Language gives us countless ways to express clarity, proof, and meaning. The simple phrase “this shows” is one of the most common tools for demonstrating evidence, explaining logic, or drawing conclusions. Whether you’re writing an essay, giving a presentation, or crafting a report, you’ve likely used it more times than you can count.
However, repeating “this shows” can make your writing sound repetitive or less sophisticated. The good news? There are dozens of natural, expressive, and powerful alternatives that carry the same idea while adding richness and precision to your tone. In this guide, you’ll explore 30 other ways to say “this shows”, complete with definitions, meanings, tones, and real examples to help you sound more fluent and professional.
Did You Know “This Shows”?
The phrase “this shows” is one of the most universal connectors between evidence and explanation. It acts as a bridge that links facts to insights. When you write “this shows,” you’re interpreting what something proves, illustrates, or indicates. In academic, business, or casual writing, it signals reasoning and supports claims effectively.
But to elevate your writing, variety matters. Substituting “this shows” with phrases like “this demonstrates”, “this reveals”, or “this highlights” adds depth, sophistication, and engagement to your sentences.
What Does “This Shows” Mean?
Simply put, “this shows” means that evidence supports a claim, idea, or conclusion. It’s used to interpret data, clarify meaning, or emphasize a key insight. Whether you’re analyzing literature, explaining a business trend, or giving feedback, “this shows” helps readers see the logical connection between information and interpretation.
For instance:
“This shows that the company values sustainability.”
Here, “this shows” connects evidence (company actions) with an interpretation (value for sustainability).
Professional or Polite Ways to Say “This Shows”
In professional and academic writing, you’ll often need more polished expressions than “this shows.” Phrases like “this demonstrates,” “this indicates,” “this reveals,” or “this reflects” carry a more analytical tone. They also vary in strength: some imply solid evidence (“demonstrates”), while others suggest interpretation (“suggests”).
Using varied phrasing helps your writing feel confident, credible, and engaging.
When to Use “This Shows”
Use “this shows” (or its alternatives) when you want to:
- Interpret or explain evidence
- Highlight cause-and-effect relationships
- Present data-driven insights
- Draw conclusions or emphasize meaning
- Connect analysis with findings
Whether in essays, presentations, or conversations, these phrases make your points clearer and more persuasive.
Synonyms For “This Shows”
- This demonstrates
- This indicates
- This reveals
- This suggests
- This reflects
- This highlights
- This illustrates
- This confirms
- This proves
- This points to
- This signifies
- This depicts
- This emphasizes
- This underscores
- This manifests
- This portrays
- This exemplifies
- This conveys
- This represents
- This symbolizes
- This echoes
- This implies
- This highlights the fact
- This affirms
- This supports
- This establishes
- This clarifies
- This validates
- This depicts clearly
- This brings to light
1. This Demonstrates
Definition: Used to express that evidence strongly supports or proves a particular idea or concept clearly and confidently.
Meaning: Implies factual or logical proof, often based on observable data or performance outcomes.
Tone: Formal and confident.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This demonstrates the company’s growth potential.
- This demonstrates how teamwork drives success.
- This demonstrates the effectiveness of the policy.
- This demonstrates our commitment to innovation.
- This demonstrates that preparation matters.
Detailed Explanation: “This demonstrates” is ideal in academic, technical, or business writing. It communicates clarity, evidence, and professionalism—perfect when you want your claims to sound strong and verified.
Additional Notes: Best used when presenting data or factual results.
2. This Indicates
Definition: Suggests that available evidence points toward a certain idea, trend, or assumption, often implying logical deduction.
Meaning: Less absolute than “demonstrates,” but still shows clear reasoning or signs supporting a conclusion.
Tone: Analytical and objective.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This indicates a shift in consumer behavior.
- This indicates that our efforts are paying off.
- This indicates an improvement in performance.
- This indicates growing customer satisfaction.
- This indicates a need for change.
Detailed Explanation: “This indicates” is softer than “proves” but still analytical. It’s best for showing trends or possibilities without making definitive claims.
Additional Notes: Useful in reports, analysis, and scientific discussions.
3. This Reveals
Definition: Shows that something hidden or previously unknown has become clear or evident through observation or discovery.
Meaning: Emphasizes exposure or uncovering insights that weren’t obvious before.
Tone: Insightful and revealing.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This reveals a major flaw in the system.
- This reveals the depth of their dedication.
- This reveals underlying problems.
- This reveals customer preferences.
- This reveals that more research is needed.
Detailed Explanation: “This reveals” is great for analysis that uncovers new understanding or deeper meaning. It’s often used in research or storytelling contexts.
Additional Notes: Powerful when showing new insights.
4. This Suggests
Definition: Implies a possibility or interpretation based on evidence, without asserting complete certainty.
Meaning: Useful for cautious, analytical, or balanced statements.
Tone: Speculative and thoughtful.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This suggests the market is stabilizing.
- This suggests that training improves morale.
- This suggests customers prefer convenience.
- This suggests leadership is key.
- This suggests progress is being made.
Detailed Explanation: “This suggests” works perfectly in academic writing where absolute certainty isn’t possible. It allows you to sound logical but careful with conclusions.
Additional Notes: Excellent for research papers or analysis.
5. This Reflects
Definition: Shows that something is a direct result or representation of underlying qualities, values, or conditions.
Meaning: Highlights connection between appearance and reality.
Tone: Balanced and formal.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This reflects the company’s core values.
- This reflects our growth mindset.
- This reflects broader social trends.
- This reflects how much effort was invested.
- This reflects changes in public opinion.
Detailed Explanation: “This reflects” is common in business, psychology, or leadership writing. It connects behaviors to values, making it powerful for interpretation.
Additional Notes: Use when discussing actions or outcomes tied to values.
6. This Highlights
Definition: Draws attention to something important or noteworthy, emphasizing its significance.
Meaning: Used to stress a key point, trend, or insight that deserves focus.
Tone: Emphatic and clear.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This highlights the importance of teamwork.
- This highlights a gap in our system.
- This highlights customer preferences.
- This highlights how leadership drives results.
- This highlights the success of our campaign.
Detailed Explanation: “This highlights” helps emphasize important ideas in presentations or essays. It’s ideal for clarity and focus.
Additional Notes: Perfect for summary or key-point writing.
7. This Illustrates
Definition: Shows how an example or situation helps explain or clarify a broader idea or principle.
Meaning: Provides evidence through concrete examples or comparisons.
Tone: Educational and explanatory.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This illustrates the power of persistence.
- This illustrates how strategy impacts growth.
- This illustrates our point perfectly.
- This illustrates that small steps matter.
- This illustrates effective teamwork.
Detailed Explanation: “This illustrates” adds clarity and makes abstract ideas tangible. It’s commonly used in essays, teaching, and public speaking.
Additional Notes: Ideal when giving examples or analogies.
8. This Confirms
Definition: Proves or verifies that something is true or valid based on consistent evidence or outcomes.
Meaning: Shows certainty through repetition or validation.
Tone: Assertive and factual.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This confirms our earlier findings.
- This confirms that the strategy works.
- This confirms the accuracy of our data.
- This confirms customer trust.
- This confirms the effectiveness of our solution.
Detailed Explanation: “This confirms” is strong and evidence-based, suitable for reports or research when findings validate previous assumptions.
Additional Notes: Use only when data is conclusive.
9. This Proves
Definition: Shows that something is undeniably true based on factual evidence, logic, or demonstration.
Meaning: Communicates high confidence and reliability in a conclusion.
Tone: Strong and assertive.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This proves our theory correct.
- This proves that consistency brings success.
- This proves the product’s durability.
- This proves effective teamwork yields results.
- This proves the company’s strategy works.
Detailed Explanation: “This proves” is powerful when your evidence leaves no doubt. It’s decisive and impactful, perfect for conclusions or persuasive writing.
Additional Notes: Avoid in tentative or speculative contexts.
10. This Points To
Definition: Indicates direction or focus toward a conclusion, cause, or factor based on available information.
Meaning: Suggests logical inference rather than direct proof.
Tone: Neutral and analytical.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This points to a deeper issue.
- This points to the need for improvement.
- This points to customer dissatisfaction.
- This points to progress in our plan.
- This points to a growing demand.
Detailed Explanation: “This points to” fits analytical writing where you infer patterns or trends without overstating certainty. It shows reasoning without exaggeration.
Additional Notes: Ideal for balanced, professional tone.
11. This Signifies
Definition: Expresses that something carries a symbolic or important meaning beyond its surface appearance.
Meaning: Used when referring to deeper implications or representations.
Tone: Formal and reflective.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This signifies a new chapter in our journey.
- This signifies unity within the team.
- This signifies growth and maturity.
- This signifies a positive cultural shift.
- This signifies progress toward our goals.
Detailed Explanation: “This signifies” adds a thoughtful, interpretive touch to your writing. It helps express symbolism, emotion, or meaning rather than literal evidence.
Additional Notes: Common in speeches, reflections, or symbolic discussions.
12. This Depicts
Definition: Describes something visually or figuratively to create a clear picture of an idea or event.
Meaning: Often used to paint a vivid image of what is being expressed.
Tone: Descriptive and artistic.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This depicts the reality of modern business.
- This depicts how teamwork changes outcomes.
- This depicts resilience in tough times.
- This depicts the beauty of unity.
- This depicts the importance of discipline.
Detailed Explanation: “This depicts” brings life to your writing. It’s ideal for creative, narrative, or artistic explanations where visualization matters.
Additional Notes: Excellent for storytelling and descriptive essays.
13. This Emphasizes
Definition: Draws strong attention to the importance or significance of something specific.
Meaning: Used to highlight or reinforce a point.
Tone: Assertive and persuasive.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This emphasizes the need for balance.
- This emphasizes our core mission.
- This emphasizes attention to detail.
- This emphasizes continuous learning.
- This emphasizes collaboration over competition.
Detailed Explanation: “This emphasizes” strengthens your key messages, ensuring readers focus on what truly matters in your discussion.
Additional Notes: Useful in arguments, presentations, and persuasive writing.
14. This Underscores
Definition: Literally means to underline something important, giving it extra attention or stress.
Meaning: Highlights the weight or urgency of a point.
Tone: Professional and assertive.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This underscores the value of preparation.
- This underscores our responsibility to act.
- This underscores the need for innovation.
- This underscores teamwork as essential.
- This underscores that ethics matter.
Detailed Explanation: “This underscores” is perfect for formal contexts. It’s a polished way to reinforce critical lessons or evidence.
Additional Notes: Ideal for essays, policy papers, and formal reports.
15. This Manifests
Definition: Shows or makes something clear through actions, results, or behavior.
Meaning: Indicates the visible or tangible proof of an idea or belief.
Tone: Philosophical and reflective.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This manifests our commitment to excellence.
- This manifests the power of unity.
- This manifests the strength of character.
- This manifests innovation in action.
- This manifests change through dedication.
Detailed Explanation: “This manifests” is powerful for linking intangible values to real outcomes. It adds depth and introspection to your writing.
Additional Notes: Best for motivational or spiritual contexts.
16. This Portrays
Definition: Describes or represents something in a particular light, often emotionally or visually.
Meaning: Focuses on how something is presented or perceived.
Tone: Artistic and interpretive.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This portrays dedication and persistence.
- This portrays leadership in tough times.
- This portrays innovation at its best.
- This portrays courage under pressure.
- This portrays teamwork in motion.
Detailed Explanation: “This portrays” conveys tone, emotion, and mood. It’s effective in descriptive writing, storytelling, or reviews.
Additional Notes: Perfect for narratives and emotional communication.
17. This Exemplifies
Definition: Shows something as a perfect example or representation of a broader idea or standard.
Meaning: Used to demonstrate an ideal instance or model.
Tone: Formal and academic.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This exemplifies excellence in education.
- This exemplifies innovation through simplicity.
- This exemplifies teamwork at its finest.
- This exemplifies customer satisfaction.
- This exemplifies our mission in action.
Detailed Explanation: “This exemplifies” is excellent for essays, case studies, or reports. It communicates precision, logic, and example-based reasoning.
Additional Notes: Common in analytical and evaluative writing.
18. This Conveys
Definition: Transfers or communicates an idea, feeling, or message effectively.
Meaning: Used when discussing expression or emotional tone.
Tone: Expressive and emotional.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This conveys gratitude and warmth.
- This conveys honesty and trust.
- This conveys progress and clarity.
- This conveys resilience in adversity.
- This conveys a sense of hope.
Detailed Explanation: “This conveys” adds emotional texture and helps you express subtle undertones in communication or writing.
Additional Notes: Best for speeches, art critiques, or emotional writing.
19. This Represents
Definition: Stands as an example or symbol of something larger or more abstract.
Meaning: Links individual details to broader ideas.
Tone: Balanced and explanatory.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This represents a major milestone.
- This represents the voice of change.
- This represents teamwork and unity.
- This represents modern thinking.
- This represents our shared vision.
Detailed Explanation: “This represents” connects concrete examples to big-picture ideas. It’s powerful in discussions about identity, culture, or progress.
Additional Notes: Common in social, cultural, and academic writing.
20. This Symbolizes
Definition: Shows that one thing stands for or expresses another, especially abstract ideas.
Meaning: Focuses on symbolic rather than literal meaning.
Tone: Poetic and reflective.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This symbolizes freedom and growth.
- This symbolizes resilience after hardship.
- This symbolizes unity in diversity.
- This symbolizes strength through faith.
- This symbolizes a fresh start.
Detailed Explanation: “This symbolizes” adds poetic and emotional depth, ideal for creative writing, art, and philosophy.
Additional Notes: Used in literature, art, and cultural writing.
21. This Echoes
Definition: Repeats or reflects a previous thought, trend, or feeling in a new context.
Meaning: Suggests continuity or resemblance.
Tone: Gentle and reflective.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This echoes our earlier statement.
- This echoes historical lessons.
- This echoes shared values.
- This echoes the voice of reason.
- This echoes the same concern.
Detailed Explanation: “This echoes” works beautifully when connecting past and present ideas. It signals alignment or continuity in thought.
Additional Notes: Perfect for reflective essays and analyses.
22. This Implies
Definition: Hints at or suggests something indirectly, without direct statement.
Meaning: Used for subtle or inferred conclusions.
Tone: Analytical and cautious.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This implies a deeper problem.
- This implies progress is steady.
- This implies strong leadership.
- This implies change is needed.
- This implies trust has been earned.
Detailed Explanation: “This implies” is ideal for critical reasoning or subtle analysis where the conclusion is interpretive, not absolute.
Additional Notes: Useful in analytical, legal, and academic writing.
23. This Highlights the Fact
Definition: Makes a fact or detail stand out as particularly important.
Meaning: Adds emphasis to factual clarity.
Tone: Confident and explanatory.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This highlights the fact that teamwork works.
- This highlights the fact that progress takes time.
- This highlights the fact that communication matters.
- This highlights the fact that quality builds trust.
- This highlights the fact that effort pays off.
Detailed Explanation: A fuller version of “this highlights,” great for stress or clarity when explaining findings or lessons.
Additional Notes: Useful in presentations and persuasive writing.
24. This Affirms
Definition: Strongly declares or confirms the truth or validity of a statement or belief.
Meaning: Shows conviction and agreement.
Tone: Assertive and confident.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This affirms our values.
- This affirms the need for change.
- This affirms our findings.
- This affirms hope and progress.
- This affirms our shared mission.
Detailed Explanation: “This affirms” reinforces your stance. It’s excellent when you want to show certainty or alignment with values or data.
Additional Notes: Best for professional and moral contexts.
25. This Supports
Definition: Provides backing, evidence, or justification for an idea or claim.
Meaning: Shows reinforcement or validation.
Tone: Academic and logical.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This supports our argument.
- This supports the theory proposed.
- This supports innovation in design.
- This supports our long-term goals.
- This supports the need for reform.
Detailed Explanation: “This supports” fits perfectly in academic or data-based contexts. It signals strong, reasoned backing for your ideas.
Additional Notes: Common in research and evidence-based writing.
26. This Establishes
Definition: Confirms or lays a solid foundation for a claim, rule, or principle.
Meaning: Implies official or recognized proof.
Tone: Formal and authoritative.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This establishes trust in leadership.
- This establishes a pattern of success.
- This establishes key principles.
- This establishes the need for reform.
- This establishes the credibility of results.
Detailed Explanation: “This establishes” adds weight and authority, especially in academic or official contexts where validity matters.
Additional Notes: Excellent for formal reports or arguments.
27. This Clarifies
Definition: Makes something easier to understand or less confusing.
Meaning: Simplifies information for better comprehension.
Tone: Educational and helpful.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This clarifies our next steps.
- This clarifies how the system works.
- This clarifies the company’s mission.
- This clarifies expectations for growth.
- This clarifies potential risks involved.
Detailed Explanation: “This clarifies” helps your audience grasp ideas. It’s ideal for teachers, managers, or communicators explaining complex topics.
Additional Notes: Useful for simplifying or summarizing ideas.
28. This Validates
Definition: Confirms the truth, accuracy, or reliability of something through evidence or feedback.
Meaning: Proves legitimacy or correctness.
Tone: Assured and analytical.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This validates our previous research.
- This validates the chosen strategy.
- This validates customer confidence.
- This validates the need for change.
- This validates performance goals.
Detailed Explanation: “This validates” adds authority and scientific precision, often used to verify experiments, data, or theories.
Additional Notes: Best in technical and academic reports.
29. This Depicts Clearly
Definition: Shows something vividly and unmistakably through clear evidence or examples.
Meaning: Emphasizes clarity and strength of depiction.
Tone: Descriptive and confident.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This depicts clearly our path forward.
- This depicts clearly how hard work pays off.
- This depicts clearly the results of teamwork.
- This depicts clearly our progress.
- This depicts clearly the lessons learned.
Detailed Explanation: A powerful, descriptive variation for storytelling or analysis that demands attention to detail and precision.
Additional Notes: Perfect for essays and presentations.
30. This Brings to Light
Definition: Uncovers or makes something previously unknown visible or noticeable.
Meaning: Reveals hidden facts, insights, or truths.
Tone: Revealing and investigative.
5 Scenario Examples:
- This brings to light critical data trends.
- This brings to light the need for transparency.
- This brings to light hidden opportunities.
- This brings to light the company’s progress.
- This brings to light long-standing issues.
Detailed Explanation: “This brings to light” is excellent when your goal is to expose, explain, or uncover important details.
Additional Notes: Common in journalism, research, and analysis.
FAQs About Saying “This Shows”
1. What can I say instead of “this shows” in an essay?
Use “this demonstrates,” “this illustrates,” “this indicates,” or “this exemplifies.” These sound professional and academic while maintaining clarity.
2. What’s a casual alternative to “this shows”?
Say “this proves,” “this points out,” or “this highlights.” These are natural and conversational for informal writing.
3. What’s the difference between “this shows” and “this suggests”?
“This shows” states clear evidence; “this suggests” implies possibility or interpretation without complete certainty.
4. Can I use “this reflects” in professional writing?
Yes. “This reflects” is widely used in corporate, academic, and psychological writing to link results with values or causes.
5. How can I sound more persuasive when replacing “this shows”?
Use strong alternatives like “this demonstrates,” “this confirms,” or “this proves.” Pair them with facts or data for credibility.
Conclusion
Words shape how we explain, persuade, and connect ideas. Replacing “this shows” with varied, vivid alternatives not only strengthens your writing but also keeps your tone dynamic and engaging. Each phrase—from “this demonstrates” to “this brings to light”—offers a distinct flavor and level of confidence.
Using these alternatives mindfully ensures your writing sounds natural, authoritative, and expressive across every context—academic, creative, or professional.
