What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
proved
Example
The experiment proved that the hypothesis was correct. [proved: past tense]
Example
The data proved to be useful in making informed decisions. [proved: past participle]
establish
Example
The company was established in 1995. [established: past tense]
Example
We need to establish a clear protocol for handling customer complaints. [establish: verb]
Example
The evidence helped establish the suspect's guilt. [establish: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Establish is more commonly used than proved in everyday language. Establish is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while proved is less common and refers to a more specific type of confirmation or validation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between proved and establish?
Both proved and establish can be used in formal or informal settings, but establish may have a more organizational or bureaucratic connotation, making it slightly more formal in certain contexts.