Demonstrate

How it is used

A strong reporting verb: if a study demonstrates something, the evidence is convincing. Writers use it for well-established results and choose suggest or indicate when the evidence is weaker. It also means showing how something works, as in demonstrating a tool.

Example sentences

1. Several studies have demonstrated a link between sleep and memory.

2. The pilot study demonstrated that the questionnaire was easy to complete.

Common collocations

• clearly demonstrate
• demonstrate that
• studies have demonstrated
• demonstrate the effectiveness of

Related terms

• indicateTo show or point to something, especially to show that something is probably true based on data or evidence.
• suggestIn academic writing, to indicate that something is probably true without proving it; it can also mean to put forward an idea or recommendation.
• evidenceFacts, data or findings that show whether a claim or idea is true or likely to be true.
• findingsThe results or information that a study discovers after its data have been collected and analyzed.

More terms: Academic Vocabulary

• e.g.
• i.e.
• concept
• approach
• implication
• furthermore
• assumption
• phenomenon
• comprise
• respectively
• however
• therefore