Quick Answer:
If you want to avoid repeating “this shows” in an essay, you can use phrases like this demonstrates, this illustrates, this indicates, this highlights, and this suggests. These alternatives make academic writing more polished, analytical, and professional while helping you explain evidence clearly.
Writing a strong essay requires more than presenting ideas. It also involves explaining evidence, connecting arguments, and showing readers why particular information matters. One common phrase students repeatedly use is “this shows.” Although it is simple and understandable, repeating it throughout an essay can make academic writing sound less sophisticated and repetitive.
Learning what are other ways to say this shows in an essay can help you develop a stronger academic vocabulary and communicate your ideas more effectively. Whether you are writing an argumentative essay, literary analysis, research paper, or academic assignment, choosing precise alternatives makes your explanations clearer. This guide explores 30 useful expressions, including formal, analytical, and professional options, with meanings and examples to help you improve your writing and express your ideas confidently.
Quick Categories
Formal alternatives to “This Shows” in an Essay
- This demonstrates
- This illustrates
- This indicates
- This reveals
Pro Tip: Use formal expressions when discussing research findings, academic arguments, or supporting evidence. Choose words that accurately reflect what your evidence establishes.
Casual alternatives
- This makes it clear
- This helps explain
- This points out
- This makes us understand
Pro Tip: Casual alternatives work better in reflective writing and simple explanations. Avoid overly conversational language in formal academic assignments.
Professional alternatives
- This suggests
- This highlights
- This supports the argument
- This provides evidence
Pro Tip: Professional expressions help connect evidence with conclusions. Use them to make your reasoning sound structured and credible.
Informal expressions
- This tells us
- This points to
- This means that
- This makes it obvious
Pro Tip: Informal expressions can make explanations easier to understand, but select more precise vocabulary when writing academic essays.
“Strong academic writing does not simply present evidence. It explains what that evidence means.”
Common Mistakes When Using “This Shows” in an Essay
1. Repeating the Same Phrase
Mistake: This shows that the character is unhappy. This shows that he feels lonely.
Better: This demonstrates that the character is unhappy. Furthermore, his actions suggest that he feels lonely.
Why: Repetition makes your writing less engaging.
2. Using a Strong Word Without Enough Evidence
Mistake: This proves that the author hates society.
Better: This suggests that the author criticizes certain aspects of society.
Why: Avoid making absolute claims when your evidence only supports an interpretation.
3. Using Informal Expressions in Academic Writing
Mistake: This makes it obvious that the experiment worked.
Better: This indicates that the experiment produced the expected results.
Why: Formal vocabulary creates a more appropriate academic tone.
4. Confusing Demonstrates With Suggests
Mistake: This suggests that the research conclusively proves the theory.
Better: This demonstrates that the findings support the theory.
Why: These expressions communicate different levels of certainty.
5. Using Vague References
Mistake: This shows that it is important.
Better: This finding highlights the importance of environmental protection.
Why: Clearly identify what your evidence demonstrates.
“Precision matters more than complicated vocabulary. Choose the phrase that matches your evidence.”
What Does “This Shows” Mean in an Essay?
The phrase “this shows” is commonly used in academic writing to explain the meaning, importance, or significance of evidence.
It helps writers connect examples, quotations, statistics, or research findings with their main arguments.
Grammatically, “this” is a demonstrative pronoun, while “shows” is the third-person singular form of the verb “show.”
Example: “The character refuses to apologize. This shows that he is unwilling to accept responsibility.”
In academic writing, the phrase works as an interpretive transition between evidence and explanation.
When to Use “This Shows” in an Essay
You can use this phrase when explaining evidence or connecting information to your central argument.
Common contexts include:
- Literary analysis: Explaining what a character’s actions reveal.
- Argumentative essays: Supporting a particular viewpoint.
- Research papers: Interpreting statistics and findings.
- Academic assignments: Connecting examples with conclusions.
- Critical analysis: Explaining the significance of a quotation.
- Expository writing: Making complex information easier to understand.
Spoken vs. Written: “This shows” works naturally in spoken explanations and written assignments.
Formal vs. Informal: It is acceptable in academic writing, but more precise alternatives can improve variety and clarity.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “This Shows” in an Essay?
Polite? Yes
Professional? Yes
“This shows” is grammatically correct and acceptable in academic writing. However, professional writers often select more specific expressions to explain evidence and develop arguments.
Academic example:
“The findings demonstrate a significant relationship between regular exercise and improved concentration.”
This sounds more analytical than repeatedly using “this shows.”
Pros and Cons of Using “This Shows”
Pros
- Simple and natural: Easy for readers to understand.
- Friendly tone: Makes explanations accessible.
- Common usage: Widely accepted in academic writing.
- Easy to understand: Connects evidence with interpretation.
Cons
- Too repetitive: Frequent use can weaken writing quality.
- Overused: May make essays sound less sophisticated.
- Limited analytical range: Does not always communicate the strength of evidence.
- Not suitable for every context: More precise expressions may be necessary in advanced academic writing.
Other Ways to Say This Shows in an Essay (With Examples)
These alternatives will help you sound more fluent, confident, and natural in academic writing.
Use them according to tone, context, and audience to make your arguments clearer and strengthen your explanations.
1. Phrase: This Demonstrates
Meaning: Shows something clearly through evidence or examples.
Explanation: This is one of the most effective formal alternatives for explaining an academic argument.
Example Sentence: “The results demonstrate that regular practice improves students’ performance.”
Best Use: Academic essays
Worst Use: Casual conversations
Tone: Formal, analytical, confident
Context Variability: Casual: This shows it works. Professional: This demonstrates its effectiveness. Spoken: This demonstrates the importance of practice.
2. Phrase: This Illustrates
Meaning: Makes an idea or situation easier to understand through an example.
Explanation: Use this expression when a particular example helps explain a broader concept.
Example Sentence: “This illustrates how social inequality affects educational opportunities.”
Best Use: Literary analysis
Worst Use: Unsupported claims
Tone: Academic, explanatory, polished
Context Variability: Casual: This gives us an example. Professional: This illustrates the broader issue. Spoken: This illustrates the main point.
3. Phrase: This Indicates
Meaning: Suggests or provides evidence of something.
Explanation: This phrase is useful when discussing research findings, patterns, or observable results.
Example Sentence: “The survey indicates that most students prefer flexible learning environments.”
Best Use: Research papers
Worst Use: Emotional writing
Tone: Formal, objective, precise
Context Variability: Casual: This points to something. Professional: This indicates a clear trend. Spoken: This indicates a possible change.
4. Phrase: This Reveals
Meaning: Makes previously hidden information or meaning clear.
Explanation: Use this phrase when evidence uncovers something important about a subject.
Example Sentence: “The character’s reaction reveals his underlying insecurity.”
Best Use: Literary analysis
Worst Use: Obvious statements
Tone: Analytical, insightful, formal
Context Variability: Casual: This tells us more. Professional: This reveals an important pattern. Spoken: This reveals the main issue.
5. Phrase: This Suggests
Meaning: Provides a possible interpretation or explanation.
Explanation: This is particularly useful when evidence supports an idea without proving it completely.
Example Sentence: “The author’s repeated references to darkness suggest a sense of hopelessness.”
Best Use: Critical analysis
Worst Use: Established facts
Tone: Analytical, cautious, academic
Context Variability: Casual: This might mean something. Professional: This suggests a possible connection. Spoken: This suggests another explanation.
6. Phrase: This Highlights
Meaning: Draws attention to an important point or feature.
Explanation: Use this phrase when you want to emphasize the significance of particular evidence.
Example Sentence: “This highlights the importance of accessible education for everyone.”
Best Use: Argumentative essays
Worst Use: Minor details
Tone: Professional, emphatic, analytical
Context Variability: Casual: This points out something important. Professional: This highlights a significant concern. Spoken: This highlights the main problem.
7. Phrase: This Demonstrates That
Meaning: Clearly explains what a particular piece of evidence establishes.
Explanation: This expression is useful for connecting supporting details with a central argument.
Example Sentence: “This demonstrates that environmental policies can influence public behavior.”
Best Use: Academic arguments
Worst Use: Weak evidence
Tone: Formal, persuasive, analytical
Context Variability: Casual: This shows that it matters. Professional: This demonstrates that the approach works. Spoken: This demonstrates that change is possible.
8. Phrase: This Makes It Clear
Meaning: Makes a particular idea or conclusion understandable.
Explanation: This expression is straightforward and useful when explaining an obvious connection.
Example Sentence: “This makes it clear that effective communication is essential for teamwork.”
Best Use: Simple explanations
Worst Use: Formal research
Tone: Clear, conversational, direct
Context Variability: Casual: This makes it clear. Professional: This establishes the importance of communication. Spoken: This makes the situation clearer.
9. Phrase: This Emphasizes
Meaning: Gives special importance to a particular idea.
Explanation: Use this phrase when evidence reinforces an important point in your essay.
Example Sentence: “This emphasizes the need for greater investment in public education.”
Best Use: Persuasive essays
Worst Use: Unimportant details
Tone: Formal, assertive, professional
Context Variability: Casual: This makes the point stronger. Professional: This emphasizes a critical issue. Spoken: This emphasizes the main concern.
10. Phrase: This Underscores
Meaning: Highlights or reinforces the importance of something.
Explanation: This is a sophisticated academic expression that works particularly well in analytical writing.
Example Sentence: “This underscores the significance of cultural awareness in international communication.”
Best Use: Advanced essays
Worst Use: Simple conversation
Tone: Sophisticated, formal, analytical
Context Variability: Casual: This makes it important. Professional: This underscores the central concern. Spoken: This underscores the need for change.
11. Phrase: This Supports the Argument
Meaning: Provides evidence that strengthens a particular claim.
Explanation: Use this expression when a quotation, example, or statistic reinforces your thesis.
Example Sentence: “This supports the argument that technology can improve educational access.”
Best Use: Argumentative essays
Worst Use: Unrelated evidence
Tone: Academic, persuasive, structured
Context Variability: Casual: This backs up the point. Professional: This supports the central argument. Spoken: This supports our position.
12. Phrase: This Provides Evidence
Meaning: Offers information that supports a claim or conclusion.
Explanation: This phrase is particularly effective when introducing research findings or factual information.
Example Sentence: “This provides evidence that early intervention can improve learning outcomes.”
Best Use: Research writing
Worst Use: Personal opinions
Tone: Formal, objective, credible
Context Variability: Casual: This gives us proof. Professional: This provides supporting evidence. Spoken: This provides evidence for the claim.
13. Phrase: This Points To
Meaning: Suggests a particular explanation, possibility, or conclusion.
Explanation: Use this phrase when evidence directs attention toward a specific interpretation.
Example Sentence: “The declining figures point to a need for improved management strategies.”
Best Use: Data analysis
Worst Use: Definitive conclusions
Tone: Analytical, neutral, professional
Context Variability: Casual: This points to the problem. Professional: This points to a significant trend. Spoken: This points to another possibility.
14. Phrase: This Makes It Apparent
Meaning: Makes something noticeable or understandable.
Explanation: This expression works when evidence makes a particular situation easier to recognize.
Example Sentence: “This makes it apparent that economic conditions influence consumer decisions.”
Best Use: Analytical writing
Worst Use: Informal dialogue
Tone: Formal, explanatory, objective
Context Variability: Casual: This makes it obvious. Professional: This makes the relationship apparent. Spoken: This makes the issue apparent.
15. Phrase: This Confirms
Meaning: Provides additional evidence that establishes an existing belief or finding.
Explanation: Use this phrase only when the available evidence genuinely supports confirmation.
Example Sentence: “The additional results confirm the initial research findings.”
Best Use: Research reports
Worst Use: Unverified claims
Tone: Confident, formal, conclusive
Context Variability: Casual: This confirms it. Professional: This confirms the initial findings. Spoken: This confirms our earlier observation.
16. Phrase: This Demonstrates the Importance Of
Meaning: Shows why a particular subject or idea matters.
Explanation: This expression helps connect specific evidence with a broader significance.
Example Sentence: “This demonstrates the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership.”
Best Use: Academic analysis
Worst Use: Repetitive arguments
Tone: Formal, explanatory, persuasive
Context Variability: Casual: This shows why it matters. Professional: This demonstrates its significance. Spoken: This demonstrates the importance of teamwork.
17. Phrase: This Reflects
Meaning: Shows or represents a particular situation, quality, or condition.
Explanation: Use this phrase when evidence represents a broader trend or underlying characteristic.
Example Sentence: “The author’s language reflects the social attitudes of that period.”
Best Use: Literary essays
Worst Use: Unsupported assumptions
Tone: Analytical, neutral, academic
Context Variability: Casual: This represents the situation. Professional: This reflects broader organizational trends. Spoken: This reflects our current priorities.
18. Phrase: This Establishes
Meaning: Clearly sets out or demonstrates a particular point.
Explanation: This is useful when evidence creates a foundation for further reasoning.
Example Sentence: “This establishes a connection between economic growth and employment opportunities.”
Best Use: Academic arguments
Worst Use: Weak evidence
Tone: Formal, authoritative, precise
Context Variability: Casual: This sets up the point. Professional: This establishes a clear relationship. Spoken: This establishes the foundation for our discussion.
19. Phrase: This Implies
Meaning: Suggests something indirectly without stating it explicitly.
Explanation: Use this expression when evidence communicates an underlying meaning.
Example Sentence: “The character’s silence implies that he disagrees with the decision.”
Best Use: Literary analysis
Worst Use: Direct facts
Tone: Analytical, interpretive, formal
Context Variability: Casual: This hints at something. Professional: This implies a possible concern. Spoken: This implies a different meaning.
20. Phrase: This Demonstrates a Clear Connection
Meaning: Shows a noticeable relationship between two ideas.
Explanation: This expression is helpful when comparing variables, arguments, or events.
Example Sentence: “This demonstrates a clear connection between regular exercise and mental well-being.”
Best Use: Comparative essays
Worst Use: Unrelated ideas
Tone: Formal, analytical, confident
Context Variability: Casual: This shows how they connect. Professional: This demonstrates a clear relationship. Spoken: This demonstrates the connection between both factors.
21. Phrase: This Makes It Evident
Meaning: Makes a particular fact or conclusion clear.
Explanation: This phrase works when supporting information makes an idea recognizable.
Example Sentence: “This makes it evident that effective planning contributes to project success.”
Best Use: Formal essays
Worst Use: Casual conversations
Tone: Formal, objective, polished
Context Variability: Casual: This makes it clear. Professional: This makes the evidence evident. Spoken: This makes the situation easier to understand.
22. Phrase: This Brings Attention To
Meaning: Directs readers toward a particular issue or detail.
Explanation: Use this expression when discussing something that deserves further consideration.
Example Sentence: “This brings attention to the challenges faced by low-income communities.”
Best Use: Social analysis
Worst Use: Minor observations
Tone: Explanatory, professional, neutral
Context Variability: Casual: This points out the issue. Professional: This draws attention to a concern. Spoken: This brings attention to an important matter.
23. Phrase: This Clarifies
Meaning: Makes an idea or situation easier to understand.
Explanation: This phrase is effective when evidence removes confusion or explains a complicated point.
Example Sentence: “This clarifies why the policy was introduced.”
Best Use: Explanatory essays
Worst Use: Already clear points
Tone: Clear, academic, direct
Context Variability: Casual: This explains it better. Professional: This clarifies the situation. Spoken: This clarifies the main issue.
24. Phrase: This Reinforces
Meaning: Strengthens an existing idea, belief, or argument.
Explanation: Use this expression when additional evidence makes an argument more convincing.
Example Sentence: “This reinforces the argument that education plays a central role in social development.”
Best Use: Argumentative essays
Worst Use: Contradictory evidence
Tone: Persuasive, formal, analytical
Context Variability: Casual: This makes the point stronger. Professional: This reinforces the original argument. Spoken: This reinforces our understanding.
25. Phrase: This Is Indicative Of
Meaning: Serves as a sign of a particular condition or situation.
Explanation: This formal expression is useful when interpreting patterns or research findings.
Example Sentence: “The increase in participation is indicative of growing public interest.”
Best Use: Research writing
Worst Use: Everyday conversation
Tone: Formal, analytical, objective
Context Variability: Casual: This is a sign of change. Professional: This is indicative of a broader trend. Spoken: This is indicative of growing demand.
26. Phrase: This Draws Attention To
Meaning: Makes readers notice an important point or issue.
Explanation: Use this phrase to introduce the significance of a particular example or finding.
Example Sentence: “This draws attention to the consequences of unequal access to education.”
Best Use: Critical analysis
Worst Use: Repeated emphasis
Tone: Professional, explanatory, analytical
Context Variability: Casual: This points out something important. Professional: This draws attention to a significant issue. Spoken: This draws attention to the main concern.
27. Phrase: This Makes a Strong Case For
Meaning: Provides convincing support for a particular position.
Explanation: This phrase is suitable when evidence strongly supports a recommendation or argument.
Example Sentence: “This makes a strong case for introducing more flexible working arrangements.”
Best Use: Persuasive writing
Worst Use: Neutral descriptions
Tone: Persuasive, confident, professional
Context Variability: Casual: This supports the idea. Professional: This makes a strong case for reform. Spoken: This makes a strong case for change.
28. Phrase: This Is Consistent With
Meaning: Agrees with or supports an existing idea, theory, or finding.
Explanation: This expression is useful when comparing new evidence with previous research.
Example Sentence: “This is consistent with earlier studies on student motivation.”
Best Use: Research papers
Worst Use: Contradictory findings
Tone: Academic, objective, precise
Context Variability: Casual: This matches what we know. Professional: This is consistent with previous findings. Spoken: This is consistent with our expectations.
29. Phrase: This Helps Explain
Meaning: Provides a reason or clarification for something.
Explanation: Use this expression when evidence makes a particular outcome or situation easier to understand.
Example Sentence: “This helps explain why students perform differently under various learning conditions.”
Best Use: Explanatory essays
Worst Use: Unsupported conclusions
Tone: Clear, analytical, accessible
Context Variability: Casual: This explains why it happened. Professional: This helps explain the observed results. Spoken: This helps explain the situation.
30. Phrase: This Is Evidence Of
Meaning: Shows that something exists or has occurred.
Explanation: This expression is useful when connecting observable information with a supported conclusion.
Example Sentence: “The consistent improvement in test scores is evidence of effective teaching strategies.”
Best Use: Evidence analysis
Worst Use: Speculative claims
Tone: Formal, objective, analytical
Context Variability: Casual: This is a sign of progress. Professional: This is evidence of improvement. Spoken: This is evidence of a positive change.
“A powerful essay uses evidence, interpretation, and precise transitions to build a convincing argument.”
Mini Quiz / Self-Check
Test your understanding of these alternatives and their correct academic usage.
1. Which phrase is most appropriate for interpreting research findings?
A. This makes it obvious B. This indicates C. This tells us D. This makes us understand
Correct Answer: B. This indicates
2. Which phrase is best when evidence supports an argument?
A. This supports the argument B. This is a stomach issue C. This looks interesting D. This makes it obvious
Correct Answer: A. This supports the argument
3. Which expression communicates a possible interpretation rather than absolute proof?
A. This confirms B. This establishes C. This suggests D. This proves
Correct Answer: C. This suggests
4. Which sentence sounds most appropriate in a formal literary essay?
A. This makes it obvious that he is sad. B. This tells us that he feels bad. C. This reveals the character’s underlying sadness. D. This makes us see his feelings.
Correct Answer: C. This reveals the character’s underlying sadness.
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| This demonstrates | Formal, analytical | Academic essays |
| This illustrates | Explanatory, polished | Literary analysis |
| This indicates | Objective, precise | Research papers |
| This reveals | Analytical, insightful | Character analysis |
| This suggests | Cautious, academic | Interpretation |
| This highlights | Professional, emphatic | Argumentative essays |
| This underscores | Sophisticated, formal | Advanced writing |
| This supports the argument | Persuasive, structured | Essay arguments |
| This reinforces | Analytical, confident | Supporting evidence |
| This reflects | Neutral, academic | Critical analysis |
FAQs
1. What are the best alternatives to “this shows” in an essay?
Some effective alternatives include this demonstrates, this illustrates, this indicates, this reveals, and this highlights. Each phrase helps explain evidence with a different level of emphasis.
2. What is a more sophisticated way to say “this shows”?
You can use this underscores, this demonstrates, this establishes, or this reinforces to create a more polished academic tone.
3. How can I avoid repeating “this shows” in academic writing?
Vary your transition phrases according to the evidence. Use “this suggests” for interpretations, “this demonstrates” for clear evidence, and “this highlights” for important points.
4. Can I use “this indicates” instead of “this shows” in an essay?
Yes. “This indicates” is a formal alternative, particularly useful when interpreting research findings, statistics, or observable patterns.
5. What is the most professional way to explain evidence in an essay?
Expressions such as this demonstrates, this supports the argument, this provides evidence, and this reinforces are useful for connecting evidence with academic reasoning.
Conclusion
Learning different ways to express “this shows” can significantly improve your academic writing. Whether you choose “this demonstrates,” “this highlights,” or “this suggests,” the right expression helps you explain evidence, develop arguments, and avoid unnecessary repetition. Each alternative has a specific purpose, so understanding its meaning and tone is essential.
Start practicing these expressions in your daily writing by replacing repeated phrases with more precise alternatives. Pay attention to the strength of your evidence and the message you want to communicate. With consistent practice, you can make your essays more engaging, professional, and academically confident.
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