Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
this was proven
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "this was proven" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a fact or statement that has been demonstrated or established as true through evidence or argument. Example: "In the study, it was concluded that the hypothesis was valid because this was proven through extensive research."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
This was proven again this week, when it emerged that the Department for Work and Pensions' fit-to-work assessments actually cost more money than they save.
News & Media
This was proven once again by this year's Grammy Awards.
News & Media
(This was proven at Oak Ridge).
News & Media
This was proven untrue by attorneys for the plaintiffs.
News & Media
This was proven in Beirut when the Marines fled after two explosions.
News & Media
This was proven at the ground-breaking Dyson Centre for Neonatal Care at Bath's Royal United Hospital.
News & Media
This was proven on Wednesday when Axa Investment Managers announced it would go ahead with construction of the tallest skyscraper in the City, the 62-storey 22 Bishopsgate.
News & Media
This was proven recently when thieves broke in to the reptile house at Dudley Zoo and escaped with a 2ft-long crocodile.
News & Media
The horses who were involved in the pace scenario had little chance to keep it up, and this was proven in the outcome.
News & Media
"The imaging technology that we use cannot store, export, print or transmit images," she claimed – though this was proven untrue almost as soon as the scanners were put in use; last August, US marshals admitted to storing 35,000 images collected from one single courthouse – some of which have now been obtained by the website Gizmodo under a freedom of information request.
News & Media
This was proven in [155].
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "this was proven", ensure that the evidence supporting the claim is clear and accessible to your audience. Provide references or context if necessary.
Common error
Avoid using "this was proven" when the evidence is only suggestive or preliminary. Use more cautious language like "evidence suggests" or "studies indicate" in such cases.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "this was proven" functions as a passive voice construction used to assert that a statement or claim has been definitively shown to be true. As Ludwig highlights, it indicates that evidence supports the assertion.
Frequent in
Science
36%
News & Media
35%
Wiki
12%
Less common in
Formal & Business
3%
Reference
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "this was proven" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. It serves to assert the validation of a claim through evidence, a point supported by Ludwig. As a passive construction, it emphasizes the action of proving something, making it particularly useful in science, news, and general writing. While "this was proven" is often employed in formal contexts, always ensure that the assertion is supported by accessible evidence and that the strength of the language matches the certainty of the proof. Related alternatives such as "it has been demonstrated" and "it was confirmed" can offer slight variations in emphasis.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it has been demonstrated
Focuses on the act of demonstrating something, emphasizing the process of showing it to be true.
it has been established
Highlights the fact that something has been firmly set or recognized as true.
it was demonstrated
Similar to "this was proven" but with a slightly different emphasis on the action of demonstrating.
it was confirmed
Indicates that something has been verified or validated.
evidence suggests
Emphasizes that there is supporting evidence for a claim, though it might not be definitively proven.
studies have shown
Highlights that research or studies support a particular finding or conclusion.
the data confirms
Focuses on data as the basis for confirmation, implying a scientific or analytical context.
facts support the idea
Highlights that facts or data support a particular concept or notion.
it is an established fact
Emphasizes that something is a well-known and accepted truth.
proof exists that
Highlights that there is demonstrable evidence or verification that something is real or true.
FAQs
How can I use "this was proven" in a sentence?
Use "this was proven" to indicate that a claim or hypothesis has been demonstrated as true through evidence or argument. For example: "The effectiveness of the new treatment was initially doubted, but "this was proven" in a double-blind study."
What are some alternatives to saying "this was proven"?
You can use alternatives such as "it has been demonstrated", "it has been established", or "it was confirmed". These alternatives offer similar meanings while varying the emphasis and tone. Check out "it has been demonstrated", "it has been established" or "it was confirmed".
Is it always necessary to provide evidence after stating "this was proven"?
While not always explicitly necessary, it's best practice to provide or reference the evidence supporting the claim, especially in formal or academic writing. This enhances credibility and allows the reader to assess the strength of the proof.
What's the difference between "this was proven" and "this was suggested"?
"This was proven" implies a high degree of certainty based on solid evidence. "This was suggested", on the other hand, indicates that there is some evidence, but it is not conclusive or definitive. They express different levels of confidence in the veracity of a claim. Consider using "this was suggested" instead when you are not certain.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested