The phrase “this shows” is common in essays, but there are stronger alternatives that can make your writing sound more academic and precise. Instead of “this shows,” you could try “this demonstrates,” “this illustrates,” or “this indicates.”
These alternatives keep your analysis clear while adding a more formal and polished tone to your essay.
Defining “This Shows” and Its Limitations
The phrase “this shows” is commonly used in essays to connect evidence or analysis to a broader argument or claim. It acts as a bridge, indicating that the preceding information supports or proves a particular point.
However, its simplicity and frequent repetition can make writing sound monotonous and less sophisticated. While functional, “this shows” often lacks the nuance and precision needed to convey complex relationships between ideas.
A more varied vocabulary enhances clarity and strengthens the overall impact of the essay.
The primary function of “this shows” is to signal a connection between evidence and interpretation. It tells the reader that the writer is drawing a conclusion based on the information presented.
The phrase clarifies the writer’s intent and guides the reader through the logical progression of the argument. However, relying too heavily on this one phrase limits the writer’s ability to express the specific nature of the relationship between evidence and conclusion.
For instance, “this shows” doesn’t distinguish between evidence that strongly proves a point and evidence that merely suggests it.
In academic writing, context is crucial. The appropriate alternative to “this shows” depends on the specific argument being made and the evidence being presented.
Consider the strength of the evidence, the nature of the conclusion, and the overall tone of the essay when choosing a replacement. Overusing “this shows” not only weakens your writing style but also fails to properly convey the complexities of your analysis.
The goal is to select words and phrases that accurately reflect the relationship between evidence and argument, thereby enhancing the clarity and persuasiveness of your writing.
Structural Alternatives
Beyond simply replacing the words “this shows,” consider restructuring sentences to create a more fluid and impactful connection between evidence and analysis. There are several effective structural techniques to achieve this.
1. Subordinating Conjunctions: Use subordinating conjunctions such as because, since, as, or given that to directly link the evidence to the conclusion. This creates a cause-and-effect relationship within a single sentence.
2. Verb-Focused Sentences: Start the sentence with a verb that implies showing or demonstrating. Examples include demonstrates, illustrates, highlights, or suggests.
3. Appositives: Use appositives to provide additional information about the evidence and its significance. An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or clarifies the noun it follows.
4. Inference-Based Transitions: Employ transitional phrases that imply a logical inference, such as therefore, consequently, thus, or as a result.
5. Active Voice Construction: Frame the sentence so that the evidence actively performs the action of showing or demonstrating. This often involves using stronger verbs and avoiding passive voice.
By incorporating these structural alternatives, you can seamlessly integrate your evidence and analysis, creating a more dynamic and engaging essay. The key is to vary your sentence structure and choose the technique that best suits the specific context of your argument.
Other Words For This Shows In An Essay
Here are several categories of alternatives to “this shows,” each with its own specific nuance and application:
Indicates/Suggests
These words imply that the evidence points towards a particular conclusion without definitively proving it. They are useful when the evidence is suggestive but not conclusive.
Demonstrates/Illustrates
These words suggest that the evidence clearly proves or exemplifies a particular point. They are appropriate when the evidence is strong and directly supports the argument.
Highlights/Emphasizes
These words indicate that the evidence brings attention to a specific aspect or feature. They are useful when you want to draw the reader’s focus to a particular detail.
Proves/Confirms
These words suggest that the evidence provides definitive proof or verification of a claim. Use them when the evidence is irrefutable and leaves no room for doubt.
Reveals/Uncovers
These words imply that the evidence exposes something previously hidden or unknown. They are suitable when the evidence brings new information to light.
Implies/Suggests (Subtle)
These words indicate that the evidence hints at a conclusion in a subtle or indirect way. They are useful when the evidence requires interpretation or inference.
Supports/Reinforces
These words suggest that the evidence lends credence or strengthens a particular argument. They are appropriate when the evidence adds weight to an existing claim.
Signifies/Represents
These words imply that the evidence has a symbolic or deeper meaning. They are useful when you want to explore the underlying significance of the evidence.
Examples
The following tables provide examples of how to replace “this shows” in various contexts, organized by the categories discussed above. Each table includes the original sentence with “this shows” and several alternative versions using different words and sentence structures.
Table 1: Alternatives for “Indicates/Suggests”
This table showcases how to replace “this shows” with alternatives like “indicates” and “suggests,” which are used when the evidence points towards a conclusion without definitively proving it.
| Original Sentence | Alternative 1 | Alternative 2 | Alternative 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The data shows a slight increase in sales, this shows a potential market recovery. | The data indicates a slight increase in sales, suggesting a potential market recovery. | The slight increase in sales indicated by the data suggests a potential market recovery. | Given the slight increase in sales, the data suggests a potential market recovery. |
| The character’s hesitation shows his inner conflict. | The character’s hesitation suggests his inner conflict. | His hesitation indicates an inner conflict. | The hesitation suggests underlying turmoil. |
| The rising sea levels show the effects of climate change. | The rising sea levels indicate the effects of climate change. | Rising sea levels suggest the impact of climate change. | The data suggests that climate change is a significant factor. |
| The experiment’s results show a correlation between sleep and performance. | The experiment’s results indicate a correlation between sleep and performance. | The results suggest a link between sleep and performance. | These results suggest a possible connection. |
| The pattern of migration shows a response to environmental changes. | The pattern of migration indicates a response to environmental changes. | The migration pattern suggests a reaction to environmental changes. | Migration shifts suggest an adaptation to new environments. |
| The decrease in funding shows a lack of prioritization. | The decrease in funding indicates a lack of prioritization. | The decreased funding suggests a shift in priorities. | The lack of funding indicates a possible decline. |
| The increase in volunteer sign-ups shows a growing community involvement. | The increase in volunteer sign-ups indicates a growing community involvement. | The increasing volunteer sign-ups suggest more community involvement. | The many volunteers suggest strong community ties. |
| The artist’s use of color shows a deep emotional connection. | The artist’s use of color indicates a deep emotional connection. | The artist’s color choices suggest a profound emotional connection. | The colors indicate a deep connection. |
| The historical documents show a complex political landscape. | The historical documents indicate a complex political landscape. | The documents suggest political complexity. | The documents hint at a difficult political climate. |
| The sudden change in weather shows a shift in climate patterns. | The sudden change in weather indicates a shift in climate patterns. | The sudden weather change suggests a shift in climate patterns. | The change indicates a possible climate shift. |
| The student’s improved grades show a better understanding of the material. | The student’s improved grades indicate a better understanding of the material. | The improved grades suggest the student understands the material. | The student shows an understanding of the material. |
| The company’s new marketing strategy shows a desire to reach a younger audience. | The company’s new marketing strategy indicates a desire to reach a younger audience. | The strategy suggests the company wants to attract youth. | The marketing suggests the company wants to grow. |
| The scientist’s research shows a potential cure for the disease. | The scientist’s research indicates a potential cure for the disease. | The research suggests a cure may exist. | The research points towards a cure. |
| The evidence shows a link between diet and health. | The evidence indicates a link between diet and health. | The evidence suggests diet can affect health. | The evidence points to a diet-health connection. |
| The survey results show a growing concern about environmental issues. | The survey results indicate a growing concern about environmental issues. | The results suggest people care about the environment. | The results point to environmental awareness. |
| The character’s actions show a moral dilemma. | The character’s actions indicate a moral dilemma. | The actions suggest a moral problem. | The actions hint at a dilemma. |
| The building’s architecture shows a unique cultural influence. | The building’s architecture indicates a unique cultural influence. | The architecture suggests a cultural impact. | The architecture points to cultural influence. |
| The artist’s technique shows a mastery of the craft. | The artist’s technique indicates a mastery of the craft. | The technique suggests the artist excels. | The technique points to artisty. |
| The historian’s analysis shows a different perspective on the event. | The historian’s analysis indicates a different perspective on the event. | The analysis suggests an alternative viewpoint. | The analysis points to a new perspective. |
| The writer’s style shows a strong literary influence. | The writer’s style indicates a strong literary influence. | The style suggests literary influence. | The style points to a literary influence. |
Table 2: Alternatives for “Demonstrates/Illustrates”
This table showcases how to replace “this shows” with alternatives like “demonstrates” and “illustrates,” which are used when the evidence clearly proves or exemplifies a particular point.
| Original Sentence | Alternative 1 | Alternative 2 | Alternative 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The experiment’s results show the effectiveness of the new drug. | The experiment’s results demonstrate the effectiveness of the new drug. | The results illustrate the drug’s effectiveness. | The results prove drug effectiveness. |
| The character’s actions show his bravery. | The character’s actions demonstrate his bravery. | His actions illustrate his bravery. | His actions prove his courage. |
| The graph shows a clear upward trend. | The graph demonstrates a clear upward trend. | The graph illustrates an upward trend. | The graph proves upward growth. |
| The historical records show the importance of trade. | The historical records demonstrate the importance of trade. | The records illustrate the importance of trade. | The historical records prove the value of trade. |
| The data shows the impact of the new policy. | The data demonstrates the impact of the new policy. | The data illustrates the impact of the new policy. | The data proves the policy’s effectiveness. |
| The evidence shows the link between smoking and cancer. | The evidence demonstrates the link between smoking and cancer. | The evidence illustrates the link between smoking and cancer. | The evidence proves the smoking cancer link. |
| The artist’s work shows his mastery of technique. | The artist’s work demonstrates his mastery of technique. | The artist’s work illustrates his mastery of technique. | The artist’s work proves his skill. |
| The student’s performance shows her dedication. | The student’s performance demonstrates her dedication. | The student’s performance illustrates her dedication. | The student’s performance proves her hard work. |
| The company’s success shows the effectiveness of their strategy. | The company’s success demonstrates the effectiveness of their strategy. | The company’s success illustrates the effectiveness of their strategy. | The company’s success proves strategy effectiveness. |
| The study shows the benefits of exercise. | The study demonstrates the benefits of exercise. | The study illustrates the benefits of exercise. | The study proves the value of exercise. |
| The survey shows the public’s support for the new law. | The survey demonstrates the public’s support for the new law. | The survey illustrates the public’s support for the new law. | The survey proves public support for the law. |
| The experiment’s outcome shows the validity of the hypothesis. | The experiment’s outcome demonstrates the validity of the hypothesis. | The experiment’s outcome illustrates the validity of the hypothesis. | The outcome proves the hypothesis. |
| The teacher’s methods show her commitment to student success. | The teacher’s methods demonstrate her commitment to student success. | The teacher’s methods illustrate her commitment to student success. | The methods prove her dedication. |
| The team’s performance shows their teamwork. | The team’s performance demonstrates their teamwork. | The team’s performance illustrates their teamwork. | The performance proves their teamwork. |
| The author’s writing shows her skill with words. | The author’s writing demonstrates her skill with words. | The author’s writing illustrates her skill with words. | The writing proves her writing ability. |
| The building’s design shows its functionality. | The building’s design demonstrates its functionality. | The building’s design illustrates its functionality. | The design proves the building’s use. |
| The project’s results show its success. | The project’s results demonstrate its success. | The project’s results illustrate its success. | The results prove the project’s success. |
| The artist’s painting shows his creativity. | The artist’s painting demonstrates his creativity. | The artist’s painting illustrates his creativity. | The painting proves his creativity. |
| The organization’s growth shows its impact. | The organization’s growth demonstrates its impact. | The organization’s growth illustrates its impact. | The growth proves the impact. |
| The scientist’s discovery shows her ingenuity. | The scientist’s discovery demonstrates her ingenuity. | The scientist’s discovery illustrates her ingenuity. | The discovery proves her skill. |
Table 3: Alternatives for “Highlights/Emphasizes”
This table showcases how to replace “this shows” with alternatives like “highlights” and “emphasizes,” which are used when you want to draw the reader’s focus to a particular detail.
| Original Sentence | Alternative 1 | Alternative 2 | Alternative 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The author’s use of symbolism shows the theme of isolation. | The author’s use of symbolism highlights the theme of isolation. | The author’s symbolism emphasizes the theme of isolation. | Symbolism highlights the theme. |
| The study’s findings show the importance of early intervention. | The study’s findings highlight the importance of early intervention. | The study’s findings emphasize the importance of early intervention. | Early intervention is highlighted. |
| The speaker’s tone shows his passion for the subject. | The speaker’s tone highlights his passion for the subject. | The speaker’s tone emphasizes his passion for the subject. | The tone highlights passion. |
| The experiment’s results show the need for further research. | The experiment’s results highlight the need for further research. | The experiment’s results emphasize the need for further research. | Further research is highlighted. |
| The character’s dialogue shows his inner turmoil. | The character’s dialogue highlights his inner turmoil. | The character’s dialogue emphasizes his inner turmoil. | Dialogue highlights the problem. |
| The artist’s choice of colors shows the mood of the painting. | The artist’s choice of colors highlights the mood of the painting. | The artist’s choice of colors emphasizes the mood of the painting. | The colors highlight the mood. |
| The historian’s analysis shows the complexity of the event. | The historian’s analysis highlights the complexity of the event. | The historian’s analysis emphasizes the complexity of the event. | The analysis highlights the complexity. |
| The company’s success shows its commitment to innovation. | The company’s success highlights its commitment to innovation. | The company’s success emphasizes its commitment to innovation. | Success highlights commitment. |
| The survey’s findings show the public’s concern about climate change. | The survey’s findings highlight the public’s concern about climate change. | The survey’s findings emphasize the public’s concern about climate change. | Surveys highlight climate concerns. |
| The teacher’s methods show her dedication to student learning. | The teacher’s methods highlight her dedication to student learning. | The teacher’s methods emphasize her dedication to student learning. | Methods highlight dedication. |
| The team’s performance shows their strong teamwork. | The team’s performance highlights their strong teamwork. | The team’s performance emphasizes their strong teamwork. | Performance highlights teamwork. |
| The author’s writing shows her mastery of language. | The author’s writing highlights her mastery of language. | The author’s writing emphasizes her mastery of language. | The writing highlights language skill. |
| The building’s architecture shows its unique design. | The building’s architecture highlights its unique design. | The building’s architecture emphasizes its unique design. | The architecture highlights design. |
| The project’s results show its positive impact on the community. | The project’s results highlight its positive impact on the community. | The project’s results emphasize its positive impact on the community. | Results highlight community impact. |
| The artist’s painting shows her emotional depth. | The artist’s painting highlights her emotional depth. | The artist’s painting emphasizes her emotional depth. | The painting highlights emotions. |
| The organization’s growth shows its effectiveness in achieving its goals. | The organization’s growth highlights its effectiveness in achieving its goals. | The organization’s growth emphasizes its effectiveness in achieving its goals. | Growth highlights effectiveness. |
| The scientist’s discovery shows its potential to revolutionize the field. | The scientist’s discovery highlights its potential to revolutionize the field. | The scientist’s discovery emphasizes its potential to revolutionize the field. | The discovery highlights potential. |
| The novel’s plot shows the theme of redemption. | The novel’s plot highlights the theme of redemption. | The novel’s plot emphasizes the theme of redemption. | The plot highlights redemption. |
| The poem’s imagery shows the beauty of nature. | The poem’s imagery highlights the beauty of nature. | The poem’s imagery emphasizes the beauty of nature. | The imagery highlights nature’s beauty. |
| The documentary shows the importance of environmental conservation. | The documentary highlights the importance of environmental conservation. | The documentary emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation. | The documentary highlights conservation. |
Table 4: Alternatives for “Proves/Confirms”
This table provides examples of alternatives for “this shows” using words like “proves” or “confirms,” which are useful when the evidence provides definitive proof or verification of a claim.
| Original Sentence | Alternative 1 | Alternative 2 | Alternative 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The data shows the hypothesis is correct. | The data proves the hypothesis is correct. | The data confirms the hypothesis. | The data validates the hypothesis. |
| The witness’s testimony shows the defendant is guilty. | The witness’s testimony proves the defendant is guilty. | The witness’s testimony confirms the defendant’s guilt. | The testimony validates the guilt. |
| The experiment’s results show the theory is accurate. | The experiment’s results prove the theory is accurate. | The experiment’s results confirm the theory. | The results validate the theory. |
| The historical records show the event occurred as described. | The historical records prove the event occurred as described. | The historical records confirm the event’s occurrence. | The records validate the event. |
| The scientific study shows the drug’s effectiveness. | The scientific study proves the drug’s effectiveness. | The scientific study confirms the drug’s effectiveness. | The study validates the drug. |
| The forensic evidence shows the suspect was at the scene. | The forensic evidence proves the suspect was at the scene. | The forensic evidence confirms the suspect’s presence. | The evidence validates the presence. |
| The economic indicators show the recession is over. | The economic indicators prove the recession is over. | The economic indicators confirm the end of the recession. | The indicators validate the end. |
| The geological findings show the age of the rock formation. | The geological findings prove the age of the rock formation. | The geological findings confirm the age of the rock formation. | The findings validate the age. |
| The archaeological discoveries show the existence of the ancient civilization. | The archaeological discoveries prove the existence of the ancient civilization. | The archaeological discoveries confirm the existence of the ancient civilization. | The discoveries validate the civilization. |
| The mathematical equation shows the theorem is true. | The mathematical equation proves the theorem is true. | The mathematical equation confirms the theorem. | The equation validates the theorem. |
| The financial statements show the company is profitable. | The financial statements prove the company is profitable. | The financial statements confirm the company’s profitability. | The statements validate profitability. |
| The medical diagnosis shows the patient has the disease. | The medical diagnosis proves the patient has the disease. | The medical diagnosis confirms the patient’s diagnosis. | The diagnosis validates the disease. |
| The software testing shows the program is bug-free. | The software testing proves the program is bug-free. | The software testing confirms the program is bug-free. | The testing validates the program. |
| The DNA analysis shows the suspect’s identity. | The DNA analysis proves the suspect’s identity. | The DNA analysis confirms the suspect’s identity. | The analysis validates the identity. |
| The witness’s statement shows the event occurred as described. | The witness’s statement proves the event occurred as described. | The witness’s statement confirms the event occurred as described. | The statement validates the event. |
| The scientific measurements show the chemical reaction occurred. | The scientific measurements prove the chemical reaction occurred. | The scientific measurements confirm the chemical reaction. | The measurements validate the reaction. |
| The experimental evidence shows the substance is safe. | The experimental evidence proves the substance is safe. | The experimental evidence confirms the substance is safe. | The evidence validates the substance. |
| The study findings show the treatment is effective. | The study findings prove the treatment is effective. | The study findings confirm the treatment’s effectiveness. | The findings validate the treatment. |
| The research data shows the correlation between the variables. | The research data proves the correlation between the variables. | The research data confirms the correlation between the variables. | The data validates the correlation. |
| The test results show the student has mastered the material. | The test results prove the student has mastered the material. | The test results confirm the student’s mastery. | The results validate the mastery. |
Usage Rules and Context
The choice of which alternative to use depends heavily on the context and the specific relationship you want to convey between the evidence and your argument. Consider the following guidelines:
- Strength of Evidence: Use stronger verbs like proves or demonstrates when the evidence is conclusive. Use weaker verbs like suggests or implies when the evidence is suggestive but not definitive.
- Nature of Conclusion: Choose words that accurately reflect the nature of your conclusion. For example, if you are highlighting a specific aspect, use highlights or emphasizes.
- Tone of Essay: Maintain a consistent tone throughout your essay. Avoid using overly strong or dramatic language unless it is appropriate for the subject matter.
- Audience: Consider your audience when choosing your words. Use language that is appropriate for their level of understanding.
- Variety: Vary your vocabulary to avoid repetition. Use a mix of different alternatives to keep your writing engaging.
It’s also important to avoid using alternatives incorrectly. For example, don’t use proves unless you have truly irrefutable evidence. Overstating your claims can weaken your argument and damage your credibility. Be precise and accurate in your language.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when replacing “this shows”:
- Overusing Strong Verbs: Using proves or demonstrates when the evidence only suggests something.
- Using Incorrect Synonyms: Choosing a synonym that doesn’t accurately reflect the meaning of “this shows” in the given context.
- Ignoring Sentence Structure: Simply replacing the words without adjusting the sentence structure, resulting in awkward phrasing.
- Repetition of Alternatives: Replacing “this shows” with the same alternative throughout the essay, leading to a different kind of monotony.
- Overcomplicating Language: Using overly complex or obscure words when simpler alternatives would be more effective.
Correct vs. Incorrect Examples:
Incorrect: The data suggests a possible correlation, which proves the theory.
Correct: The data suggests a possible correlation, which supports the theory.
Incorrect: The character’s sadness shows his internal conflict, which highlights it.
Correct: The character’s sadness highlights his internal conflict.
Incorrect: The increasing temperatures this shows climate change.
Correct: The increasing temperatures demonstrate climate change.
Practice Exercises
Complete the following sentences by replacing “this shows” with a more appropriate alternative.
Exercise 1:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The rising crime rates in the city, this shows a need for increased police presence. | 1. The rising crime rates in the city indicate a need for increased police presence. |
| 2. The student’s improved test scores, this shows a better understanding of the material. | 2. The student’s improved test scores demonstrate a better understanding of the material. |
| 3. The author’s use of vivid imagery, this shows the beauty of the natural world. | 3. The author’s use of vivid imagery highlights the beauty of the natural world. |
| 4. The experiment’s results, this shows that the new drug is effective. | 4. The experiment’s results prove that the new drug is effective. |
| 5. The historical documents, this shows the political climate of the time. | 5. The historical documents reveal the political climate of the time. |
| 6. The character’s hesitation, this shows his inner conflict. | 6. The character’s hesitation implies his inner conflict. |
| 7. The data from multiple studies, this shows the link between exercise and health. | 7. The data from multiple studies supports the link between exercise and health. |
| 8. The artist’s choice of colors, this shows the emotions he was trying to convey. | 8. The artist’s choice of colors signifies the emotions he was trying to convey. |
| 9. The company’s financial reports, this shows the success of the new marketing campaign. | 9. The company’s financial reports illustrate the success of the new marketing campaign. |
| 10. The survey results, this shows a widespread concern about the environment. | 10. The survey results emphasize a widespread concern about the environment. |