Guide 194 / 200 5 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “prove”
Five verbs for strengthening a claim.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Prove" is strong — sometimes too strong. In most business writing, "demonstrate" is plenty; "establish" settles a fact; "substantiate" supports; "show" is plain; "evidence" as a verb is formal and slightly overused.
ii · The swaps5 ways
- 01Demonstrate neutral
plain substitute for "prove"
The pilot demonstrates the approach at scale.
- 02Establish formal
settle a fact
The report establishes the timeline of events.
- 03Substantiate formal
support with evidence
Substantiate the claim with ledger entries.
- 04Show neutral
plain, direct
The data show a durable uplift.
- 05Evidence formal
formal, slightly overused
Customer behaviour evidences the shift.