prove

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "prove" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean to demonstrate or show that an assertion or theory is true. For example, "The scientists proved that their theory was correct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The grievances aren't unreasonable, on either side, but the focus on fairness, by making it harder to reach any kind of agreement at all, could prove disastrous.

The New York Times

If the court were to rule the law unconstitutional when it issues its decision in June, it could prove a significant blow to Obama's re-election campaign by striking down his most important piece of legislation and bolstering conservative opposition.

The Guardian

The political rhetoric over immigration will further intensify on Monday as David Cameron promises to ban all EU nationals from claiming most benefits after six months in the UK unless they can prove they have been continuously looking for work over that period.

The Guardian

"The state of Georgia remains an extreme outlier in requiring that defendants prove they have mental retardation 'beyond a reasonable doubt'.

The Guardian

There is disagreement over the distance that the positive effects of clustering actually extend to, however, meaning that the generation of synergetic 'cluster effects' (as they are commonly understood) between firms in Manchester and firms in Newcastle for example could prove difficult.

The Guardian

But with cabinet ministers, Labour MPs and Lib Dem activists all warning against excess Lib-Lab intimacy, that may prove a forlorn hope.

The Guardian

The disability campaigners who gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday warned that Georgia had created a trap for disabled people, because in mild cases such as Hill's it was almost impossible to prove beyond doubt their challenges.

The Guardian

"Part of the activism around women's rights is: 'Let's prove that women are as good as men.' But the other side is you should look at the fact that men can be weak and vulnerable".

The Guardian

The OECD said this will prove more difficult in places such as Europe where there is near-zero inflation.

The Guardian - Business

People may well make all sorts of extravagant claims when they are trying to obtain funds for organisations, but the evidential trail would have to prove they had enough influence with those at the other end of the scale to actually deliver what they promised".

The Guardian

The election programme is one of those moments when the corporation sets out to prove why it exists.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prove", ensure that you have sufficient evidence or logical reasoning to support your claim. Avoid using it loosely without concrete backing.

Common error

Be cautious about claiming something is definitively "proven" when the evidence is only suggestive or preliminary. Use more tentative language like "suggests" or "indicates" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "prove" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object to complete its meaning. Ludwig AI indicates that it is used to demonstrate the truth or validity of something through evidence or reasoning, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prove" is a transitive verb widely used to demonstrate the truth or validity of a claim. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "demonstrate" and "establish" exist, "prove" maintains a strong presence. Remember to use "prove" when you have sufficient evidence and avoid overstating certainty. As Ludwig examples indicate, "prove" is a versatile term crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate

A more formal alternative, often used in academic or scientific contexts.

establish

Implies a more definitive and permanent confirmation.

verify

Focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

validate

Suggests confirming the legitimacy or soundness of something.

confirm

Implies reinforcing or strengthening an existing belief or fact.

substantiate

Suggests providing evidence to support a claim.

ascertain

Emphasizes the effort to find something out for certain.

evidence

Functions as a verb meaning to provide evidence for something.

testify

Often used in legal or formal settings to indicate providing evidence under oath.

determine

Implies reaching a firm decision or conclusion after investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "prove" in a sentence?

You can use "prove" to demonstrate the truth or validity of something, as in "The experiment "proved" the hypothesis" or "He needs to "prove" his innocence".

What are some alternatives to the word "prove"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "demonstrate", "establish", or "validate" as alternatives to "prove".

What's the difference between "prove" and "verify"?

"Prove" implies demonstrating something as true, while "verify" suggests confirming the accuracy or correctness of something. You "prove" a theory, but you "verify" a fact.

Is it always necessary to use formal evidence to "prove" something?

Not always. While formal evidence is essential in legal or scientific contexts, in everyday conversation, "prove" can also refer to convincing someone through reasoning or observation.