prove that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'prove that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want someone to demonstrate that something is true as a result of logical argument and evidence. For example: "I challenge you to prove that the world is round."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Do they prove that Puckett used steroids?

The New York Times - Sports

How does the landowner prove that?

Forbes

To prove that.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Let us prove that.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

We now prove that.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Geotags help prove that.

Huffington Post

He will prove that".

The New York Times - Sports

I had to prove that".

The New York Times

I have to prove that".

Independent

They have to prove that".

The New York Times

"The facts will prove that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prove that" in academic writing, ensure your claims are supported by verifiable evidence and sound reasoning. Clearly state your hypothesis, methodology, and results.

Common error

Avoid using "prove that" when the evidence only suggests or indicates something. Instead, use weaker terms like "suggests that" or "indicates that" if your findings are not conclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prove that" functions as a transitive verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It indicates an intention or ability to demonstrate the truth of a statement or claim. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various domains, confirming its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prove that" is a versatile and commonly used expression, as demonstrated by Ludwig's extensive collection of real-world examples. It is grammatically sound and serves the purpose of introducing a statement or claim that will be supported by evidence or reasoning. Its register ranges from neutral to formal, making it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and even wiki articles. While "prove that" is generally correct, be mindful of overstating conclusions and ensure that your evidence indeed provides conclusive proof, otherwise, it is advisable to use alternative phrases such as "suggest that" or "indicate that". Overall, as Ludwig AI confirms, "prove that" is a valuable tool for clear and persuasive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate that

Focuses on showing something clearly and convincingly through evidence or examples. It is more formal.

establish that

Highlights the act of firmly proving or showing something to be true beyond doubt.

verify that

Emphasizes confirming the truth or accuracy of something, often through investigation.

confirm that

Implies reinforcing an existing belief or suspicion with evidence, making it more certain.

substantiate that

Suggests providing solid evidence to support a claim or statement, often in a formal context.

validate that

Focuses on confirming the legitimacy or correctness of something, often through testing or comparison.

corroborate that

Implies strengthening evidence with additional sources or information.

ascertain that

Emphasizes finding something out for certain, often through inquiry or investigation.

evidence that

Highlights that facts or data provide proof.

determine that

Focuses on the act of discovering or establishing something, usually after investigation or consideration.

FAQs

How do you use "prove that" in a sentence?

Use "prove that" to introduce a statement you intend to support with evidence or reasoning. For example, "The study aims to "prove that" exercise improves cognitive function."

What is a formal alternative to "prove that"?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives such as "demonstrate that" or "establish that" to maintain a professional tone. For example, "The research seeks to "establish that" there is a correlation between sleep and academic performance."

Is there a difference between "prove that" and "show that"?

While both phrases indicate demonstrating something, "prove that" implies a higher level of certainty and conclusive evidence, whereas "show that" suggests presenting evidence that supports a claim but may not be definitive.

What can I say instead of "prove that" in less formal contexts?

In informal settings, you might use alternatives such as "show that" or "confirm that". For example, "I can "show that" this method works with a simple demonstration."