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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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proved to be

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proved to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to show that something has been validated or confirmed. For example: "After months of research, its effectiveness was finally proved to be true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It proved to be prophetic.

News & Media

Independent

That proved to be vainglory.

News & Media

The Economist

This proved to be true.

News & Media

The New York Times

Their fears proved to be well founded.

News & Media

Independent

This defensive move proved to be unnecessary.

News & Media

The Economist

It proved to be a prescient move.

News & Media

The Economist

Both conclusions proved to be wrong.

News & Media

The New York Times

None of this proved to be true.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The deal proved to be ill-fated.

News & Media

The New York Times

But that proved to be unfinished business.

News & Media

The Economist

The mood rings proved to be unreliable.

News & Media

The New Yorker
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject you're describing with "proved to be" can logically undergo a process of verification or demonstration. For example, "The hypothesis proved to be correct" is better than "The table proved to be wooden."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "proved to be" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "turned out to be" or "ended up being" for a more natural tone in informal settings.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proved to be" functions as a linking verb connecting a subject to a predicate adjective or noun, indicating that the subject has been shown or confirmed to possess a particular quality or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proved to be" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something has been validated or confirmed, as validated by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and widely used across different contexts, ranging from news articles and encyclopedias to scientific publications. While "proved to be" is generally appropriate for formal and neutral registers, more informal alternatives like "turned out to be" may be preferred in casual settings. When writing, remember that the term is more powerful when connected to verifiable facts, rather than opinions. Ludwig AI also confirms the validity of the phrase.

FAQs

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

You can use "proved to be" to indicate that something has been shown to be true or effective after a period of time or testing. For example, "The new strategy proved to be successful" or "The initial concerns proved to be unfounded."

What are some alternatives to "proved to be"?

Alternatives to "proved to be" include "turned out to be", "was found to be", "resulted in", or "became evident as" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "proved to be" or "proven to be"?

Both "proved to be" and "proven to be" are grammatically correct. "Proved" is more common in British English, while "proven" is more frequent in American English. Choose the form that aligns with your intended audience and style.

What's the difference between "seemed to be" and "proved to be"?

"Seemed to be" indicates an initial impression or appearance, while "proved to be" indicates that something has been confirmed or validated as true. For example, "It seemed to be a good idea at the time, but it later "proved to be" a mistake."

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Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: