15 Other Words for “This Shows” in an Essay

15 Other Words for "This Shows" in an Essay

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:

  1. Formality Level: “This shows” is relatively informal for academic writing
  2. Precision: More specific alternatives can better convey your exact meaning
  3. Impact: Stronger alternatives can make your arguments more compelling

When to Replace “This Shows”

ContextBetter AlternativeExample Usage
Presenting evidenceThis demonstratesThe experimental results demonstrate the hypothesis’s validity
Drawing conclusionsThis establishesThe data establishes a clear correlation
Highlighting relationshipsThis indicatesThe pattern indicates a significant trend
Making connectionsThis revealsThe 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

“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:

  1. Validating previous research
  2. Supporting existing theories
  3. 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:

  1. Research findings
  2. Data analysis
  3. Literary interpretation
  4. Scientific discoveries

Portrays

This alternative excels when:

Discussing:

  • Visual representations
  • Character analysis
  • Artistic expressions
  • Descriptive scenarios
ContextExample Usage
LiteratureThe author portrays the character’s inner conflict
Art AnalysisThe painting portrays rural life
Social StudiesThe 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:

  1. Message delivery
  2. Information transfer
  3. Emotional communication
  4. Artistic expression

Best Practice Examples:

  • “The poem conveys a sense of loss”
  • “The data conveys significant patterns”
  • “The research conveys important findings”

Represents

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:

  1. Providing perfect examples
  2. Showcasing ideal cases
  3. 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:

PurposeExample
DataThe graph displays trending patterns
BehaviourThe experiment displays consistent results
VisualThe 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:

  1. Symbolic meaning
  2. Important implications
  3. Deeper understanding
  4. Representative value

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Evokes

Use “evokes” when discussing:

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.

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