prove to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"prove to be" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is being demonstrated or shown to be true or correct. For example, "The results of the experiment proved to be consistent with the original hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That may prove to be his undoing.

The Economist

Hostility would prove to be unnecessary.

The New Yorker

This will probably prove to be true.

The Guardian

That may prove to be wishful thinking.

The New York Times - Sports

Prove to be a bad actress?

Independent

This may prove to be a mistake.

The Economist

This will prove to be more credible.

Independent

They would prove to be his last.

The New York Times - Sports

What do these prove to be?

The New Yorker

These prove to be godsends.

The Guardian

Mr. Carter really did prove to be naïve.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prove to be" when you want to emphasize that something's true nature or quality is being revealed over time or through evidence. This phrasing adds a sense of unfolding discovery to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "prove to be" when a simpler verb like "is" or "becomes" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prove to be" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a predicate adjective or noun that describes or renames the subject after a process of demonstration or verification. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prove to be" is a versatile phrase that serves to highlight a discovered or confirmed quality, state, or outcome. Grammatically correct, as validated by Ludwig AI, this expression functions as a linking verb, commonly found in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While the phrase sees extensive use, remember to leverage it appropriately to signal an unfolding revelation, rather than as a simple substitute for "is" or "become". Alternatives like "turn out to be" and "be shown to be" can provide subtle variations in meaning, enhancing precision in writing. By mastering these nuances, you can enrich your communicative toolkit and convey meaning with elegance and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn out to be

Focuses on the final result or outcome of a situation.

be shown to be

Highlights the act of demonstrating or revealing something through evidence.

demonstrate itself as

Emphasizes the self-evident nature of the outcome or result.

result in being

Stresses the consequence or outcome of an action or event.

end up as

Implies an unexpected or eventual outcome.

validate itself as

Suggests a confirmation or verification of a certain quality or status.

confirm to be

Emphasizes the verification or affirmation of something's true nature.

certify itself as

Highlights the official recognition or validation of a particular attribute.

unfold as

Describes the gradual revelation of a situation or characteristic.

evidence itself as

Focuses on how something manifests or demonstrates its qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "prove to be" in a sentence?

You can use "prove to be" to indicate that something is shown or demonstrated to be a certain way. For instance, "The experiment will "prove to be" crucial for our understanding of the phenomenon."

What are some alternatives to "prove to be"?

Alternatives include "turn out to be", "be shown to be", or "demonstrate itself as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "prove to be" formal or informal?

"Prove to be" is generally considered neutral to formal in tone, suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. Simpler alternatives might be preferred in very informal settings.

How does "prove to be" differ from "is" or "become"?

"Prove to be" implies a process of discovery or verification, suggesting that something's nature is revealed over time. "Is" simply states a current state, while "become" indicates a change of state without necessarily implying proof.