B2 Expression Neutral 6 min read

This proves that

Presentation and public speaking expression

In 15 Seconds

  • Connects evidence to a conclusion.
  • Stronger than 'This shows that'.
  • Used in both business and casual contexts.
  • Requires 'that' before the following sentence.

Meaning

This phrase is your logical 'mic drop' moment. It connects a specific fact or piece of evidence to a bigger conclusion, making your argument feel solid and undeniable. It tells your listener that the evidence you just shared is the final piece of the puzzle.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

In a business meeting

Our customer retention rate is at 95%, and this proves that our service is reliable.

Our customer retention rate is at 95%, and this proves that our service is reliable.

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2

Texting a friend about a movie

He remembered her favorite flower from the first scene; this proves that he's still in love with her!

He remembered her favorite flower from the first scene; this proves that he's still in love with her!

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3

Job interview on Zoom

I increased sales by 20% in my last role; this proves that I can deliver results.

I increased sales by 20% in my last role; this proves that I can deliver results.

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🌍

Cultural Background

In American culture, 'This proves that' is often used in a competitive way, especially in sports and politics, to signal a definitive victory in an argument. British speakers might use 'This proves that' with a touch of irony or understatement, or they might prefer 'This rather proves that' to sound less aggressive. In global scientific culture, 'This proves that' is actually used cautiously. Scientists prefer 'This suggests' because they believe all knowledge is open to new evidence. In common law systems, 'proof' is a technical term. 'This proves that' is used to describe evidence that meets the 'burden of proof'.

💡

The 'That' Rule

Always follow 'This proves that' with a full sentence (Subject + Verb).

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use 'proves' too much in an essay, you sound like you are shouting. Mix it up with 'shows' or 'suggests'.

In 15 Seconds

  • Connects evidence to a conclusion.
  • Stronger than 'This shows that'.
  • Used in both business and casual contexts.
  • Requires 'that' before the following sentence.

What It Means

Imagine you are a detective in a movie. You find a muddy footprint in the kitchen. You look at your roommate's shoes. They are covered in wet mud. You point and say, This proves that you were the one who ate my leftover pizza! That is exactly how this phrase works. It acts as a bridge. On one side, you have a fact or evidence. On the other side, you have a conclusion. The phrase This proves that is the heavy-duty glue that holds them together. It carries a vibe of certainty. You aren't guessing. You aren't suggesting. You are stating a fact based on reality. It feels powerful and definitive.

How To Use It

Using this phrase is like building a simple Lego set. First, you state your evidence. This could be a statistic, a photo, or something someone said. Then, you drop in This proves that. Finally, you say what you believe is true. For example: "The app has five million downloads. This proves that people really need this service." It is a very versatile tool. You can use it to win an argument with your sibling. You can use it to impress your boss during a presentation. It works best when the evidence is very clear. If the evidence is weak, you might sound a bit too aggressive. It’s like using a sledgehammer to hang a small picture frame—effective, but maybe a bit much!

Formality & Register

You will hear this everywhere. It sits right in the middle of the formality scale. In a business meeting, it sounds professional and data-driven. "Our sales tripled this month. This proves that our new marketing strategy is working." On the other hand, you can use it in a casual text. "You didn't reply to my meme for three hours. This proves that you don't love me anymore!" (Note: Please don't actually say that to your friends unless you're joking). In academic writing, it is common but sometimes professors prefer 'This suggests' or 'This demonstrates' if the evidence isn't 100% absolute. It’s the difference between saying "I'm sure" and "I'm pretty sure."

Real-Life Examples

Think about the last time you watched a product review on YouTube. The reviewer might say, "The screen didn't scratch even when I used a knife. This proves that the glass is high quality." Or imagine a job interview on Zoom. You might say, "I managed three projects at once last year. This proves that I have great time-management skills." Even on social media, you see it in the comments. Someone posts a video of a crowded beach and says, "This proves that everyone is ready for summer!" It shows up in Netflix subtitles during courtroom dramas constantly. It's the bread and butter of logical storytelling.

When To Use It

Use this phrase when you want to be persuasive. It is perfect for presentations where you have charts and graphs. If a line goes up, you can say, "This proves that we are growing." It is also great for resolving conflicts. If your partner says you never do the dishes, and you show them a photo of the clean kitchen, you can say, "This proves that I did them this morning!" Use it when you want to sound confident and authoritative. It's for those moments when you have the 'receipts' (the evidence) and you want everyone to know it.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this phrase if you are just sharing an opinion. If you say, "I think pineapple belongs on pizza, and this proves that I have the best taste," people will probably roll their eyes. Logic doesn't really apply to pizza toppings! Also, don't use it if your evidence is shaky. If you say, "It's cloudy today, and this proves that it will definitely rain for a week," you're jumping to conclusions. Overusing it can make you sound a bit arrogant or pushy. If you use it three times in one minute, you might sound like a lawyer who hasn't had their morning coffee yet.

Common Mistakes

A very common mistake for learners is forgetting the word that. You can't just say "This proves..." and then a full sentence without it. Another slip-up is subject-verb agreement. Some people say "These proves..." but it should always be This proves (singular) or These prove (plural).

This prove that he is guilty. This proves that he is guilty.
The data proves that... The data prove that... (though many people use 'proves' with 'data' nowadays, 'prove' is technically more formal).

Don't use it for things that are just 'likely'. Use 'This suggests that' instead if you aren't 100% certain.

Common Variations

If you want to sound a bit different, you have options. This shows that is a bit softer and very common in casual speech. This demonstrates that sounds a bit more academic and 'fancy'. If you're writing a formal report, you might use This substantiates the claim that. If you're arguing with a friend, you might just say See? Proof that... which is very informal. In the UK, you might hear This goes to show that, which adds a bit of a storytelling vibe. In Australia or the US, This just goes to show is a classic way to end a point.

Real Conversations

M

Manager

Our website traffic stayed high even without ads.
E

Employee

This proves that our organic SEO is finally kicking in.

Friend A: I found your AirPods in the freezer again.

Friend B: This proves that I really need more sleep.

I

Influencer

I've been using this serum for a week and my skin is glowing.
F

Follower

This proves that the ingredients are actually legit!

Quick FAQ

Is it too aggressive for a job interview? Not if you have real data to back it up! Can I use it for my feelings? Usually, no. Feelings aren't facts, so 'This makes me feel' is better. Is it the same as 'This means that'? Mostly, but proves is much stronger. 'Means' is about definition; 'proves' is about evidence. Should I use it in an essay? Yes, but make sure your logic is sound, or your teacher will leave a '?' in the margin. Does it work for texting? Absolutely, especially when you're playfully 'winning' an argument about who's better at Mario Kart.

Usage Notes

Use this phrase when you have a clear fact and want to drive home a conclusion. It is a 'power phrase' that signals confidence and logical thinking. Be careful not to use it for opinions or guesses, as it can make you sound overly assertive or illogical if the 'proof' isn't actually there.

💡

The 'That' Rule

Always follow 'This proves that' with a full sentence (Subject + Verb).

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use 'proves' too much in an essay, you sound like you are shouting. Mix it up with 'shows' or 'suggests'.

🎯

Adverb Power

Add 'clearly' or 'definitively' before 'proves' to make your argument even stronger.

Examples

10
#1 In a business meeting
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Our customer retention rate is at 95%, and this proves that our service is reliable.

Our customer retention rate is at 95%, and this proves that our service is reliable.

Linking a specific stat to a positive quality.

#2 Texting a friend about a movie
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

He remembered her favorite flower from the first scene; this proves that he's still in love with her!

He remembered her favorite flower from the first scene; this proves that he's still in love with her!

Using a small detail to make a big emotional point.

#3 Job interview on Zoom
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

I increased sales by 20% in my last role; this proves that I can deliver results.

I increased sales by 20% in my last role; this proves that I can deliver results.

Using the phrase to show personal value.

#4 Instagram caption for a travel vlog
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

I didn't need a map once today. This proves that I'm becoming a local!

I didn't need a map once today. This proves that I'm becoming a local!

A lighthearted way to share a personal 'achievement'.

#5 Arguing with a sibling
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The crumbs are on your shirt; this proves that you ate my cookie!

The crumbs are on your shirt; this proves that you ate my cookie!

Using visual evidence for a 'gotcha' moment.

Correcting a common grammar error Common Mistake
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✗ This prove that the system works. → ✓ This proves that the system works.

✗ This prove that the system works. → ✓ This proves that the system works.

Remember the 's' for the third-person singular.

Avoiding the missing 'that' Common Mistake
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✗ This proves the team is tired. → ✓ This proves that the team is tired.

✗ This proves the team is tired. → ✓ This proves that the team is tired.

Always include 'that' before a new clause.

#8 Discussing fitness progress
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I can run 5km without stopping now. This proves that my training is paying off.

I can run 5km without stopping now. This proves that my training is paying off.

Validating hard work with a factual result.

#9 At a tech product launch
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

The battery lasted for three days during our test. This proves that our new chip is efficient.

The battery lasted for three days during our test. This proves that our new chip is efficient.

Standard marketing and engineering usage.

#10 A funny realization
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I just spent an hour looking for my phone while holding it. This proves that I'm losing my mind.

I just spent an hour looking for my phone while holding it. This proves that I'm losing my mind.

Self-deprecating humor using logic.

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.

The DNA results came back positive. This ______ that he is the father.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: proves that

'Proves that' is the standard way to introduce the conclusion clause.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?

Select the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This proves that the theory is wrong.

This follows the standard [This proves that] + [Clause] structure.

Fill in the missing line to complete the logical argument.

A: 'The car won't start, and the battery light is on.' B: '____________________'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This proves that we need a new battery.

The conclusion must logically follow from the evidence (battery light).

Match the evidence to the conclusion using 'This proves that'.

Evidence: 'The window is broken from the outside.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This proves that someone tried to break in.

A broken window is evidence of an entry attempt.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase. Fill Blank B1

The DNA results came back positive. This ______ that he is the father.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: proves that

'Proves that' is the standard way to introduce the conclusion clause.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context? Choose B2

Select the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This proves that the theory is wrong.

This follows the standard [This proves that] + [Clause] structure.

Fill in the missing line to complete the logical argument. dialogue_completion A2

A: 'The car won't start, and the battery light is on.' B: '____________________'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This proves that we need a new battery.

The conclusion must logically follow from the evidence (battery light).

Match the evidence to the conclusion using 'This proves that'. situation_matching B1

Evidence: 'The window is broken from the outside.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This proves that someone tried to break in.

A broken window is evidence of an entry attempt.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is perfectly acceptable, but 'This demonstrates that' is often preferred in very formal academic writing.

Yes! This is a very common idiomatic way to admit you made a mistake.

In modern English, 'proved' is the past tense verb, and 'proven' is usually used as an adjective (e.g., 'a proven fact').

No. If there is any doubt, use 'This suggests that' or 'This indicates that'.

In casual speech, yes ('This proves he's lying'). In writing, always keep 'that'.

Use it to link your skills to results: 'I saved the company money, which proves that I am efficient.'

It can sound aggressive in a personal argument. Use 'This makes me think...' to be more polite.

Yes, but 'This' is more common when referring to a specific fact you just mentioned.

'Validates', 'verifies', or 'substantiates' are great high-level synonyms.

Yes, but scientists are very careful with it; they usually prefer 'The data supports the hypothesis'.

Related Phrases

🔄

This demonstrates that

synonym

To show clearly by giving proof or evidence.

🔗

This shows that

similar

To make something clear or visible.

🔗

This suggests that

contrast

To mention an idea as a possibility.

🔗

This confirms that

builds on

To provide support for a previous belief.

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