to show that

USAGE SUMMARY

"to show that" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You would use this phrase when providing evidence to support a statement or opinion that you have made. For example, "I believe we should increase investment in education, to show that we are taking learning seriously."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need to show that".

The New York Times

We've got to show that".

The New York Times - Sports

We have to show that".

BBC

I want to show that," said Trimble.

BBC

People want to show that off.

Forbes

To show that, simply let.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

We plan to show that (p=Tp).

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

It remains to show that is unique.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Thus, it remains to show that lim.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

We need only to show that (1.10).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

It remains to show that is normalized.

Advances in Difference Equations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "to demonstrate that" or "to illustrate that" to enhance readability and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "to show that" if the subsequent information does not genuinely support the preceding statement. Ensure a clear and logical connection between your claim and the evidence you present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to show that" functions as a subordinating conjunction or discourse marker. Ludwig confirms it's use when providing evidence or reasoning to support a claim, connecting it to the main clause it introduces.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to show that" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce evidence or explanations in support of a statement. Ludwig AI validates this by confirming that its purpose is to clearly signal that evidence is about to be provided, making it a versatile connector across various contexts like science and news media. While acceptable in most settings, varying your phrasing and ensuring a strong connection between your claim and evidence will enhance your writing. The examples confirm the varied usage, reinforcing its role in academic, professional, and general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to demonstrate that

More formal alternative emphasizing a clear and convincing presentation of evidence.

to prove that

Stronger emphasis on establishing something as undeniably true.

to illustrate that

Focuses on providing a clear example or visual representation to support a point.

to indicate that

Suggests a more subtle form of evidence or implication.

as evidence that

Explicitly states that what follows is intended as proof.

to confirm that

Highlights that the information is confirming something that was already suspected or hypothesized.

in order to prove that

Emphasizes the intention and purpose behind the demonstration.

for the purpose of demonstrating that

A more formal and lengthy way of expressing intent to demonstrate something.

which demonstrates that

Connects a prior statement directly to the demonstration or proof that follows.

this suggests that

Implies that the evidence is not conclusive but points in a certain direction.

FAQs

How can I use "to show that" in a sentence?

Use "to show that" to introduce evidence or reasons that support a previous statement. For example, "We conducted a survey, "to show that" there is strong public support for the project."

What are some alternatives to "to show that"?

You can use alternatives such as "to demonstrate that", "to prove that", or "to illustrate that" depending on the specific context.

Is "to show that" formal or informal?

"To show that" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "to demonstrate that" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "to show that" and "to indicate that"?

"To show that" implies a more direct and explicit presentation of evidence, while "to indicate that" suggests a more subtle or indirect implication. The choice depends on the strength of the evidence you are presenting.