proves

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "proves" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that provides enough evidence to demonstrate that something is true. Example: The scientific experiment proves that increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere has a direct effect on global temperatures.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your feature (Conference party roundup, 10 October) proves my point.

The Guardian

That is, if the silence of trying to fall asleep the old fashioned way proves deafening.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some commentators believe Bernanke's statement proves nothing other than he needs his eyes testing, or that he is doing his best to talk up the economy and lift the mood of the nation.

The Guardian - Business

As the coalition government's savage cuts bite harder, the tax argument proves time and again that it is not a red herring.

The Guardian - Opinion

Related: 'I start to feel it in my knees' – working for hours while standing proves a tall order The conspiracy theorists among you are probably thinking this is just a thinly disguised attempt by the standing desk lobby.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although Arsenal's manager ruled out joining the race for Paul Pogba, on the grounds that the Juventus midfielder would be too expensive, he said that signing Mesut Özil and Alexis Sánchez in the past two summers proves that he is not averse to spending money.

The Guardian - Sport

For many liberal critics, the overwhelming defeat in Tuesday's primary of Greg Brannon, the Tea Party's preferred candidate to take on incumbent Democratic senator Kay Hagan, by Thom Tillis – an establishment favourite with a conservative track record in state politics – simply proves the radical right has been assimilated by the Republican hierarchy, not vanquished.

The Guardian

BBC London's hirsute new weather presenter Sadiq Iqbal proves key to Bame – black, Asian and minority ethnic – targets, so he's "viralised" by Siobhan, using the hashtag #beardyweather, to highlight his ethnic credentials.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Those based in Britain will probably be grateful for the news that, although in an ideal world satay would be cooked over a smoky charcoal grill, at this time of year a smoking-hot griddle pan proves a pretty decent substitute.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Wood insists that the SNP's success in Scotland proves that politics is now in flux as never before.

The Guardian

It's an extremely diverse mix, which proves that climate change isn't a remote or distant concern now for most people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proves" when you have solid evidence to support a claim. Avoid using it when you only have weak or circumstantial evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "proves" if your evidence is not conclusive. Instead, opt for weaker verbs like "suggests", "indicates", or "implies" to avoid overstating your point.

Linguistic Context

The word "proves" functions as a verb in the third-person singular present tense. It is used to assert that something offers conclusive evidence to support a claim or hypothesis. Ludwig's examples showcase its role in demonstrating facts or arguments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "proves" is a versatile verb used to assert that something conclusively demonstrates the truth or validity of a statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely employed, particularly in News & Media. When using "proves", ensure you have robust evidence to back up your claim. If the evidence is less conclusive, consider using weaker alternatives such as "suggests" or "indicates". This ensures your writing remains both accurate and persuasive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrates

This term suggests a clear and convincing display of evidence, often through action or example.

establishes

This alternative implies firmly setting something as a fact through irrefutable evidence.

confirms

This term indicates verification of something already suspected or suggested.

validates

This term refers to confirming the accuracy or legitimacy of something.

substantiates

This alternative suggests providing evidence to support the truth of something.

bears out

This idiom suggests that evidence supports or confirms the truth of something.

evidences

A less common, but still valid, way of saying that something serves as proof.

indicates

This term suggests pointing towards something as a likely conclusion, though not as definitively as "proves".

testifies to

Suggests something that provides evidence or a fact.

serves as evidence

States explicitly that something acts as proof, emphasizing the role of evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "proves" in a sentence?

Use "proves" to indicate that something demonstrates the truth or validity of a statement, as in "The experiment "proves" the hypothesis".

What are some alternatives to "proves"?

Instead of "proves", you can use words such as "demonstrates", "confirms", or "establishes", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "proves" and "suggests"?

"Proves" indicates conclusive evidence, while "suggests" implies a possibility or likelihood without definitive proof. Choose "suggests" when the evidence is not strong enough to use "proves".

When is it inappropriate to use "proves"?

It's inappropriate to use "proves" when the evidence is circumstantial or weak. Using it in such cases can make your argument seem overstated or unreliable. Alternatives like "indicates" or "suggests" are more appropriate in those cases.