In academic writing, varying your language is crucial to keeping your work engaging and dynamic. Instead of overusing the phrase “this shows,” there are numerous alternatives that can add depth and clarity to your arguments.
Using synonyms like “illustrates,” “reveals,” or “indicates” not only enhances your writing but also helps convey your points more effectively.
This guide explores 37 alternative phrases that can elevate your essays and improve communication.
Illustrates
This phrase is used when something is clearly explained or demonstrated with an example.
- Example: “The data illustrates a clear trend toward increased sales in the second quarter.”
- Impact: It adds clarity and visualizes the argument or finding, enhancing the reader’s understanding.
Highlights
Use this when you want to emphasize something important or bring attention to a significant point.
- Example: “The report highlights the need for stronger cybersecurity measures.”
- Impact: It signals importance and draws focus, making your point more forceful and clear.
Indicates
This is often used when referring to evidence or signs that point to a conclusion.
- Example: “The decrease in temperatures indicates that winter is approaching.”
- Impact: It gives a logical connection and makes your writing sound more analytical.
Reveals
Perfect for when you want to show something previously unknown or to expose a truth.
- Example: “The study reveals startling results about the impact of social media on mental health.”
- Impact: It conveys discovery and can evoke a sense of surprise or intrigue.
Portrays
Use “portrays” to describe how something is depicted or presented, especially in more artistic contexts.
- Example: “The novel portrays the challenges faced by the working class during the Great Depression.”
- Impact: It brings a vivid, descriptive angle to your writing, helping readers visualize your point.
Reflects
This can be used when you want to express that something demonstrates or mirrors something else.
- Example: “The increasing unemployment rate reflects the economic downturn.”
- Impact: It suggests a mirrored connection, enhancing the depth of analysis.
Conveys
This is a broad term that can be used when you want to express that something communicates a message or feeling.
- Example: “The letter conveys the urgency of the situation.”
- Impact: It implies effective communication, making your writing sound purposeful and clear.
Represents
Use this to show that something stands for or symbolizes something else.
- Example: “The flag represents the country’s unity and freedom.”
- Impact: It ties an object or symbol to a larger meaning, often evoking emotion.
Manifests
“Manifests” is often used when something becomes visible or evident over time.
- Example: “Her hard work manifests in the outstanding results she achieved.”
- Impact: It conveys transformation and progress, making your argument appear more dynamic.
Exemplifies
When something is given as a clear example of a broader idea or concept, use this phrase.
- Example: “His behavior exemplifies the qualities of a great leader.”
- Impact: It highlights the ideal version of a concept, making your argument more relatable.
Displays
Use “displays” when you want to show that something is evident or visibly present.
- Example: “The chart displays the growth rate over the last decade.”
- Impact: It’s straightforward and factual, making it ideal for presenting information clearly.
Evidences
This is a more formal way of stating that something supports or proves a point.
- Example: “The research evidences the correlation between diet and health.”
- Impact: It gives authority to your argument, making it sound well-supported.
Signifies
“Signifies” can be used to show that something represents or suggests a particular meaning.
- Example: “The red light signifies that the machine is malfunctioning.”
- Impact: It’s a formal and precise way of stating what something represents or indicates.
Evokes
“Evokes” is used when something brings out a particular feeling or response.
- Example: “The image evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing.”
- Impact: It adds emotional depth and can create a strong connection with your audience.
Manifests (Repeat)
Refer to the earlier explanation of “manifests” to avoid redundancy in your writing.
This Shows Synonym
In an essay, instead of overusing the phrase “this shows,” consider varying your language to keep the content fresh and engaging. Whether you’re presenting evidence, making a point, or analyzing information, using synonyms for “this shows” allows you to add variety and maintain the reader’s interest.
This Shows Synonym Essay
When writing an essay, it’s important to demonstrate a clear understanding of the subject matter. Substituting the phrase “this shows” with alternatives like “illustrates,” “indicates,” or “reveals” can make your arguments more impactful and persuasive.
This Shows That
If you want to introduce an explanation or support for your claim, try using alternatives such as “this suggests that,” “this indicates that,” or “this demonstrates that” to add variety and clarity to your writing.
This Shows in Spanish
To say “this shows” in Spanish, you can use phrases like “esto muestra,” “esto indica,” or “esto revela,” depending on the context and what you are trying to convey.
This Shows Us Synonym
If you want to emphasize that something is showing or revealing something to the reader, consider alternatives like “this reveals to us,” “this illustrates for us,” or “this conveys to us.”
This Shows Transition Words
Transition words can help bridge ideas and arguments in your essay. Instead of using “this shows” repeatedly, experiment with words like “this illustrates,” “this indicates,” or “this highlights” to guide the reader through your reasoning.
This Shows Syn
To streamline your writing and avoid redundancy, simply replace “this shows” with synonyms like “indicates,” “demonstrates,” or “suggests” for a more professional tone.
This Shows Other Words
Other words or phrases you can use in place of “this shows” include “this portrays,” “this exemplifies,” and “this reflects,” depending on the context and your message.
This Shows That Alternatives
Some alternatives for “this shows that” include “this suggests that,” “this reveals that,” and “this indicates that,” which all offer variations on the idea that something is being demonstrated or proven.
This Shows That Support for Abolitionism Was
To strengthen your argument, use variations like “this demonstrates that support for abolitionism was,” “this highlights the support for abolitionism,” or “this exemplifies the support for abolitionism.”
This Shows Meaning
When clarifying or defining something, phrases like “this clarifies,” “this explains,” or “this defines” can convey the meaning you’re trying to express more clearly.
This Shows Examples
If you’re providing an example or illustration, consider using alternatives like “this illustrates,” “this exemplifies,” or “this demonstrates.”
Synonyms for This Shows in an Essay
In academic writing, avoiding repetitive phrasing is key. Using synonyms such as “indicates,” “demonstrates,” or “reveals” will help elevate the quality of your essay and keep your language dynamic.
Transition Words for This Shows
Using transitional phrases such as “this illustrates,” “this demonstrates,” and “this highlights” can add smooth flow and variety to your writing.
Shows Synonym in Research
In research, words like “indicates,” “suggests,” and “evidences” are commonly used to refer to findings or data that support a conclusion or argument.
Shows Synonym Formal
In formal writing, opting for terms like “indicates,” “demonstrates,” and “evidences” can make your writing sound more professional and scholarly.
Conclusion
By varying your language and choosing the right synonyms for “this shows,” you can enhance the effectiveness of your communication in both formal and casual settings.
This not only helps maintain your audience’s attention but also elevates the quality of your writing. Experiment with these alternatives to find the ones that best fit your style and context.
Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be effortlessly incorporating these synonyms into your essays and conversations!

Mark Tony is a grammar expert with 5 years of experience, specializing in teaching English grammar, enhancing writing, reading, and speaking skills for diverse learners.