If you’ve ever reread an essay and noticed “this shows” sitting in nearly every paragraph, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most reached-for phrases in academic and analytical writing, mostly because it does its job so cleanly — but repeating it over and over flattens your writing and makes it read like a checklist instead of an argument.
The fix isn’t to avoid the idea; it’s to vary how you express it. Different synonyms carry slightly different shades of meaning, and picking the right one can actually sharpen your analysis instead of just changing the wording for its own sake.
Quick Answer
The most common alternatives to “this shows” include this demonstrates, this indicates, this suggests, this reveals, this illustrates, this highlights, this reflects, and this underscores. The right choice depends on how certain you are and what kind of evidence you’re pointing to.
Why “This Shows” Gets Overused
It’s a safe, neutral phrase that works in almost any context, which is exactly why it becomes a crutch. Once you notice it in your own writing, you’ll usually find it doing one of three jobs: introducing a conclusion drawn from evidence, connecting a quote to an argument, or transitioning from an example to its significance. Once you know which job it’s doing in a given sentence, it’s much easier to pick a replacement that fits.
Synonyms by Level of Certainty
Not every synonym for “this shows” means exactly the same thing. Some imply strong, direct evidence. Others imply a softer, more tentative connection. Matching the word to your actual confidence level makes your writing more precise, not just more varied.
Strong, Direct Evidence
Use these when the evidence clearly and directly supports your point.
- This demonstrates
- This proves
- This confirms
- This establishes
- This verifies
- This illustrates
- This exemplifies
Example: “The sharp rise in attendance after the policy change demonstrates that accessibility, not interest, was the original barrier.”
Moderate Confidence
These work well when the evidence supports your point but leaves some room for interpretation.
- This indicates
- This reveals
- This reflects
- This highlights
- This underscores
- This points to
- This signifies
Example: “Her hesitation before answering reveals more about her uncertainty than her actual words do.”
Softer, More Tentative
Use these when you’re drawing a reasonable inference rather than stating a certainty.
- This suggests
- This implies
- This hints at
- This may indicate
- This could point to
Example: “The character’s silence in this scene suggests a growing distrust, though the text never confirms it outright.”
Synonyms by Function
Beyond certainty, it also helps to think about what the sentence is actually doing.
When Connecting Evidence to an Argument
- This supports the idea that
- This is evidence that
- This reinforces the point that
- This lends weight to
- This backs up the claim that
Example: “The consistent drop in sales every March supports the idea that seasonal demand, not pricing, drives the trend.”
When Explaining Cause and Effect
- This explains why
- This accounts for
- This clarifies why
- This sheds light on
Example: “The delay in shipment explains why customer complaints spiked that same week.”
When Emphasizing Importance
- This emphasizes
- This underscores
- This drives home the point that
- This makes clear that
Example: “The repeated imagery of locked doors emphasizes the character’s sense of isolation throughout the novel.”
A Comparison Table for Quick Reference
| Alternative | Best Used When | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| This demonstrates | Evidence is clear and direct | Confident, formal |
| This suggests | Evidence points to a likely but not certain conclusion | Cautious, analytical |
| This indicates | Evidence signals something without full certainty | Neutral, measured |
| This reveals | Something previously unclear becomes apparent | Insightful |
| This underscores | Reinforcing a point already made | Emphatic |
| This illustrates | Using a specific example to clarify a broader idea | Explanatory |
| This highlights | Drawing attention to a notable detail | Observational |
| This reflects | Evidence mirrors a broader pattern or theme | Interpretive |
Examples in Full Sentences
Original: “The data shows that remote workers report higher job satisfaction.” Revised: “The data indicates that remote workers report higher job satisfaction.”
Original: “This shows how isolated the main character feels.” Revised: “This underscores how isolated the main character feels.”
Original: “The results show a clear pattern.” Revised: “The results reveal a clear pattern.”
Original: “This shows that the theory doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.” Revised: “This exposes a flaw in the theory that doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.”
When Not to Swap It Out
Not every instance of “this shows” needs replacing. If you’ve already used a stronger synonym once or twice in a paragraph, a plain, simple “this shows” can actually read better than forcing in another elevated word. Variety matters, but so does not sounding like you’re reaching for a thesaurus every other line. The goal is natural rhythm, not maximum synonym density.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of “this shows” in an essay?
Depending on your confidence level, try “this demonstrates,” “this suggests,” “this indicates,” or “this reveals.” Each carries a slightly different degree of certainty.
Is “this shows” grammatically incorrect?
No. It’s perfectly correct — it’s just overused, especially in academic writing where repetition stands out more.
What’s a stronger word than “shows” for a thesis statement?
“Demonstrates,” “establishes,” or “reveals” tend to sound more assertive and analytical than “shows.”
How do I know which synonym fits best?
Ask how certain the evidence actually makes you. If it’s conclusive, use something like “demonstrates” or “proves.” If it’s more of an inference, “suggests” or “implies” fits better.
Can I use these synonyms interchangeably?
Not always. Words like “proves” imply certainty, while “suggests” implies possibility — swapping them can accidentally overstate or understate your argument.
The Takeaway
“This shows” isn’t wrong — it’s just one tool among many. Once you start noticing the distinction between certainty words like “demonstrates” and softer ones like “suggests,” you’ll find that varying your phrasing doesn’t just avoid repetition. It actually makes your argument more precise, because you’re saying exactly how confident your evidence really makes you.
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John Michael is the creator of this site, personally writing and managing all of its content. He simplifies word meanings, slang, and modern expressions into clear, easy-to-understand explanations, using real-life examples to show how language is used in everyday conversations.
