Introduction
When writing, you often need to express that something “shows” or “demonstrates” a point. However, overusing the phrase “this shows” can make your content repetitive and less engaging. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a content creator, finding another phrase for “this shows” can enhance clarity and effectiveness in your writing. In this guide, we’ll explore over 50 alternative expressions you can use, categorized by context and tone.
Why Should You Avoid Overusing “This Shows”?
Repetitive phrasing weakens writing quality, making it less engaging. Synonyms and variations help you:
- Improve readability
- Maintain audience interest
- Strengthen argument clarity
- Enhance professionalism in formal writing
Best Alternatives for “This Shows”
Formal Alternatives (Academic & Professional Writing)
Using precise language in professional or academic settings strengthens your argument. Try these alternatives:
Alternative Phrase | Example Usage |
---|---|
This demonstrates | This demonstrates the impact of climate change. |
This illustrates | The chart illustrates the company’s growth. |
This highlights | This highlights the importance of cybersecurity. |
This indicates | The data indicates a positive trend. |
This proves | The experiment proves the hypothesis is correct. |
This suggests | The study suggests a correlation between diet and health. |
This reveals | The survey reveals customer preferences. |
Casual Alternatives (Everyday Writing & Conversation)
For a more relaxed tone, use these simple expressions:
Alternative Phrase | Example Usage |
This means | This means we should be cautious. |
This points to | This points to an increase in demand. |
This confirms | This confirms our previous suspicions. |
This tells us | This tells us how important teamwork is. |
This reflects | This reflects our company’s values. |
Persuasive & Emphatic Alternatives (Marketing & Persuasive Writing)
When trying to convince your audience, opt for powerful phrases:
Alternative Phrase | Example Usage |
This proves beyond doubt | This proves beyond doubt that our strategy works. |
This strongly suggests | The results strongly suggest investing in solar energy. |
This underscores | This underscores the need for action. |
This validates | The feedback validates our new approach. |
How to Choose the Right Alternative
When replacing “this shows,” consider:
- Context: Academic, business, casual, or persuasive?
- Audience: Who is reading your content?
- Tone: Formal, neutral, or informal?
- Clarity: Does the new phrase make the sentence clearer?
Common Mistakes When Replacing “This Shows”
Avoid these pitfalls when using alternative phrases:
- Using complex words unnecessarily – Keep your language natural.
- Forgetting subject-verb agreement – Ensure proper grammar.
- Choosing words with different meanings – “Indicates” is not always a synonym for “proves.”
FAQs
1. What is the best synonym for “this shows” in formal writing?
“This demonstrates” or “this illustrates” are excellent choices for academic and professional writing.
2. Can I use “this proves” as a synonym for “this shows”?
Yes, but only when you have strong evidence to support your claim.
3. What’s a simpler way to say “this shows” in casual writing?
“This means” or “this tells us” are great casual alternatives.
4. Are there persuasive alternatives to “this shows”?
Yes! “This underscores,” “this highlights,” and “this validates” work well in persuasive content.
5. Can “this reflects” replace “this shows”?
Yes, but it is best used when describing opinions, values, or trends.
6. Is “this suggests” weaker than “this proves”?
Yes, “this suggests” implies a possibility, while “this proves” implies certainty.
Conclusion
Using varied phrases instead of “this shows” enhances your writing quality, making it more engaging, professional, and persuasive. Whether you’re crafting an academic paper, a business report, or a blog post, choosing the right alternative ensures clarity and impact. Experiment with these synonyms and elevate your writing today!