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Étayer or prouver: support an argument versus establish it

Edited by Chris Lee · Updated · About the library

Distinguish étayer un argument from prouver une proposition. Keep supporting evidence separate from a claim presented as established in French prose.

In short

Étayer means support an argument with reasons or evidence; prouver claims to establish that something is true. Use the strength justified by the material. An example can support a possibility without proving how common it is.

Yellow the idea to rememberBlue French to learn

A wooden support beneath a beam beside a stone arch.
Étayer supports an argument; prouver claims to establish it. Illustration: Atelier

A report describes three delayed deliveries. Those cases support the claim that delays occurred. They do not by themselves establish the frequency of delays across every delivery. The verbs help you show whether the material strengthens an argument or settles the precise proposition being discussed.

  • étayer une thèseautomatically prove it conclusivelysupport a thesis

    Les trois cas étayent l’idée qu’un contrôle supplémentaire serait utile.The three cases support the idea that an additional check would be useful.

    Name the evidence with par: étayer une thèse par des observations.

  • prouver une propositionmerely mention a related factestablish a proposition as true

    Le reçu prouve que le paiement indiqué a été effectué.The receipt proves that the stated payment was made.

    Keep the proved proposition as narrow as the evidence permits.

  • une hypothèse étayéea hypothesis beyond all possible revisionan evidence-supported hypothesis

    Cette hypothèse est étayée par plusieurs observations concordantes.This hypothesis is supported by several converging observations.

    Support can strengthen a claim while leaving alternative explanations open.

  • prouver queprouver de + full clauseprove that

    Le document prouve que la demande a été reçue mardi.The document proves that the request was received on Tuesday.

    Introduce the proposition with que and a complete clause.

The object determines what is claimed

Ce cas prouve qu’un retard a eu lieu ; il ne suffit pas à établir que tous les envois sont en retard.

This case proves that a delay occurred; it is not enough to establish that all shipments are late.

The same evidence may establish one narrow fact and merely support a wider concern. An occurrence record can establish that an event happened. A policy recommendation also involves how common the problem is, its consequences and competing options. Do not let prouver carry those additional steps silently.

Question 1No account needed
Three cases are offered to motivate further checking. Which phrasing stays measured?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Ils étayent la demande de contrôle.. Étayer describes the cases as support for a request without treating them as proof about every future event.

Question 2No account needed
Which complement is natural?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

étayer un argument par des données. Étayer takes the argument directly and can introduce the supporting evidence with par.

When revising, ask what exact proposition follows the verb. If the source says suggère or étaye, changing it to prouve strengthens the claim. Preserve that distinction even when a shorter headline would sound more decisive.

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