Proved or Proved To Be
Dinner conversation last night turned to pet peaves in student writing -- that is what happens when your dinner companions are a 4th grade teacher, an Algebra II teacher, an AP History teacher, and the school year is winding down. Somehow the following usage came up, and the group could not decide which was "correct."
The twentieth century’s early years proved a difficult time for local and regional breweries.
The twentieth century’s early years proved to be a difficult time for local and regional breweries.
I couldn't help with this one.
Jeff Pribyl
Grammarly Fellow
1 answer 
Check out dictionary.com:
verb (used without object)
10. to turn out: The experiment proved to be successful.
11. to be found by trial or experience to be: His story proved false.
12. (of dough) to rise to a specified lightness: Leave covered until it has proved.
I would say in this case that definition #10 fits the best; it turned out to be a difficult time. Although an argument could be made for definition #11 in this example as well.
In other words... I dunno.
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answered Jun 08 '12 at 00:26
Patty T
Grammarly Fellow
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Yes, that very debate -- courtesy of those with iPhones looking it up -- kept us entertained over coffee.
I know this debate. Lord, do I know this debate.
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