The phrase “this shows” is commonly used in essays, reports, presentations, and discussions to indicate that evidence supports a point or that something has been demonstrated. However, using it too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive or unpolished.
By incorporating varied expressions that convey the same meaning more creatively or appropriately for your audience, you can enhance clarity, tone, and style.
Below are 25 effective alternatives to “this shows,” complete with usage guidance to help you diversify your language and strengthen your communication.
1. This Demonstrates
Meaning:
Indicates that something clearly proves or illustrates a point.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrase is slightly more formal than “this shows” and works well in professional or academic contexts.
Scenario Example:
The increase in sales this quarter demonstrates the effectiveness of the new marketing strategy.
Best Use:
Business reports, academic writing.
Tone:
Formal, confident, direct.
2. This Indicates
Meaning:
Suggests or points out a fact or conclusion based on evidence.
Detailed Explanation:
“This indicates” is useful when drawing logical conclusions. It’s often seen in research and analysis.
Scenario Example:
The data indicates a strong correlation between exercise and improved mood.
Best Use:
Research papers, technical writing.
Tone:
Analytical, professional, factual.
3. This Suggests
Meaning:
Proposes or implies a possible interpretation or outcome.
Detailed Explanation:
“This suggests” is slightly more tentative, making it useful when you want to sound balanced or avoid overstatement.
Scenario Example:
His late arrival suggests a lack of interest in the project.
Best Use:
Analytical essays, critiques, soft claims.
Tone:
Moderate, neutral, thoughtful.
4. This Illustrates
Meaning:
Provides a clear example that helps explain or support an idea.
Detailed Explanation:
Often used when referring to visuals or examples that explain a concept clearly.
Scenario Example:
The diagram illustrates how the energy flows through the system.
Best Use:
Presentations, textbooks, explanatory writing.
Tone:
Clear, educational, illustrative.
5. This Confirms
Meaning:
Validates or verifies something with supporting evidence.
Detailed Explanation:
“This confirms” is strong and assertive, showing that the evidence directly supports a claim or belief.
Scenario Example:
The results confirm the hypothesis proposed in the initial study.
Best Use:
Scientific writing, research findings.
Tone:
Authoritative, confident, formal.
6. This Highlights
Meaning:
Draws special attention to a particular detail or fact.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrase is excellent for emphasizing the importance or significance of a point.
Scenario Example:
Her speech highlights the ongoing need for educational reform.
Best Use:
Persuasive writing, editorial content.
Tone:
Emphatic, persuasive, clear.
7. This Reflects
Meaning:
Reveals or mirrors a deeper truth or condition.
Detailed Explanation:
“This reflects” is thoughtful and often used in discussions of values, emotions, or trends.
Scenario Example:
The decline in attendance reflects growing dissatisfaction among members.
Best Use:
Opinion pieces, reflective essays.
Tone:
Thoughtful, analytical, observational.
8. This Implies
Meaning:
Suggests something indirectly without stating it outright.
Detailed Explanation:
“This implies” works well when the evidence leads the reader to infer a conclusion on their own.
Scenario Example:
His silence implies agreement with the decision.
Best Use:
Subtle arguments, literary analysis.
Tone:
Subtle, analytical, indirect.
9. This Underscores
Meaning:
Emphasizes or reinforces the importance of something.
Detailed Explanation:
A more impactful way to say that something is important or deserves attention.
Scenario Example:
The report underscores the urgency of addressing climate change.
Best Use:
Persuasive writing, speeches.
Tone:
Serious, urgent, focused.
10. This Reveals
Meaning:
Uncovers or makes something previously hidden visible.
Detailed Explanation:
“This reveals” is useful when something becomes clear through data, observation, or events.
Scenario Example:
The investigation reveals a pattern of negligence.
Best Use:
Journalism, reports, investigative writing.
Tone:
Expository, informative, strong.
11. This Establishes
Meaning:
Confirms or firmly proves a fact or foundation.
Detailed Explanation:
This phrase is authoritative and solid, making it ideal for final conclusions or core findings.
Scenario Example:
This study establishes a link between diet and cardiovascular health.
Best Use:
Scientific, medical, or business writing.
Tone:
Formal, definitive, professional.
12. This Exemplifies
Meaning:
Serves as a perfect or typical example of something.
Detailed Explanation:
Great for when you’re showing something that represents a broader idea or trend.
Scenario Example:
Her dedication exemplifies true leadership.
Best Use:
Educational, motivational, descriptive writing.
Tone:
Respectful, descriptive, clear.
13. This Portrays
Meaning:
Shows or represents something in a particular way.
Detailed Explanation:
Used often in artistic, literary, or visual analysis.
Scenario Example:
The novel portrays the struggles of adolescence with authenticity.
Best Use:
Literary critique, creative writing.
Tone:
Descriptive, expressive, nuanced.
14. This Captures
Meaning:
Effectively expresses or records a feeling, idea, or moment.
Detailed Explanation:
“This captures” is emotional and impactful, ideal for storytelling or narrative content.
Scenario Example:
The photo captures the joy of the celebration perfectly.
Best Use:
Visual or emotional descriptions.
Tone:
Evocative, emotional, vivid.
15. This Depicts
Meaning:
Describes or illustrates something in detail.
Detailed Explanation:
Strong in literary or artistic contexts, “depicts” is useful when explaining what something shows visually or textually.
Scenario Example:
The painting depicts the chaos of war.
Best Use:
Art critiques, descriptive essays.
Tone:
Vivid, dramatic, artistic.
16. This Points To
Meaning:
Suggests or directs attention to something relevant.
Detailed Explanation:
More informal and conversational, “points to” is ideal in discussions or dialogues.
Scenario Example:
This trend points to a major shift in consumer behavior.
Best Use:
Business, conversation, informal analysis.
Tone:
Neutral, suggestive, casual-formal.
17. This Supports
Meaning:
Backs up an idea or claim with evidence.
Detailed Explanation:
A go-to phrase in argument-based writing, “supports” helps validate your points clearly.
Scenario Example:
The data supports the theory of economic recovery.
Best Use:
Essays, debates, research.
Tone:
Logical, clear, academic.
18. This Validates
Meaning:
Confirms that something is true, accurate, or acceptable.
Detailed Explanation:
Often used in formal or research-based writing, this phrase gives strength to your conclusions.
Scenario Example:
Customer feedback validates our new product approach.
Best Use:
Business, scientific, or strategic writing.
Tone:
Confident, assertive, formal.
19. This Affirms
Meaning:
Confirms the truth or strength of something already stated.
Detailed Explanation:
Stronger than “shows,” this word brings finality and authority to a statement.
Scenario Example:
This affirms the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Best Use:
Mission statements, persuasive writing.
Tone:
Uplifting, official, clear.
20. This Resembles
Meaning:
Shows similarity or likeness to something else.
Detailed Explanation:
Useful when comparing things and drawing parallels between ideas or events.
Scenario Example:
Her leadership style resembles that of a seasoned diplomat.
Best Use:
Comparative writing, analysis.
Tone:
Observational, reflective, neutral.
21. This Proves
Meaning:
Establishes truth with strong evidence.
Detailed Explanation:
It’s bold and should only be used when the evidence is undeniably clear.
Scenario Example:
This proves that hard work leads to real success.
Best Use:
Strong arguments, confident conclusions.
Tone:
Bold, decisive, direct.
22. This Signals
Meaning:
Indicates a change or new direction.
Detailed Explanation:
Ideal for marking turning points, warnings, or shifts in trends.
Scenario Example:
The drop in traffic signals a need for change in our strategy.
Best Use:
Business insights, data interpretation.
Tone:
Professional, analytic, alert.
23. This Tells Us
Meaning:
Explains or communicates information to the reader or audience.
Detailed Explanation:
Friendly and conversational, this phrase fits well in teaching, blogs, or explanatory writing.
Scenario Example:
This tells us that honesty still plays a vital role in leadership.
Best Use:
Educational content, casual instruction.
Tone:
Informal, direct, friendly.
24. This Depicts Clearly
Meaning:
Shows something in a very understandable and vivid way.
Detailed Explanation:
This version of “depicts” is ideal when you want to stress how easily the reader can interpret the evidence.
Scenario Example:
The graph depicts clearly how profits surged in Q3.
Best Use:
Presentations, analytical reports.
Tone:
Clear, data-focused, instructional.
25. This Brings to Light
Meaning:
Uncovers something not obvious or previously hidden.
Detailed Explanation:
Use this to point out insights, truths, or hidden aspects uncovered by your content or research.
Scenario Example:
This brings to light the challenges faced by remote workers.
Best Use:
Investigative writing, awareness campaigns.
Tone:
Revealing, thoughtful, journalistic.
Conclusion
Using “this shows” repeatedly can weaken your writing. By using these 25 clear, strong, and thoughtful alternatives, you can better emphasize your points, refine your tone, and elevate your content — whether you’re crafting essays, reports, or articles.
