We often find ourselves writing or speaking and repeatedly using the phrase “this shows” without even realizing it. It feels simple, safe, and correct — but over time, it can make your writing sound repetitive, basic, and less professional. Whether you’re writing essays, emails, reports, or content for SEO, relying on the same phrase again and again reduces impact.
The real issue is not grammar — it’s expression variety. Many learners and even native speakers struggle to find better ways to say the same idea without changing the meaning. So they stick to “this shows,” even when stronger, clearer, and more persuasive alternatives exist.
In advanced communication, especially in academic writing, business reports, and SEO content, word choice matters. Different phrases can change tone, clarity, and authority. In this guide, you’ll learn 30 powerful alternatives to “this shows”, when to use them, and how to sound more natural, confident, and professional in every situation.
What Does “This Shows” Mean?
The phrase “this shows” is used to introduce evidence or explain what something indicates or proves. It connects facts or observations to a conclusion. It is commonly used in writing to highlight meaning, interpretation, or results. Depending on context, it can be replaced with words like indicates, demonstrates, suggests, or proves for better clarity and tone control.
30 Alternatives to “This Shows”
- This indicates
- This demonstrates
- This suggests
- This reveals
- This proves
- This highlights
- This reflects
- This confirms
- This explains
- This points to
- This implies
- This signifies
- This portrays
- This illustrates
- This clarifies
- This uncovers
- This establishes
- This supports
- This validates
- This emphasizes
- This expresses
- This conveys
- This denotes
- This exposes
- This underlines
- This brings out
- This showcases
- This evidences
- This gives evidence that
- This makes clear
This Indicates
Meaning: Points toward a conclusion based on evidence
Explanation: Used when something logically leads to a result without absolute proof
Best Use: Reports, data analysis, academic writing
Worst Use: Emotional storytelling
Example Sentence: The rising temperature indicates climate change trends are worsening.
This Demonstrates
Meaning: Clearly shows with strong evidence
Explanation: Stronger than “indicates,” often used for proven results
Best Use: Business reports, research papers
Worst Use: Casual conversations
Example Sentence: The results demonstrate a clear improvement in performance
This Suggests
Meaning: Implies something indirectly
Explanation: Softer and more interpretive than “proves”
Best Use: Opinions, analysis, research interpretation
Worst Use: Definitive conclusions
Example Sentence: The data suggests a change in customer behavior.
This Reveals
Meaning: Brings hidden information into view
Explanation: Used when uncovering something not obvious
Best Use: Investigations, insights, storytelling
Worst Use: Simple factual reporting
Example Sentence: The survey reveals surprising user preferences.
This Highlights
Meaning: Draws attention to an important point
Explanation: Emphasizes key information
Best Use: Presentations, summaries, content writing
Worst Use: Strict scientific reporting
Example Sentence: This study highlights the importance of early diagnosis.
This Confirms
Meaning: Provides proof or verification
Explanation: Used when evidence fully supports a claim
Best Use: Scientific findings, verification statements
Worst Use: Speculation
Example Sentence: The test results confirm the diagnosis.
This Implies
Meaning: Suggests something indirectly
Explanation: Requires reader interpretation
Best Use: Analytical writing, literature analysis
Worst Use: Clear factual statements
Example Sentence: His silence implies disagreement.
This Illustrates
Meaning: Gives a clear example or explanation
Explanation: Makes ideas easier to understand
Best Use: Education, tutorials, explanations
Worst Use: Formal legal writing
Example Sentence: This chart illustrates how sales increased over time.
This Explains
Meaning: Makes something clear or understandable
Explanation: Used when a result or fact helps clarify a situation
Best Use: Educational content, reasoning, explanations
Worst Use: Strong proof statements
Example Sentence: This pattern explains why user engagement dropped.
This Points To
Meaning: Directs attention toward a conclusion
Explanation: Suggests evidence without fully proving it
Best Use: Data analysis, informal reports
Worst Use: Scientific certainty
Example Sentence: The data points to a shift in consumer habits.
This Signifies
Meaning: Represents or means something important
Explanation: Often used for symbolic or deeper meaning
Best Use: Formal writing, analysis
Worst Use: Casual speech
Example Sentence: This increase signifies stronger market demand.
This Portrays
Meaning: Describes or presents a picture of something
Explanation: Focuses on representation rather than proof
Best Use: Writing, storytelling, descriptions
Worst Use: Technical data interpretation
Example Sentence: The report portrays a positive economic outlook.
This Illustrates
Meaning: Gives a clear example or explanation
Explanation: Helps make abstract ideas easy to understand
Best Use: Teaching, presentations, guides
Worst Use: Strict scientific proof
Example Sentence: This chart illustrates customer growth trends.
This Clarifies
Meaning: Makes something clearer or easier to understand
Explanation: Used when confusion is reduced
Best Use: Instructions, explanations
Worst Use: Argumentative writing
Example Sentence: This result clarifies the cause of the issue.
This Uncovers
Meaning: Discovers something hidden
Explanation: Used when new information is revealed
Best Use: Research, investigations
Worst Use: Simple statements
Example Sentence: The analysis uncovers hidden performance gaps.
This Establishes
Meaning: Confirms or sets something firmly
Explanation: Strong, authoritative conclusion
Best Use: Academic writing, research
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Example Sentence: The findings establish a clear link between diet and health.
This Supports
Meaning: Provides backing evidence
Explanation: Does not fully prove but strengthens a claim
Best Use: Arguments, essays
Worst Use: Final conclusions
Example Sentence: This evidence supports the hypothesis.
This Validates
Meaning: Confirms something is correct or true
Explanation: Strong approval through evidence
Best Use: Research, testing, verification
Worst Use: Informal speech
Example Sentence: The results validate the new approach.
This Emphasizes
Meaning: Highlights importance
Explanation: Focuses attention on key points
Best Use: Presentations, writing summaries
Worst Use: Technical proofs
Example Sentence: This report emphasizes the need for change.
This Expresses
Meaning: Communicates or shows feelings or ideas
Explanation: More emotional or descriptive
Best Use: Creative writing, opinions
Worst Use: Data analysis
Example Sentence: This behavior expresses customer frustration.
This Conveys
Meaning: Communicates meaning or message
Explanation: Focuses on transfer of ideas
Best Use: Marketing, writing, communication
Worst Use: Scientific proof
Example Sentence: The design conveys a modern brand identity.
This Denotes
Meaning: Represents a specific meaning
Explanation: Very formal and precise
Best Use: Academic, technical writing
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Example Sentence: This symbol denotes quality assurance.
This Exposes
Meaning: Reveals something hidden or negative
Explanation: Often used for problems or issues
Best Use: Investigations, criticism
Worst Use: Positive reporting
Example Sentence: The audit exposes financial irregularities.
This Underlines
Meaning: Strongly emphasizes importance
Explanation: More powerful than “highlights”
Best Use: Reports, formal writing
Worst Use: Casual speech
Example Sentence: This study underlines the urgency of action.
This Brings Out
Meaning: Makes something noticeable
Explanation: Often used for qualities or features
Best Use: Descriptions, analysis
Worst Use: Technical conclusions
Example Sentence: This design brings out the brand’s identity.
This Showcases
Meaning: Displays or presents clearly
Explanation: Often used for achievements or results
Best Use: Marketing, portfolios
Worst Use: Scientific reports
Example Sentence: This campaign showcases strong creativity.
This Evidences
Meaning: Provides proof or evidence
Explanation: Very formal, research-heavy tone
Best Use: Academic writing
Worst Use: Casual language
Example Sentence: The data evidences a strong correlation.
This Gives Evidence That
Meaning: Directly provides proof
Explanation: More descriptive version of “evidences”
Best Use: Reports, research explanations
Worst Use: Short sentences
Example Sentence: This study gives evidence that behavior changes over time.
This Makes Clear
Meaning: Removes doubt or confusion
Explanation: Simple but strong clarity phrase
Best Use: Explanations, instructions
Worst Use: Formal academic writing
Example Sentence: This result makes clear the importance of training.
Final Insight
These alternatives are not just synonyms — they are tone tools. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to sound formal, persuasive, analytical, or simple. Mastering them will instantly improve your writing clarity, SEO content quality, and communication authority.
Formal vs Informal Alternatives (Comparison Table)
| Phrase | Tone | Context | Professional Level | Example |
| This demonstrates | Formal | Reports, research | High | Data demonstrates growth |
| This shows | Neutral | General use | Medium | This shows improvement |
| This suggests | Neutral | Analysis | Medium | This suggests a trend |
| This reveals | Semi-formal | Insights | High | Study reveals patterns |
| This highlights | Formal | Presentations | High | Report highlights risks |
| This points to | Informal | Explanations | Medium | Data points to issues |
| This proves | Formal | Scientific proof | Very High | Evidence proves theory |
| This indicates | Formal | Academic | High | Results indicate change |
Conclusion
The phrase “this shows” is useful, but relying on it too often can weaken your writing. By using richer alternatives like demonstrates, indicates, reveals, or highlights, you instantly improve clarity, tone, and professionalism. Strong communication is not just about what you say — it’s about how precisely you express meaning. Mastering these variations will make your writing sound more confident, natural, and authoritative in any context — from academic essays to business communication and SEO content.
FAQs
Q1. Is “this shows” professional?
Yes, but it is considered basic. In formal writing, stronger alternatives like indicates or demonstrates are preferred.
Q2. What is the most formal alternative?
“This demonstrates” and “This indicates” are among the most formal and widely accepted options.
Q3. Can informal phrases be used in business?
Yes, but only in casual emails or internal communication. Formal reports should use precise alternatives.
Q4. What should beginners use?
Beginners can start with “this shows,” “this means,” and “this indicates” before expanding vocabulary.
Q5. Which alternative sounds most natural?
In everyday writing, “this suggests” and “this shows” sound the most natural and commonly used.
