to demonstrate

USAGE SUMMARY

"to demonstrate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to show or make something clear to someone, such as when you are providing evidence to support an argument. For example, "I conducted research to demonstrate that increasing public investment in education leads to higher levels of economic growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To demonstrate, Martins moonwalked.

The New Yorker

He proceeded to demonstrate.

The New York Times

To demonstrate family togetherness?

The Guardian - Film

Burgess stooped to demonstrate.

The New Yorker

"You're allowed to demonstrate".

The New York Times

They want to demonstrate?

The Guardian - Sport

He's just got to demonstrate it".

The New York Times

Glencore needs to demonstrate that an I.P.O.

The New York Times

"That's Noémie," he said, to demonstrate.

The New Yorker

"The protesters have no right to demonstrate.

The Economist

Hattleberg got behind the baldachino to demonstrate.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to demonstrate" when you want to clearly show how something works or provide evidence for a claim. It's effective in formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "to demonstrate" too often in casual conversation can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to show" or "to illustrate" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to demonstrate" functions as an infinitive of purpose. It indicates the reason or intention behind an action, explaining why something is being done. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing how it introduces explanations or evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

11%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to demonstrate" is a versatile phrase used to introduce explanations, examples, or evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, though slightly more formal. It commonly appears in news and media sources, and its purpose is to present information clearly and convincingly. When writing, remember that while correct, overuse in casual settings might sound unnatural, and simpler alternatives might be preferable. Consider using related phrases like "in order to show" or "as an illustration" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to show

Replaces the more concise "to demonstrate" with a longer, more explicit phrase indicating purpose.

as an illustration

Indicates that what follows serves as a specific example, rather than a general demonstration.

to exemplify

A more formal synonym focusing on providing a clear example of something.

by way of example

Introduces an example to clarify or support a statement, often used in formal writing.

for the purpose of showing

Emphasizes the intention behind the demonstration, adding a layer of formality.

to make evident

Highlights the goal of making something obvious or clear through demonstration.

as proof

Positions the demonstration as direct evidence supporting a claim or argument.

to highlight

Focuses on drawing attention to a particular aspect or feature.

for instance

Introduces a specific example or case to support a broader point.

to present evidence

Emphasizes the act of providing information that supports a claim.

FAQs

How can I use "to demonstrate" in a sentence?

You can use "to demonstrate" to introduce an example or explain a process, as in "He performed the experiment "to demonstrate" the principle of physics".

What are some alternatives to "to demonstrate"?

Alternatives include "to show", "to illustrate", "to exemplify", or "to prove", depending on the specific context.

Is "to demonstrate" formal or informal?

"To demonstrate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it leans slightly towards formal usage. In very casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

When should I use "to demonstrate" instead of "to show"?

Use "to demonstrate" when you want to emphasize a clear and methodical presentation of evidence or a step-by-step explanation. "To show" is a more general term and can be used in a wider range of contexts.