The phrase “this shows” is widely used in essays, research papers, reports, and everyday explanations. Writers often use it to connect evidence with conclusions.
However, repeating the same phrase too often can make your writing feel repetitive and less professional.
Using better alternatives allows you to sound more analytical, clearer, and more authoritative.
Different phrases can emphasize evidence, highlight findings, or explain results depending on the context.
Quick Answer
Instead of saying “this shows,” you can use phrases like this demonstrates, this indicates, or this highlights depending on the level of certainty.
Polite Alternatives
• This Demonstrates
Meaning: Clearly proves or explains something through evidence.
Usage Rule: Common in academic or professional writing.
Example: This demonstrates the importance of preparation.
• This Indicates
Meaning: Suggests a likely conclusion.
Usage Rule: Analytical writing or research discussions.
Example: This indicates a positive trend in performance.
• This Reveals
Meaning: Uncovers hidden or important information.
Usage Rule: Reports or analysis.
Example: The results reveal key insights.
• This Suggests
Meaning: Implies a possible explanation.
Usage Rule: When the evidence is not absolute.
Example: This suggests the strategy may work.
• This Highlights
Meaning: Emphasizes an important detail.
Usage Rule: Professional reports and presentations.
Example: This highlights the need for better planning.
• This Illustrates
Meaning: Explains something through an example.
Usage Rule: Educational writing.
Example: This illustrates how the process works.
• This Confirms
Meaning: Provides supporting proof.
Usage Rule: Research conclusions.
Example: The findings confirm our expectations.
Blunt or Direct Alternatives
• This Proves
Meaning: Shows strong evidence with certainty.
Usage Rule: Confident arguments or conclusions.
Example: This proves the method is effective.
• This Means
Meaning: Explains the result directly.
Usage Rule: Simple explanation.
Example: This means the plan succeeded.
• This Makes It Clear
Meaning: Emphasizes obvious conclusions.
Usage Rule: Persuasive writing.
Example: This makes it clear that improvements are needed.
• This Tells Us
Meaning: Explains what information reveals.
Usage Rule: Informal explanation.
Example: This tells us the system failed.
• This Points To
Meaning: Suggests a cause or direction.
Usage Rule: Analytical discussion.
Example: This points to a design issue.
• This Explains
Meaning: Clarifies a situation or result.
Usage Rule: Problem explanation.
Example: This explains the delay.
• This Makes It Obvious
Meaning: Strongly emphasizes clarity.
Usage Rule: Direct argument.
Example: This makes it obvious that change is needed.
Placement & Grammar Rules Table
| Synonym | Tone | Example |
|---|---|---|
| This demonstrates | Polite | This demonstrates the value of training. |
| This indicates | Polite | This indicates strong growth. |
| This highlights | Polite | This highlights the key issue. |
| This proves | Direct | This proves the idea works. |
| This means | Direct | This means the strategy succeeded. |
| This explains | Direct | This explains the delay clearly. |
Common Mistakes
• Repeating “this shows” too often in essays
• Using “proves” when evidence is not strong enough
• Mixing casual and academic expressions in the same paragraph
• Writing vague conclusions without explaining the evidence
• Forgetting to connect the result to the argument
Practical Example Paragraphs
Polite Example:
“The data demonstrates significant improvement in productivity. This indicates that the new workflow is effective.”
Direct Example:
“The results prove the system works. This means the strategy should continue.”
FAQs
What is the best academic alternative to “this shows”?
“This demonstrates” and “this indicates” are commonly used in research and academic writing.
What phrase sounds more confident?
“This proves” expresses strong certainty.
What phrase works well in reports?
“This highlights” helps emphasize important findings.
What phrase is simple and clear?
“This means” explains conclusions directly.
What phrase suggests possibility instead of certainty?
“This suggests” is useful when evidence is not completely conclusive.
Final Thoughts
Replacing “this shows” with stronger alternatives improves clarity, professionalism, and analytical depth. The right phrase can help connect evidence to conclusions more effectively.
By varying your language and choosing precise expressions, your writing becomes more engaging, persuasive, and easier to understand.
Watson Maddox is a leadership and mindset writer known for his bold, straightforward voice.
He shares lessons on resilience, discipline, and high performance drawn from real-world experience.
His mission is simple: build strength, take action, and never settle for average.
