration). Ludwig examples show it used to convey information or prove a point to someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "demonstrate to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that clearly indicates the act of showing or proving something to someone. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It's commonly employed in neutral and professional contexts, particularly within news and media, to provide evidence or explain concepts convincingly. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in both the method of demonstration and its relevance to the audience. Alternatives like "prove to" or "show to" can be used depending on the desired nuance and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prove to

Replaces "demonstrate" with a stronger emphasis on conclusive evidence.

show to

A more direct and simple alternative to "demonstrate", suitable for informal contexts.

illustrate to

Highlights the use of examples to make something clear to someone.

explain to

Focuses on making something understandable through detailed information.

reveal to

Implies uncovering or making something known to someone.

convince

Focuses on persuading someone of something, changing their belief.

persuade

Similar to "convince", but may involve a stronger element of influence.

make clear to

Emphasizes the act of ensuring someone understands something without a doubt.

clarify for

Focuses on removing confusion and making something easier to understand.

present evidence to

Highlights the formal presentation of supporting information.

FAQs

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

You can use "demonstrate to" to show how something works, prove a point, or explain something clearly. For example: "The software developers needed to demonstrate to the investors that the new program was functional and efficient."

What are some alternatives to "demonstrate to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "prove to", "show to", or "illustrate to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

When you're indicating who is receiving the demonstration, "to" is essential. For example, "demonstrate the product" is different from "demonstrate to the client". The first is more general and the second specifies the recipient.

What's the difference between "demonstrate to" and "explain to"?

"Demonstrate to" often involves showing or performing a task to illustrate something, while "explain to" focuses more on providing a detailed verbal description. You might demonstrate to someone how to use a tool, but you would explain the theory behind it.