Picture this. You’re rereading an essay you just finished, feeling pretty proud of it, and then you notice something. Every single paragraph starts with the same two words: “This shows.” It’s not wrong, exactly. It’s just tired. Your reader notices the repetition before they even notice your argument.
That little phrase does a big job. It connects your evidence to your point. It tells the reader, “Look here, this detail proves something important.” The trouble is, leaning on the same connector again and again flattens your writing. It makes a sharp argument sound like a checklist instead of an analysis.
Word choice changes more than style points. It changes how smart your writing sounds, how confident your tone feels, and whether a teacher, boss, or client takes you seriously. Compare these two lines: “This shows the company struggled” sounds plain and a little flat. “This indicates a deeper strain on the company’s finances” sounds like someone who actually understands the data. Same idea, completely different impression.
This guide walks through where “this shows” comes from, when it works, when it falls flat, and exactly what to say instead — whether you’re writing an essay, drafting a work email, or just chatting with a friend about a TV show plot twist.
What Does “This Shows” Actually Mean?
In plain terms, “this shows” means “this proves” or “this is evidence of.” You use it right after presenting a fact, a quote, a statistic, or an observation, then you connect that detail to a bigger conclusion. It’s a bridge phrase. One side holds the evidence; the other side holds the meaning you want your reader to take from it.
Grammatically, it’s nothing fancy. “This” acts as a demonstrative pronoun pointing back at whatever you just said. “Shows” is simply the verb “show” conjugated for third-person singular present tense. There’s no idiom hiding here, no slang, no hidden meaning — it’s about as literal as English gets. You’ll almost always see “that” tagging along right after it, forming the pattern “this shows that [conclusion].”
A few near-synonyms carry slightly different weight: “indicates” feels more analytical, “demonstrates” feels more confident, “suggests” feels softer and less certain, “reveals” feels more dramatic, like uncovering something hidden. On the flip side, words like “this contradicts,” “this disguises,” or “this hides” point in the opposite direction — they signal that evidence is working against a conclusion rather than supporting one.
Here are two sample sentences to anchor the meaning:
This shows that the company’s revenue climbed steadily for five straight years.
This shows how anxious the main character feels right before her exam.
Notice both sentences follow the same shape: evidence first, interpretation second, glued together by “this shows.”
When Should You Use “This Shows”?
Context decides whether a phrase lands well or lands awkwardly. Here’s how “this shows” behaves across different settings.
Spoken English
In conversation, it works fine and sounds completely natural. Friends pointing out something obvious might say, “See, this shows he wasn’t even listening.” Nobody bats an eye. Speech tolerates repetition far better than writing does, since you’re not staring at the same words on a page.
Business English
In reports, presentations, and internal strategy docs, “this shows” gets the job done, but it’s a bit plain for a polished business voice. Phrases like “this indicates” or “this points to” tend to sound more analytical when you’re walking executives through numbers.
Emails and Messages
For a quick internal email to a coworker, “this shows” is perfectly fine. For a message to a client, a manager, or someone several levels above you, swapping in “this suggests” or “this confirms” usually reads as more thoughtful and less blunt.
Social Media
Honestly, people rarely type out “this shows” in full on social platforms. You’ll see shortcuts like “proof that…” or “literally shows…” instead. The phrase feels a little too formal for a comment section.
Academic Writing
This is where “this shows” lives its busiest life. Literary analysis essays, history papers, and argumentative writing all rely on it heavily to connect quotes and data to claims. Unfortunately, this is exactly why it gets overused — students reach for it in nearly every paragraph because it’s the first connector that comes to mind.
Professional Meetings
When someone’s pointing at a chart live in a meeting, “this shows” works naturally, almost like narration. “If you look at slide four, this shows our Q3 numbers dipped.” It’s direct and easy to follow out loud, even if a written report might prefer something more refined.
Is “This Shows” Polite or Professional?
It’s neither rude nor especially elegant — it sits right in the middle of the tone scale. Think of it as the gray t-shirt of English phrases: reliable, never offensive, but not going to turn heads either.
On a politeness scale, it’s neutral. It doesn’t soften a claim the way “this might suggest” does, and it doesn’t assert dominance the way “this proves beyond question” does. It simply states a connection, plainly and directly.
For workplace use, it’s safe in casual contexts — team chats, quick updates, internal notes. For more formal corporate communication, especially emails going up the chain to senior leadership or out to clients, a slightly more polished alternative tends to land better. Saying “the data indicates a 12% increase” sounds a touch more authoritative than “this shows a 12% increase,” even though the meaning barely changes.
Pros and Cons of Using “This Shows”
✔ Pros:
- Crystal clear, even for beginner English learners
- Works across speech, writing, business, and academics
- Connects evidence to a claim without extra complexity
- Almost impossible to use rudely or offensively
✘ Cons:
- Gets repetitive fast, especially across multiple paragraphs in one essay
- Sounds a bit plain in advanced or graduate-level academic writing
- Doesn’t showcase vocabulary range, which matters in essays and exams
- Can feel slightly blunt in high-stakes corporate communication
Alternative Phrases, Explained One by One
Here’s a closer look at six strong substitutes, broken down so you know exactly when each one earns its place in your sentence.
This Demonstrates
Meaning: A confident way to say that evidence clearly proves a point.
Explanation: Carries more weight and certainty than “this shows.” Often appears in academic and professional writing where the writer wants to sound assured, not tentative.
Grammar Note: Formal verb phrase, same structure as “this shows” — followed by “that” plus a clause.
Example Sentence: This demonstrates that the policy change reduced employee turnover within six months.
Best Use: Academic essays, research papers, formal reports.
Worst Use: Casual texting, where it sounds stiff and overly serious.
Tone: Formal, confident.
Level: Intermediate to advanced.
Similarity Score: 9/10.
Replaceability Tip: Use it when your evidence is strong and you want to sound certain, not hesitant.
This Indicates
Meaning: A slightly cautious way to say that something points toward a conclusion.
Explanation: Softer than “demonstrates,” but still analytical. Common in business and data-driven writing where absolute certainty isn’t appropriate.
Grammar Note: Verb phrase, frequently used in reports discussing trends or statistics.
Example Sentence: This indicates a gradual shift in customer preferences over the past year.
Best Use: Business reports, data analysis, professional emails.
Worst Use: Creative writing, where it sounds clinical and cold.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score: 8/10.
Replaceability Tip: Choose this when you’re discussing trends, data, or anything not 100% certain.
This Suggests
Meaning: A gentle, less certain way to connect evidence to a possible conclusion.
Explanation: Adds a layer of hedging. Useful when you’re not claiming absolute proof, just a likely interpretation.
Grammar Note: Verb phrase; often paired with modal-style softening elsewhere in the sentence.
Example Sentence: This suggests that the character regrets her earlier decision, even if she doesn’t say so directly.
Best Use: Literary analysis, academic arguments with some uncertainty, careful business writing.
Worst Use: Situations needing a strong, confident claim — it can sound wishy-washy.
Tone: Soft, careful.
Level: Intermediate to advanced.
Similarity Score: 7/10.
Replaceability Tip: Pick this when your evidence is suggestive but not airtight.
This Reveals
Meaning: A more dramatic way to say that something uncovers a hidden truth.
Explanation: Implies discovery, almost like pulling back a curtain. Works beautifully in literary analysis when discussing character motivation or symbolism.
Grammar Note: Verb phrase with a slightly more vivid, narrative tone than the others.
Example Sentence: This reveals the narrator’s hidden fear of abandonment.
Best Use: Literature essays, storytelling analysis, psychological discussions.
Worst Use: Dry technical or financial reports, where “reveals” feels overly dramatic.
Tone: Vivid, engaging.
Level: Advanced.
Similarity Score: 7/10.
Replaceability Tip: Use it for emotional, symbolic, or hidden-meaning evidence rather than plain facts.
This Illustrates
Meaning: A way of saying that an example paints a clear picture of an idea.
Explanation: Works well when your evidence is a specific example rather than a broad pattern. Feels descriptive and visual.
Grammar Note: Verb phrase often following a specific example or anecdote.
Example Sentence: This illustrates how small daily habits build into long-term success.
Best Use: Essays using examples or analogies, presentations explaining a concept.
Worst Use: Statistical or numerical evidence, where “illustrates” feels mismatched.
Tone: Friendly, explanatory.
Level: Intermediate.
Similarity Score: 8/10.
Replaceability Tip: Save this for a single clear example, not a broad trend.
This Highlights
Meaning: A way of pointing out that something draws attention to an important detail.
Explanation: Useful when you want to emphasize significance rather than just state a fact. Common in professional summaries and academic conclusions.
Grammar Note: Verb phrase, frequently appearing in concluding sentences or summaries.
Example Sentence: This highlights the urgent need for better workplace mental health support.
Best Use: Conclusions, executive summaries, persuasive essays.
Worst Use: Casual conversation, where it sounds a little too polished.
Tone: Formal, emphatic.
Level: Advanced.
Similarity Score: 8/10.
Replaceability Tip: Use it when you want to stress importance, not just describe a connection.
Mini Dialogue Examples
Formal (workplace presentation):
Manager: “If you look at slide six, this demonstrates a clear drop in customer churn since we launched the loyalty program.”
Colleague: “That’s a strong result. Does the data hold up across all regions?”
Informal (texting between friends):
Mia: “Did you see how he didn’t even text back for three days?”
Jules: “Lol this shows he’s definitely not that into it.”
Business email style:
Subject: Q2 Performance Summary
Hi Daniel,
Attached is the Q2 report. This indicates a 14% increase in client retention compared to last quarter, largely driven by the new onboarding process. Let me know if you’d like a breakdown by region.
Best, Priya
Mistakes to Avoid
Learners trip over a few common errors when using “this shows” and its alternatives.
- Starting nearly every paragraph with “this shows,” which makes an essay feel like a list instead of an argument.
- Forgetting the word “that” after the verb, producing awkward phrasing like “this shows the character feels guilty” instead of “this shows that the character feels guilty.”
- Mixing up subject-verb agreement, such as writing “this shows that the author feel” instead of “feels.”
- Using “this proves” for evidence that’s only suggestive, which makes an argument sound overconfident and easy to challenge.
- Choosing dramatic words like “this reveals” for plain statistical data, where it sounds mismatched and overly emotional.
- Repeating the exact same alternative throughout an essay, which defeats the purpose of varying your language in the first place.
- Using formal phrases like “this demonstrates” in casual texts or social posts, where it can sound stiff or even sarcastic.
Cultural and Tone Tips
English speakers across regions treat this kind of phrase a little differently.
In UK English, writers often lean toward softer, more hedged language — “this would suggest” or “this might indicate” — especially in academic and professional writing. Directness can come across as slightly forceful.
In US English, more direct phrasing tends to be the norm. “This shows” or “this demonstrates” without extra hedging feels confident rather than blunt, particularly in business and academic contexts.
In casual social English, almost nobody uses the full phrase. Conversations lean on shortcuts like “this basically means,” “so this is proof that,” or simply “yeah, this shows it” with a relaxed, conversational rhythm rather than formal structure.
Comparison Table: 7 Best Alternatives to “This Shows”
| Phrase | Tone | Best Context | Professional Level | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| This demonstrates | Formal, confident | Academic essays, reports | Advanced | This demonstrates a clear link between sleep and productivity. |
| This indicates | Neutral, analytical | Business, data writing | Intermediate | This indicates rising demand in the regional market. |
| This suggests | Soft, careful | Literary analysis, hedged arguments | Intermediate | This suggests the author values independence over comfort. |
| This reveals | Vivid, dramatic | Literature, psychology | Advanced | This reveals the character’s deep insecurity. |
| This illustrates | Friendly, descriptive | Examples, analogies | Intermediate | This illustrates how habits shape long-term outcomes. |
| This highlights | Formal, emphatic | Conclusions, summaries | Advanced | This highlights the need for stronger safety regulations. |
| This proves | Strong, certain | Persuasive writing with solid evidence | Intermediate | This proves the experiment’s results were not random. |
Other Ways to Say “This Shows” in an Essay (With Examples)
The phrase “this shows” is one of the most commonly used expressions in essays, but repeating it throughout your writing can make your work sound repetitive and less engaging. Whether you’re writing a high school assignment, a college paper, or a formal academic essay, using a variety of alternatives demonstrates a stronger vocabulary and improves the overall flow of your writing.
Below are some professional alternatives you can use instead of “this shows”, along with example sentences to help you understand when each phrase works best.
| Alternative | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| This demonstrates | This demonstrates the importance of effective communication in leadership. |
| This illustrates | This illustrates how education influences personal development. |
| This indicates | This indicates that climate change is affecting global weather patterns. |
| This suggests | This suggests that the policy requires further evaluation. |
| This reveals | This reveals the author’s perspective on social inequality. |
| This highlights | This highlights the significance of teamwork in achieving success. |
| This emphasizes | This emphasizes the need for sustainable environmental practices. |
| This reflects | This reflects the character’s emotional growth throughout the story. |
| This proves | This proves that regular exercise improves overall health. |
| This confirms | This confirms the findings presented in the earlier research. |
| This supports | This supports the argument that technology enhances productivity. |
| This explains | This explains why customer satisfaction has increased over the past year. |
| This signifies | This signifies a major turning point in the narrative. |
| This reinforces | This reinforces the central theme of perseverance. |
| This conveys | This conveys the author’s feelings of hope and resilience. |
Tips for Choosing the Right Alternative
Not every synonym fits every situation. Consider the meaning you want to express:
- Use “demonstrates” or “illustrates” when presenting clear evidence.
- Use “suggests” when the evidence implies rather than proves something.
- Use “reveals” or “highlights” when pointing out an important detail.
- Use “supports” or “confirms” when referring to research or evidence.
- Use “reflects” when discussing themes, emotions, or character development.
Using these alternatives naturally will make your essays sound more polished, academic, and engaging.
Other Ways to Say “This Shows” in an IELTS Essay
In IELTS Writing Task 2, lexical variety is one of the scoring criteria. Replacing “this shows” with more precise academic expressions can improve your vocabulary score and make your arguments sound more sophisticated. However, the key is to use these phrases accurately rather than simply using difficult words.
Here are some IELTS-friendly alternatives:
- This demonstrates that…
- This illustrates that…
- This indicates that…
- This suggests that…
- This highlights the fact that…
- This emphasizes the importance of…
- This reflects the reality that…
- This provides evidence that…
- This reinforces the idea that…
- This supports the argument that…
IELTS Example
Basic:
This shows that education is important for economic growth.
Improved:
This demonstrates that education plays a crucial role in driving economic growth.
Advanced:
This highlights the significant role that education plays in promoting long-term economic development.
IELTS Writing Tip
Avoid repeating the same transition in every paragraph. Instead, alternate between different expressions based on the evidence you’re discussing. This creates a more natural writing style while helping you meet the IELTS vocabulary requirements.
How to Say “This Shows” in an Essay
Using different expressions instead of “this shows” makes your writing clearer and more persuasive. The best replacement depends on the context, your evidence, and the point you’re trying to make. Academic writing values precision, so choose a phrase that accurately reflects the strength of your claim.
For example:
- When discussing facts or research, use “this demonstrates” or “this confirms.”
- When explaining literary themes, “this reflects” or “this conveys” often works better.
- When interpreting evidence, “this suggests” is usually the most appropriate choice.
- When drawing attention to an important point, “this highlights” or “this emphasizes” is an excellent option.
Before and After Examples
Before:
The survey found that 90% of employees preferred remote work. This shows that flexible working is popular.
After:
The survey found that 90% of employees preferred remote work. This demonstrates the growing demand for flexible working arrangements.
What Is Another Way to Say “This Shows”?
If you’re looking for a quick replacement, here are some of the best alternatives ranked by formality and common usage:
| Phrase | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Demonstrates | Academic essays |
| Illustrates | Explaining examples |
| Indicates | Research papers |
| Suggests | Analysis and interpretation |
| Reveals | Literary analysis |
| Highlights | Key arguments |
| Emphasizes | Important points |
| Reflects | Themes and emotions |
| Supports | Evidence-based writing |
| Confirms | Research findings |
| Conveys | Literature and media analysis |
| Reinforces | Strengthening an argument |
Choosing the right phrase improves readability and makes your writing sound more professional without overcomplicating your sentences.
Words to Use Instead of “This” in an Essay
Repeating “this” at the beginning of multiple sentences can make your writing feel monotonous. Instead of relying on the same pronoun, consider using a more specific noun that clearly identifies what you’re referring to.
Here are some effective alternatives:
| Instead of “This” | Use |
|---|---|
| This | The evidence |
| This | The research |
| This | The finding |
| This | The result |
| This | The argument |
| This | The example |
| This | The statistic |
| This | The observation |
| This | The analysis |
| This | The evidence presented |
Example
Weak:
This shows that pollution is increasing.
Stronger:
The evidence demonstrates that pollution levels are increasing.
Using specific nouns not only reduces repetition but also improves clarity by reminding readers exactly what you’re discussing.
Synonyms for “This Shows” Without Using “This”
Sometimes you may want to avoid using “this” altogether. In these cases, rewrite the sentence so that the subject itself communicates the meaning.
Examples
- The evidence demonstrates that…
- The data indicates that…
- The research suggests that…
- The findings reveal that…
- The statistics confirm that…
- The results highlight that…
- The author’s language emphasizes…
- The quotation illustrates…
- The experiment proves that…
- The analysis supports the conclusion that…
Comparison
Less Effective:
This shows that technology is changing education.
More Effective:
The research demonstrates that technology is transforming modern education.
Removing unnecessary pronouns often creates stronger, more direct academic writing.
Other Ways to Say “This Is Shown”
The passive phrase “this is shown” can often be replaced with more concise and active wording. Active constructions generally sound clearer and more confident.
Better Alternatives
- This is demonstrated by…
- This is illustrated through…
- This can be observed in…
- This is evident from…
- This is reflected in…
- This becomes apparent when…
- This can be seen in…
- This is supported by…
- This is confirmed by…
- This is reinforced through…
Examples
Original:
This is shown by the results of the experiment.
Improved:
The experimental results clearly demonstrate this.
Original:
This is shown in the author’s use of symbolism.
Improved:
The author’s use of symbolism clearly illustrates this idea.
These alternatives make your writing more dynamic while maintaining an academic tone.
Another Way to Say “This Quote”
When analyzing quotations, repeatedly writing “this quote” can become repetitive. Instead, use more descriptive alternatives that connect the quotation to your analysis.
Better Alternatives
- This quotation
- The quote
- The passage
- The excerpt
- The statement
- The author’s words
- The speaker’s remark
- The cited text
- The evidence
- The line
Examples
Instead of:
This quote shows the character’s determination.
Use:
The quotation highlights the character’s determination.
Instead of:
This quote suggests that society is changing.
Use:
The author’s words suggest that society is undergoing significant change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another word for “shows” in an essay?
You can use words like demonstrates, reveals, indicates, highlights, presents, or expresses instead of shows. The best choice depends on your sentence and the point you want to make. These alternatives make your writing sound more formal and engaging.
What is another way to say “this shows”?
Instead of this shows, you can write this demonstrates, this indicates, this suggests, this reveals, or this highlights. These phrases improve the flow of academic and professional writing. Choose the one that best matches your intended meaning.
What can I say instead of it shows?
You can replace it shows with it demonstrates, it reveals, it suggests, it reflects, or it confirms. Each option adds variety and can make your writing more precise. Select the phrase that best fits the context.
What words can I use instead of “shows”?
Some effective alternatives to shows include demonstrates, illustrates, reveals, indicates, portrays, depicts, highlights, conveys, and proves. These words help avoid repetition and strengthen your writing. Use the one that accurately reflects your intended meaning.
What can I say instead of “this shows” in my essay?
In an essay, you can replace this shows with this demonstrates, this suggests, this illustrates, this reveals, or this emphasizes. These expressions create a more formal and polished tone. They are commonly used in academic writing.
What is another way to say “illustrates” in an essay?
Instead of illustrates, you can use demonstrates, explains, highlights, depicts, conveys, reveals, or clarifies. These alternatives help vary your vocabulary while keeping your writing clear. Pick the word that best matches your context.
Conclusion
Swapping out a single overused phrase might seem small, but it changes how confident, polished, and thoughtful your writing sounds. “This shows” isn’t wrong — it’s just one tool in a much bigger toolbox. Learning when to reach for “this indicates,” “this suggests,” or “this demonstrates” instead gives your essays, emails, and conversations far more range. The real skill isn’t memorizing a list of synonyms; it’s noticing which word fits the moment. Start small. Replace one repeated phrase in your next essay, read it aloud, and notice the difference for yourself.
Saqlain Ali is the founder and lead content strategist at ClarityPointHub.com, where he helps writers, students, and professionals improve their grammar, sentence clarity, and overall writing quality. With hands-on experience in content writing, editing, and language tools, Saqlain is passionate about making clear communication accessible to everyone.
