may prove their

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may prove their" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for someone or something to demonstrate or establish a particular quality or fact. Example: "The new evidence may prove their innocence in the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It may prove their most important legacy.

Independent

The smugglers' success may prove their downfall if it causes world governments to cooperate more.

The Guardian

It's not enough for them that having thoughts may prove their existence.

The Guardian

In this context, circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA constitute easily accessible blood-borne tumor biomarkers that may prove their clinical interest for screening, early diagnosis and metastatic risk assessment of PDAC.

Molecular Oncology

Molecules of interest may prove their ability to influence the disease outcome in animal models and must respond to a set of criteria based on toxicity studies, ease of administration, the cost of their synthesis, and logistic for clinical use to validate it as a good candidate in a therapeutic perspective.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Bioenergetics

It was also demonstrated by other researchers that the placental CD34+CD45low cells expressed CD71 and EpoR at 20th weeks of gestation; however, many of these cells did not express the CD235 which may prove their early stage of erythroid differentiation [ 8].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

While regulators worry about which investors should be allowed to dabble in funds that may prove beyond their means and understanding (see article), company bosses lose sleep over the penchant of many hedge funds for aggressively buying and selling shares.

The Economist

However profitable these products may prove for their manufacturers though, Currey suspects they well never acquire the mystique of coffee and tea.

BBC

Others are newcomers who are starting with family cash and may need to prove their mettle quickly if they want to attract other investors.

The New York Times

Over the weekend, the St. Louis Rams and San Diego Chargers each won what may prove to be their final home games in their current cities.

Huffington Post

The Magic's elasticity may prove to be their most redeeming and rewarding asset.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may prove their", ensure the context clearly indicates a possibility rather than a certainty. It's best suited for situations where evidence is suggestive but not conclusive.

Common error

Avoid using "may prove their" when stronger evidence warrants a more definitive statement. Using "proves their" might be more accurate if the evidence is conclusive.

Linguistic Context

Modal verb phrase indicating possibility. The phrase "may prove their" functions to express the potential for something to demonstrate or validate a particular quality, claim, or attribute. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

40%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may prove their" serves as a cautious expression of potential validation or demonstration. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct. While not exceedingly common, it's versatile enough for usage across contexts like news, science, and general reference. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the degree of certainty you wish to convey, and consider alternatives like "might demonstrate their" or "could establish their" for nuanced adjustments. It is important not overstate or understate the degree of certainty based on the evidence that is available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might demonstrate their

Replaces "may" with "might", indicating a slightly lower degree of possibility.

could establish their

Substitutes "prove" with "establish", suggesting a stronger confirmation.

might validate their

Uses "validate" instead of "prove", emphasizing confirmation of accuracy or truth.

could confirm their

Replaces "prove" with "confirm", suggesting verification of existing information.

may substantiate their

Uses "substantiate" instead of "prove", implying providing evidence to support a claim.

might verify their

Replaces "prove" with "verify", focusing on confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

may bear out their

Uses the phrasal verb "bear out" instead of "prove", suggesting confirmation through evidence or results.

could evidence their

Substitutes "prove" with "evidence", directly implying the presentation of evidence.

may attest to their

Replaces "prove" with "attest to", suggesting providing a formal statement of truth.

might serve as proof of their

Offers a more descriptive alternative, explicitly stating the function as proof.

FAQs

How can I use "may prove their" in a sentence?

Use "may prove their" to suggest a possible outcome or demonstration of something. For example, "The new findings "may prove their" hypothesis".

What's a stronger alternative to "may prove their"?

If you want to convey more certainty, consider using "demonstrates their", "establishes their", or "confirms their" instead.

What's the difference between "may prove their" and "proves their"?

"May prove their" indicates a possibility, while "proves their" indicates a certainty. Use "may prove their" when the evidence is suggestive but not definitive.

Can I use "may prove their" in formal writing?

Yes, "may prove their" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing potential outcomes or hypotheses. Just ensure the level of certainty is appropriately reflected in your word choice.