In academic writing, variety in expression isn’t just about aesthetics it’s essential for maintaining reader engagement and demonstrating linguistic sophistication.
Let’s explore powerful alternatives to the commonly overused phrase this shows and learn how to employ them effectively in your essays.
Main Points
Before diving into specific alternatives, let’s understand why varying our language matters:
- Demonstrates vocabulary mastery: Shows command over academic language
- Enhances readability: Prevents monotonous repetition
- Strengthens arguments: More precise words can better convey specific meanings
- Improves flow: Creates smoother transitions between ideas
Is “This Shows” a Good Phrase to Use in an Essay?
While “this shows” isn’t inherently wrong, it’s often considered basic and can weaken your academic writing. Here’s why:
Consider these factors:
- Formality Level: “This shows” is relatively informal for academic writing
- Precision: More specific alternatives can better convey your exact meaning
- Impact: Stronger alternatives can make your arguments more compelling
When to Replace “This Shows”
Context | Better Alternative | Example Usage |
Presenting evidence | This demonstrates | The experimental results demonstrate the hypothesis’s validity |
Drawing conclusions | This establishes | The data establishes a clear correlation |
Highlighting relationships | This indicates | The pattern indicates a significant trend |
Making connections | This reveals | The analysis reveals underlying factors |
This Reveals
“This reveals” works particularly well when:
- Uncovering hidden meanings
- Presenting new findings
- Discussing discoveries
This Proves
Use “this proves” when:
- Presenting conclusive evidence
- Making definitive statements
- Supporting strong arguments
Key Considerations:
- Only use when evidence is truly conclusive
- Avoid in speculative discussions
- Perfect for mathematical or scientific proofs
This Establishes

“This establishes” effectively:
- Sets foundations for arguments
- Creates frameworks
- Introduces new concepts
Best Practices:
- Use when introducing fundamental concepts
- Employ when setting up theoretical frameworks
- Apply when creating connections between ideas
This Confirms
This alternative works well for:
- Validating previous research
- Supporting existing theories
- Reinforcing established concepts
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Illustrates
“Illustrates” brings these advantages:
- Creates visual connections
- Makes abstract concepts concrete
- Enhances understanding through imagery
Examples in Context:
- “The graph illustrates the rising trend…”
- “This example illustrates the concept…”
- “The case study illustrates how…”
Highlights
Effective uses of “highlights” include:
- Emphasizing key points
- Drawing attention to significant details
- Spotlighting important findings
Best Usage Examples:
- In literature analysis
- When discussing research findings
- For emphasizing crucial evidence
Indicates
“Indicates” serves as an excellent alternative when:
- Suggesting correlations
- Pointing to evidence
- Signalling trends
Professional Usage Examples:
Weak: This shows the economy is improving
Better: Economic indicators suggest sustained growth
Best: The rising GDP indicates significant economic recovery
Reveals
“Reveals” is particularly powerful for:
- Uncovering new information
- Presenting surprising findings
- Discussing discoveries
“Clear writing reveals clear thinking.” – William Wheeler
Common Applications:
- Research findings
- Data analysis
- Literary interpretation
- Scientific discoveries
Portrays
This alternative excels when:
Discussing:
- Visual representations
- Character analysis
- Artistic expressions
- Descriptive scenarios
Context | Example Usage |
Literature | The author portrays the character’s inner conflict |
Art Analysis | The painting portrays rural life |
Social Studies | The data portrays changing demographics |
Reflects
“Reflects” works brilliantly for:
- Showing relationships
- Discussing representations
- Analyzing mirrors of reality
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Conveys
Use “conveys” when discussing:
- Message delivery
- Information transfer
- Emotional communication
- Artistic expression
Best Practice Examples:
- “The poem conveys a sense of loss”
- “The data conveys significant patterns”
- “The research conveys important findings”
Represents

“Represents” is ideal for:
- Symbolic meanings
- Statistical representation
- Cultural significance
- Mathematical concepts
Manifests
“Manifests” effectively describes:
- Physical appearances
- Concrete expressions
- Visible outcomes
- Tangible results
Exemplifies
Use “exemplifies” when:
- Providing perfect examples
- Showcasing ideal cases
- Demonstrating principles
Key Applications:
- Academic writing
- Case studies
- Model explanations
Displays
“Displays” works well for:
- Visual presentations
- Behavioural descriptions
- Data representation
- Exhibition discussions
Usage Table:
Purpose | Example |
Data | The graph displays trending patterns |
Behaviour | The experiment displays consistent results |
Visual | The image displays key features |
Evidences
This formal alternative suits:
- Academic arguments
- Scientific papers
- Legal writing
- Formal research
Tips for Usage:
- Use sparingly
- Reserve for formal contexts
- Support with concrete examples
Signifies
“Signifies” is perfect for:
- Symbolic meaning
- Important implications
- Deeper understanding
- Representative value
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Evokes
Use “evokes” when discussing:
- Emotional responses
- Sensory experiences
- Memory triggers
- Artistic impact
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I say instead of what it shows in an essay?
Demonstrates, illustrates, reveals, indicates, exemplifies
What is another word for show in an essay?
Display, exhibit, present, convey, portray
What is another word shown in an essay?
Demonstrated, illustrated, revealed, depicted, highlighted
What can I say instead of this quote shown in an essay?
This quote demonstrates, this passage reveals, this excerpt illustrates
What to say instead of “it shows”?
It demonstrates, it reveals, it indicates, it suggests, it reflects
Final Thought
When writing academic essays, relying on phrases like this shows can make your writing appear basic and repetitive. Instead more sophisticated alternatives that add depth and precision to your analysis.
Consider using phrases like “this demonstrates,” “this illustrates,” or “this reveals” to convey your points more effectively. These alternatives not only enhance your writing style but also help establish a more professional and scholarly tone.
Varying your word choice with options such as “this exemplifies,” “this indicates,” or “this suggests” can help maintain reader engagement while showcasing your command of academic language. Remember, strong academic writing relies on diverse vocabulary and precise expression to communicate complex ideas effectively. By expanding your repertoire beyond “this shows,” you’ll create more compelling and sophisticated essays.