this might prove

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this might prove" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something has the potential to demonstrate or establish a point or outcome. Example: "If we conduct this experiment, this might prove the effectiveness of the new method."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This might prove fatal".

The New York Times

This might prove harder should the corruption charges stick.

The Economist

This might prove a useful way to prevent cervical cancer.

The Guardian

(This might prove embarrassing, since one of the mannequins will already be wearing a Versace dress).

The New York Times

But he knew that this might prove problematic on multiple fronts.

The New York Times - Magazine

It said this might prove to be the "cleanest and most clear cut long-term solution".

The Guardian - Business

But for Grainger, 32, this might prove to have been her last chance.

The Guardian - Sport

If you spent hours queuing up for the latest iPhone, this might prove masturbatory.

The Guardian - Film

Eva is unrepentantly heterosexual, but Gert figures this might prove to be only a minor hurdle.

The New York Times - Books

This might prove embarrassing to Greece, site of the ancient Olympics and birthplace of the modern Games.

The New York Times - Sports

Jane, Exeter A This might prove difficult, as most plants like to find their own way into cracks and crevices.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this might prove" to introduce a potential outcome or consequence that needs further substantiation. For example, "Implementing this new strategy might prove beneficial for long-term growth".

Common error

Avoid using "this might prove" when you have concrete evidence. If the outcome is already known, opt for a more definitive statement like "this proves" or "this demonstrates".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this might prove" functions as a modal phrase that introduces a proposition with an element of uncertainty. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It suggests a potential outcome or result that may be demonstrated or confirmed in the future.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this might prove" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce a potential outcome or result. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its versatility across different contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science", this phrase serves to speculate or hypothesize about future outcomes, adding a degree of uncertainty to the proposition. When writing, remember to avoid using this phrase when the outcome is already known; opt for a more definitive statement instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this could demonstrate

Replaces "might" with "could", indicating a similar level of possibility but slightly alters the nuance.

this may establish

Substitutes "prove" with "establish", focusing on the act of firmly setting something as fact.

this may well demonstrate

Includes "well" to emphasize a strong likelihood of demonstrating something.

this could turn out to be

Adds "turn out to be", suggesting a process of revelation or eventual confirmation.

this might just confirm

Adds "just" to subtly suggest a surprising or unexpected confirmation.

this could substantiate

Substitutes "prove" with "substantiate", focusing on providing evidence to support a claim.

this could evidence

Replaces "prove" with "evidence", emphasizing the provision of proof.

this could serve to prove

Uses "serve to prove" to highlight the function or purpose of demonstrating.

this might attest to

Replaces "prove" with "attest to", indicating a formal declaration or confirmation.

this may go to show

Idiomatic expression indicating the revelation of a truth or fact.

FAQs

How can I use "this might prove" in a sentence?

Use "this might prove" to suggest a potential outcome or result. For example, "Investing in renewable energy "this might prove" a sustainable solution in the long run".

What are some alternatives to "this might prove"?

You can use alternatives like "this could demonstrate", "this may establish", or "this could turn out to be" depending on the context.

Is "this might prove" formal or informal?

"This might prove" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, alternatives like "this may establish" might be preferred.

What is the difference between "this might prove" and "this proves"?

"This might prove" suggests a possibility or potential outcome that needs further evidence. "This proves", on the other hand, indicates that something has already been demonstrated or confirmed.