prove by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prove by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate the method or means by which something is demonstrated or established as true. Example: "We can prove by mathematical induction that the statement holds for all natural numbers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Let's prove by doing".

The New Yorker

The Government now has everything to prove by delivering".

Independent

There are ways of rationally accepting a claim that you can't prove by argument.

The New York Times

According to Alexander Kitroeff, what is Greece trying to prove by hosting the Olympics?

The New York Times

He said he does not have anything to prove by fighting De La Hoya again.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's expensive to achieve and to prove by means of certification.

The Guardian

QUESTION FROM MATT: What were you trying to prove by noting Bachmann's confusion of "locust" and grasshoppers"?

The New Yorker

The United Nations, meanwhile, has threatened unspecified penalties if Sudan cannot prove by Aug. 31 that it can restore stability.

The New York Times

He lavishes attention on the boys, trying to prove by example that men can be both formidable and gentle.

The New York Times

We prove by cases.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

We prove by contradiction.

Data Science and Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prove by", ensure that the method or means of proof is clearly stated. For instance, "prove by induction", "prove by example", or "prove by contradiction".

Common error

Avoid using "prove by" without specifying the method of proof. Saying "we can prove it by..." leaves the reader wondering how the proof will be accomplished. Always clarify the approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prove by" functions as a verb phrase that introduces the method or means by which something is demonstrated or established as true. It connects the act of proving to the specific technique used to achieve that proof. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with various examples illustrating its practical application.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prove by" is a grammatically sound construction used to indicate the method by which something is demonstrated or verified. It's most commonly found in scientific and technical contexts, where precision is key. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's worth noting that in everyday conversations, simpler alternatives might be preferable. When employing "prove by", clarity is paramount; always specify the method being used, such as "prove by induction" or "prove by contradiction". The phrase's usage frequency is uncommon but its correctness is validated by various authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show by

Uses a simpler verb to convey demonstrating something's truth.

demonstrate through

Uses a different verb to convey the act of showing something's truth.

establish via

Replaces "prove" with "establish" and "by" with "via", indicating a means of confirmation.

evidence by

Focuses on providing proof or support through a particular method.

verify by means of

Emphasizes the act of verification and specifies the method used.

substantiate through

Uses a more formal verb "substantiate" to indicate proving something.

validate using

Highlights the act of validation and the tool or method employed.

confirm by way of

Replaces "prove" with "confirm" and "by" with "by way of", changing the phrasing.

ascertain through

Implies discovering or establishing something definitively using a particular method.

determine via

Suggests finding something out using a specific method.

FAQs

How can I use "prove by" in a sentence?

You can use "prove by" to introduce the method used to demonstrate something, such as "We will prove by induction that this equation is true" or "The theory was proven by experimental data".

What are some alternatives to "prove by"?

Alternatives include "demonstrate through", "establish via", or "verify by means of depending on the context".

Is it more formal to use "prove by" or "demonstrate through"?

"Demonstrate through" is often perceived as slightly more formal than "prove by", although both are suitable for academic and professional contexts. Choose the one that best fits the tone of your writing.

Can "prove by" be used in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "prove by" is more common in academic or technical discussions. In everyday conversation, simpler phrases like "show by" or "confirm with" might be more appropriate.