prove him wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

"prove him wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression when you want to challenge someone else's opinion or claim and show that it is not valid. For example: "Tom believes that the Earth is flat, but I am determined to prove him wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just try to prove him wrong.

The New York Times

Hopefully I can prove him wrong".

The Guardian - Sport

She seems determined to prove him wrong.

The New Yorker

So prove him wrong she did.

The New York Times

But the new organisation is beginning to prove him wrong.

The Economist

The voters may prove him wrong on both counts.

The Economist

Mr Feiglin, for one, intends to prove him wrong.

The Economist

I decided I would prove him wrong no matter what.

The New York Times

The Bush administration now has to prove him wrong.

The New York Times - Magazine

To prove him wrong, I bit my lip to keep from crying.

The New Yorker

Public opinion would have to shift a lot in a hurry to prove him wrong.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prove him wrong" when you want to highlight a situation where someone's prediction, statement, or belief is directly challenged and shown to be incorrect through evidence or action.

Common error

Avoid using "prove him wrong" in situations where the disagreement is purely subjective or a matter of opinion without objective criteria for verification. Focus on contexts where there's a clear, demonstrable way to invalidate his statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prove him wrong" serves as a directive, expressing a desire or intention to invalidate someone's statement or prediction. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and widely applied. Examples from Ludwig show this phrase used in contexts ranging from personal motivation to challenging public figures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prove him wrong" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the intent to invalidate someone's statement or prediction through evidence or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best used when there's a clear path to demonstrating someone's error. Remember to use this phrase when your intentions are to highlight a situation where someone's prediction is being challenged and shown to be incorrect. The phrase is neutral in formality, making it useful in a variety of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show him to be mistaken

Emphasizes the act of revealing his error or misunderstanding.

demonstrate his error

Focuses on clearly showcasing the mistake he made.

refute his claim

Focuses on disproving a specific statement or assertion made by him.

invalidate his argument

Undermines the logical soundness of his reasoning.

disprove his theory

Specifically targets a theoretical proposition he has put forth.

debunk his statement

Aims to dismantle and discredit his claim.

prove his assumptions incorrect

Highlights the invalidity of his underlying beliefs or premises.

counter his point

Involves presenting evidence or reasoning against his viewpoint.

correct his misjudgment

Addresses a flaw in his assessment or evaluation.

expose his fallacy

Reveals the deceptive or misleading nature of his reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "prove him wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "prove him wrong" when you aim to demonstrate that someone's statement or prediction is incorrect, as in "He said I couldn't do it, but I'm determined to prove him wrong".

What are some alternatives to "prove him wrong"?

Alternatives to "prove him wrong" include "refute his claim", "disprove his theory", or "show him to be mistaken", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to try to "prove him wrong"?

While challenging incorrect statements is often valuable, consider the context and your motivations. It's important to focus on factual accuracy and avoid personal attacks. Sometimes, choosing not to engage is the better option.

What's the difference between "prove him wrong" and "correct him"?

"Prove him wrong" implies a more significant demonstration of his incorrectness, often through evidence or action. "Correct him" is a more general term that can apply to minor errors or misunderstandings.