The best alternatives to “this shows” in academic writing depend on your argument’s strength and context. Use “this demonstrates” for strong evidence, “this indicates” for suggestive proof, “this suggests” for tentative conclusions, “this illustrates” for examples, and “this proves” for conclusive evidence.
Academic writing requires precision and variety. Using “this shows” repeatedly can make your essays feel repetitive and unsophisticated. Whether you’re analyzing literature, presenting research findings, or building an argument, varying your language demonstrates stronger writing skills.
This guide explores 15 powerful alternatives to “this shows” that will elevate your academic writing. Each option comes with clear explanations, example sentences, and guidance on when to use it effectively.
QUICK CATEGORIES
Formal Academic Alternatives
- This demonstrates
- This indicates
- This suggests
- This proves
- This illustrates
Pro Tip: These phrases work best in research papers, formal essays, and scholarly articles where precision and authority matter.
Professional & Business Alternatives
- This implies
- This reveals
- This confirms
- This establishes
- This clarifies
Pro Tip: Use these in professional reports, business presentations, and workplace communication to sound credible and authoritative.
Neutral & Balanced Alternatives
- This highlights
- This emphasizes
- This underscores
- This points to
- This signifies
Pro Tip: These versatile options work well in most academic and professional contexts without sounding too strong or too weak.
“The words you choose to connect evidence to your argument shape how readers perceive your credibility.”
WHAT DOES “THIS SHOWS” MEAN?
This shows” is a transitional phrase used to explain how evidence, data, or an example supports your argument. It connects your supporting material to your main point, helping readers understand the significance of the information you’ve presented.
Example:
The survey results show a 30% increase in customer satisfaction. This shows that our new approach is working.
WHEN TO USE “THIS SHOWS”
- Academic essays and research papers
- Analytical writing
- Business reports and presentations
- Persuasive writing
- Literary analysis
- Scientific writing
- Argumentative essays
- Professional communication
“Strong academic writing requires you to interpret evidence not just present it.”
PROS AND CONS
Pros
- Clear and universally understood
- Simple and straightforward
- Works in most contexts
- Easy for readers to follow
Cons
- Overused and repetitive
- Lacks sophistication
- Can sound vague
- Fails to convey the strength of your evidence
IS IT PROFESSIONAL OR POLITE?
Polite? ✔ Yes
Professional? ✔ Yes, but overuse sounds amateurish
Formal? Sometimes
Natural? Yes, but variety is essential
TRANSITION TO THE MAIN LIST
Now let’s explore 15 powerful alternatives to “this shows.” Each option helps you express the relationship between your evidence and argument with greater precision and sophistication. Choose based on how strongly your evidence supports your claim.
“The right phrase can transform a mediocre argument into a compelling one.”
15 OTHER WAYS TO SAY “THIS SHOWS”
[1]. Phrase: This Demonstrates
Meaning: Clearly proves or makes evident through reasoning or evidence.
Explanation: “This demonstrates” is a strong, confident phrase used when evidence clearly supports your argument. It suggests the evidence is compelling and leaves little room for doubt. This is one of the most common and effective alternatives in academic writing.
Example Sentence:
The patient’s rapid recovery demonstrates the effectiveness of the new treatment protocol.
Best Use: Academic essays, research papers, scientific writing
Avoid Using In: Tentative arguments, speculative writing
Tone: Confident, Authoritative
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- demonstrates the importance of
- demonstrates the need for
- demonstrates the effectiveness of
- demonstrates how
- demonstrates that
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “This demonstrates what we’ve been discussing all along.”
- Professional: “The quarterly results demonstrate our market leadership.”
- Casual: Less common in casual speech
[2]. Phrase: This Indicates
Meaning: Suggests or points to something as a likely conclusion.
Explanation: “This indicates” is slightly less definitive than “demonstrates.” It suggests the evidence points toward a particular conclusion without claiming absolute proof. Use this when the evidence is strong but not completely conclusive.
Example Sentence:
The rising temperatures indicate a significant shift in global climate patterns.
Best Use: Research papers, scientific writing, data analysis
Avoid Using In: Conclusive arguments, legal writing
Tone: Objective, Analytical
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- indicates the presence of
- indicates a need for
- indicates that
- indicates how
- indicates whether
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “The evidence indicates we should reconsider our approach.”
- Professional: “Market trends indicate growing demand for sustainable products.”
- Casual: “His tone indicates he’s not happy about the decision.”
[3]. Phrase: This Suggests
Meaning: Puts forward or proposes something as a possibility.
Explanation: “This suggests” is more tentative than “demonstrates” or “indicates.” Use it when your evidence points toward a conclusion but additional research would strengthen the argument. It’s a cautious, academic phrase.
Example Sentence:
The early data suggests that the new drug may reduce side effects significantly.
Best Use: Preliminary research, academic writing, speculative analysis
Avoid Using In: Conclusive arguments, legal documents
Tone: Cautious, Academic
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- suggests that
- suggests the possibility of
- suggests a link between
- suggests how
- suggests why
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “The evidence suggests we need more time.”
- Professional: “The findings suggest a new approach to client engagement.”
- Casual: “His reaction suggests he knew about the surprise.”
[4]. Phrase: This Proves
Meaning: Provides conclusive evidence or establishes something as fact.
Explanation: “This proves” is the strongest alternative in this list. Use it only when the evidence is irrefutable and leaves no room for doubt. Overusing this phrase can make your writing seem overconfident or lacking in nuance.
Example Sentence:
The DNA evidence proves that the suspect was present at the crime scene.
Best Use: Scientific writing, legal arguments, conclusive research
Avoid Using In: Tentative arguments, speculative writing
Tone: Definitive, Certain
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- proves that
- proves the existence of
- proves the effectiveness of
- proves the importance of
- proves conclusively that
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “This proves my point exactly.”
- Professional: “The results prove our methodology works.”
- Casual: Rare in casual conversation
[5]. Phrase: This Illustrates
Meaning: Serves as an example or clarification of something.
Explanation: “This illustrates” is particularly useful when you’re providing examples to clarify a point. It suggests the evidence serves as a clear demonstration of a broader principle or idea.
Example Sentence:
The character’s journey illustrates the author’s theme of redemption.
Best Use: Literary analysis, explanations, presentations
Avoid Using In: Statistical analysis, scientific research
Tone: Explanatory, Clear
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- illustrates the importance of
- illustrates how
- illustrates why
- illustrates the concept of
- illustrates the difference between
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “This diagram illustrates how the process works.”
- Professional: “The case study illustrates our approach to problem-solving.”
- Casual: “Her story illustrates why experience matters.”
“The strength of your evidence should match the strength of your language.”
[6]. Phrase: This Implies
Meaning: Strongly suggests something without explicitly stating it.
Explanation: “This implies” suggests that a logical conclusion follows from the evidence. It’s useful when you want to show that your evidence has clear, though perhaps unstated, consequences.
Example Sentence:
The new policy implies significant changes to our daily operations.
Best Use: Analytical writing, professional communication, logical arguments
Avoid Using In: Scientific writing, legal documents
Tone: Analytical, Logical
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- implies that
- implies a need for
- implies the importance of
- implies how
- implies whether
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “What you’re saying implies we need to start over.”
- Professional: “The contract implies certain obligations on both parties.”
- Casual: “Her silence implies she doesn’t agree.”
[7]. Phrase: This Reveals
Meaning: Makes something previously unknown or hidden known.
Explanation: “This reveals” suggests that the evidence uncovers something that wasn’t obvious before. It’s effective when presenting surprising discoveries or new insights.
Example Sentence:
The investigation reveals a pattern of misconduct that spans several years.
Best Use: Investigative writing, research papers, analytical essays
Avoid Using In: Routine observations, obvious conclusions
Tone: Insightful, Revealing
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- reveals that
- reveals the extent of
- reveals how
- reveals why
- reveals the truth about
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “This reveals what we’ve been missing.”
- Professional: “The audit reveals significant inefficiencies.”
- Casual: “Her comment reveals her true feelings.”
[8]. Phrase: This Confirms
Meaning: Establishes the truth or correctness of something previously believed.
Explanation: “This confirms” suggests that the evidence supports an existing hypothesis or expectation. It’s useful when your research validates previous work or common assumptions.
Example Sentence:
The experiment confirms the hypothesis we developed last year.
Best Use: Scientific research, business reports, academic writing
Avoid Using In: Preliminary research, speculative analysis
Tone: Validating, Reassuring
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- confirms that
- confirms the importance of
- confirms the need for
- confirms our findings
- confirms previous research
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “The data confirms what we suspected.”
- Professional: “The survey confirms customer satisfaction has improved.”
- Casual: “His behavior confirms what everyone thought.”
[9]. Phrase: This Highlights
Meaning: Draws attention to or emphasizes something important.
Explanation: “This highlights” is useful when you want to emphasize the most important aspect of your evidence. It suggests that the evidence brings attention to something significant.
Example Sentence:
The study highlights the importance of early intervention in education.
Best Use: Presentations, executive summaries, persuasive writing
Avoid Using In: Dense academic papers (can seem informal)
Tone: Emphatic, Clear
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- highlights the importance of
- highlights the need for
- highlights how
- highlights why
- highlights the difference between
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “This case highlights what can go wrong.”
- Professional: “The report highlights key areas for improvement.”
- Casual: “Her story highlights the challenges we all face.”
[10]. Phrase: This Establishes
Meaning: Sets up or demonstrates something as a foundation for further argument.
Explanation: “This establishes” suggests that the evidence creates a solid foundation for your argument. It’s useful when building a case step by step, showing how one piece of evidence supports the next.
Example Sentence:
The first chapter establishes the theoretical framework for the entire study.
Best Use: Academic writing, legal arguments, research papers
Avoid Using In: Casual writing, informal essays
Tone: Foundational, Structural
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Occasional
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- establishes that
- establishes the importance of
- establishes a link between
- establishes how
- establishes the basis for
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Rare in spoken English
- Professional: “The contract establishes our working relationship.”
- Casual: Not used casually
Expert Insight: The most common mistake in academic writing is using “this shows” when a more precise alternative exists. Take a moment to consider the strength of your evidence before choosing your verb. Is it conclusive? Tentative? Suggestive? The right word can significantly strengthen your argument.
[11]. Phrase: This Signifies
Meaning: Indicates or represents something of importance or meaning.
Explanation: “This signifies” suggests that the evidence carries symbolic or representative meaning. It’s useful when you’re interpreting evidence as representing something beyond its literal meaning.
Example Sentence:
The protagonist’s journey signifies the universal human search for meaning.
Best Use: Literary analysis, cultural studies, symbolic interpretation
Avoid Using In: Scientific writing, business reports
Tone: Interpretive, Symbolic
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Occasional
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- signifies that
- signifies the importance of
- signifies a shift in
- signifies how
- signifies the presence of
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Rare in spoken English
- Professional: “The decision signifies our commitment to sustainability.”
- Casual: Not commonly used
[12]. Phrase: This Points To
Meaning: Suggests or directs attention toward something.
Explanation: “This points to” is a slightly more casual but effective way to suggest evidence supports your conclusion. It’s useful when you want to avoid sounding overly definitive while still connecting evidence to your argument.
Example Sentence:
The evidence points to a different conclusion than we initially expected.
Best Use: Analytical essays, research discussion, professional writing
Avoid Using In: Highly formal academic writing
Tone: Suggestive, Analytical
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- points to the fact that
- points to the importance of
- points to a need for
- points to how
- points to why
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Everything points to a positive outcome.”
- Professional: “The data points to continued growth.”
- Casual: “His behavior points to deeper issues.”
[13]. Phrase: This Clarifies
Meaning: Makes something clearer or easier to understand.
Explanation: “This clarifies” is useful when your evidence resolves confusion or provides needed explanation. It’s particularly effective when you’ve presented complex information and need to show its significance.
Example Sentence:
The diagram clarifies the relationship between the different components.
Best Use: Technical writing, business communication, academic writing
Avoid Using In: Literary analysis, opinion pieces
Tone: Explanatory, Helpful
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- clarifies the relationship between
- clarifies how
- clarifies why
- clarifies the importance of
- clarifies the need for
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “This clarifies what we need to do next.”
- Professional: “The memo clarifies the new policy.”
- Casual: “Her explanation clarifies the situation.”
[14]. Phrase: This Emphasizes
Meaning: Gives special importance or attention to something.
Explanation: “This emphasizes” is similar to “highlights” but suggests a stronger focus. Use it when you want to draw particular attention to the most important aspect of your evidence.
Example Sentence:
The author’s use of symbolism emphasizes the theme of isolation throughout the novel.
Best Use: Literary analysis, persuasive writing, presentations
Avoid Using In: Dense academic writing, scientific papers
Tone: Emphatic, Persuasive
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- emphasizes the importance of
- emphasizes the need for
- emphasizes how
- emphasizes why
- emphasizes the difference between
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “This emphasizes what I’ve been saying.”
- Professional: “The report emphasizes the urgency of the situation.”
- Casual: “Her actions emphasize her commitment.”
[15]. Phrase: This Underscores
Meaning: Emphasizes or draws attention to something important.
Explanation: “This underscores” is similar to “emphasizes” but has a slightly more formal and authoritative tone. It’s particularly effective in academic and professional writing when you want to highlight significance.
Example Sentence:
The findings underscore the importance of early detection in treating the disease.
Best Use: Academic writing, professional communication, research papers
Avoid Using In: Casual writing, informal essays
Tone: Authoritative, Emphatic
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Occasional
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- underscores the importance of
- underscores the need for
- underscores how
- underscores why
- underscores the significance of
Context Variability:
- Spoken: Rare in spoken English
- Professional: “The data underscores our competitive advantage.”
- Casual: Not commonly used
NATIVE SPEAKER TIP
Native English speakers in academic settings rarely use “this shows” more than once or twice in an essay. Instead, they vary their language based on the strength of their evidence. “This demonstrates” and “this indicates” are the most commonly preferred alternatives, as they sound both confident and appropriately measured. “This suggests” is favored in preliminary research, while “this proves” is used sparingly only when evidence is truly conclusive.
TOP 10 ALTERNATIVES COMPARED
| Phrase | Tone | Formality | Best Use | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| This Demonstrates | Confident, Authoritative | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Strong evidence | Very Common |
| This Indicates | Objective, Analytical | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Suggestive evidence | Very Common |
| This Suggests | Cautious, Academic | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Tentative conclusions | Very Common |
| This Proves | Definitive, Certain | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Conclusive evidence | Common |
| This Illustrates | Explanatory, Clear | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Examples & clarification | Common |
| This Implies | Analytical, Logical | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Logical conclusions | Common |
| This Reveals | Insightful, Revealing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New discoveries | Common |
| This Confirms | Validating, Reassuring | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Validating hypotheses | Common |
| This Highlights | Emphatic, Clear | ⭐⭐⭐ | Key points | Very Common |
| This Establishes | Foundational, Structural | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Building arguments | Occasional |
WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU USE?
Best Overall: This demonstrates confident and widely accepted in academic writing.
Best Professional: This indicates objective and analytical for professional contexts.
Best Academic: This demonstrates authoritative and precise for scholarly work.
Best Strong Evidence: This proves for conclusive, irrefutable evidence.
Best Tentative Evidence: This suggests for preliminary or suggestive findings.
Best Business Email: This highlights clear and emphatic for professional communication.
Most Natural: This demonstrates sounds natural in both writing and presentations.
Most Polite: This suggests tentative and respectful of other interpretations.
COMMON MISTAKES
Mistake 1: Overusing the Same Phrase
Why it’s incorrect: Repeating the same phrase, especially “this shows,” makes your writing monotonous and unpolished.
Correct Version: Vary your language using different alternatives based on the strength of your evidence.
Example:
❌ This shows the policy is effective. This shows the approach works. This shows we should continue.
✅ This demonstrates the policy is effective. The findings indicate the approach works. The evidence highlights why we should continue.
Mistake 2: Using “This Proves” Too Casually
Why it’s incorrect: “Proves” implies absolute certainty. Most academic writing can’t truly “prove” anything it only demonstrates or suggests.
Correct Version: Use “demonstrates,” “indicates,” or “suggests” unless you have unquestionable evidence.
Example:
❌ The study proves that organic food is healthier.
✅ The study suggests that organic food may have health benefits.
Mistake 3: Forgetting the “This”
Why it’s incorrect: “Shows” without a clear referent is vague. “This shows” clarifies what you’re referring to.
Correct Version: Always include “this” to clearly reference your evidence.
Example:
❌ Shows the importance of education.
✅ This demonstrates the importance of education.
Mistake 4: Misusing “Suggests” When Evidence Is Strong
Why it’s incorrect: Using tentative language when you have strong evidence undermines your argument.
Correct Version: Match your language to the strength of your evidence.
Example:
❌ The overwhelming evidence suggests climate change is real.
✅ The overwhelming evidence demonstrates climate change is real.
Mistake 5: Confusing “Implies” with “Infers”
Why it’s incorrect: These are different verbs. Writers “imply”; readers “infer.” Use “implies” when your evidence suggests something.
Correct Version: Use “implies” for what the evidence suggests, not for what readers might conclude.
Example:
❌ The data infers that the policy failed.
✅ The data implies that the policy failed.
AVOID THESE EXPRESSIONS IN FORMAL SITUATIONS
| Expression | Why to Avoid | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| “This kind of shows” | Too vague, lacks confidence | “This demonstrates” or “This indicates” |
| “This sort of suggests” | Informal, weakens your argument | “This suggests” or “This implies” |
| “This basically shows” | Informal, imprecise | “This illustrates” or “This clarifies” |
| “This is proof that” | Often overstates the case | “This demonstrates” or “This establishes” |
| “This goes to show that” | Too conversational | “This demonstrates” or “This indicates” |
SCENARIO PRACTICE
Scenario 1: Academic Essay (Strong Evidence)
You’ve presented statistical data showing a clear correlation between two variables.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “This demonstrates” or “This establishes.” The evidence is strong and supports a clear conclusion.
Scenario 2: Research Paper (Preliminary Findings)
You’re presenting early results from a study that still needs more data.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “This suggests” or “This indicates.” You want to be cautious about drawing conclusions from incomplete data.
Scenario 3: Literary Analysis
You’ve quoted a passage that perfectly illustrates an author’s use of symbolism.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “This illustrates” or “This reveals.” These phrases are perfect for showing how examples support your interpretation.
Scenario 4: Business Report
You need to emphasize the most important finding from a market research study.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “This highlights” or “This underscores.” These draw attention to significance without being overly academic.
Scenario 5: Scientific Paper
Your experimental results confirm your hypothesis with multiple trials.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “This confirms” or “This proves.” The evidence is strong and supports your expectations.
MINI QUIZ
1. Which alternative is most appropriate when the evidence is weak or preliminary?
A. This proves
B. This demonstrates
C. This suggests
D. This establishes
2. What’s the best alternative when you want to emphasize the most important finding?
A. This indicates
B. This highlights
C. This implies
D. This confirms
3. “This illustrates” is BEST used for:
A. Statistical evidence
B. Examples and clarification
C. Conclusive proof
D. Tentative conclusions
4. Which alternative suggests that the evidence supports a previously existing hypothesis?
A. This reveals
B. This confirms
C. This indicates
D. This suggests
5. What’s the most confident and definitive alternative to “this shows”?
A. This suggests
B. This indicates
C. This proves
D. This highlights
Answer Key
- C. This suggests This is the most cautious and appropriate for tentative or preliminary evidence.
- B. This highlights This draws attention to the most significant aspects of your evidence.
- B. Examples and clarification “Illustrates” is perfect for showing how examples demonstrate a broader point.
- B. This confirms This suggests the evidence supports what was already believed or hypothesized.
- C. This proves This is the strongest and most definitive option, suggesting irrefutable evidence.
FAQs
What is the most formal way to say “this shows”?
“The most formal alternatives are ‘this demonstrates’ and ‘this establishes.’ These phrases carry an authoritative tone suited for academic writing, research papers, and legal documents. ‘This demonstrates’ is preferred for showing evidence supports a claim, while ‘this establishes’ suggests the evidence creates a solid foundation for further argument.”
Which phrase is best for academic essays?
“This demonstrates” and “this indicates” are generally the best choices for academic essays. They convey confidence without overstating the case. Use “demonstrates” when the evidence is strong and “indicates” when it’s suggestive. Both sound professional and sophisticated while remaining clear.”
What is the difference between “implies” and “suggests”?
“‘Implies’ suggests that a logical conclusion follows from evidence or statements, often in a more direct way. ‘Suggests’ is more tentative and often used when the evidence points toward a possibility. ‘Implies’ is stronger than ‘suggests’ but weaker than ‘demonstrates.'”
Can I use these alternatives in spoken English?
Yes, many of these alternatives work well in spoken English, especially in professional presentations and academic discussions. ‘This demonstrates,’ ‘this indicates,’ and ‘this highlights’ sound natural and professional when spoken. Avoid overly formal options like ‘this establishes’ in casual conversation.”
What’s the best alternative when I’m not sure of my evidence?
“If your evidence is uncertain or preliminary, use ‘this suggests’ or ‘this points to.’ These phrases show intellectual honesty and appropriate caution. They acknowledge that your conclusions are based on available evidence but may require further research or verification.”
CONCLUSION
Mastering alternatives to “this shows” is an essential skill for any academic writer. The right phrase can transform a simple observation into a compelling argument, demonstrating your analytical sophistication and command of language.
Remember to choose your words based on the strength of your evidence. Use “demonstrates” and “indicates” for confident claims, “suggests” for tentative conclusions, and “highlights” for emphasis. With practice, these alternatives will become natural parts of your writing toolkit.
Start incorporating these phrases into your next essay. Your writing will become more varied, more precise, and ultimately more persuasive.
