Strong writing becomes more persuasive when your language is precise, varied, and purposeful. The phrase “this shows” is frequently used to explain what evidence, information, behavior, or results demonstrate. While it is clear and grammatically correct, repeating it throughout an essay, report, presentation, or professional document can make your writing sound predictable. Using formal synonyms for “this shows” gives you more flexibility and helps communicate relationships between evidence and conclusions with greater sophistication.
Depending on the context, you might want to emphasize evidence, demonstrate a result, highlight an implication, establish a connection, or draw attention to an important finding. Choosing the right alternative can make your argument sound more authoritative and analytical. In this guide, you will discover more than 56 polished alternatives to “this shows,” along with meanings, tones, examples, and explanations to help you choose the most effective expression.
What Does Formal Synonyms for This Shows Mean?
The phrase “this shows” is used to explain that a particular fact, example, result, observation, or piece of evidence demonstrates something.
For example:
The survey recorded a significant increase in customer satisfaction. This shows that the new service strategy has been effective.
Here, “this shows” introduces an interpretation of the evidence presented in the previous sentence.
In formal writing, the phrase can indicate evidence, establish a conclusion, emphasize significance, or connect information to an argument. Its tone is generally neutral and professional, although frequent repetition can make academic or business writing feel basic.
Formal alternatives allow writers to express these relationships more precisely. For example, “this demonstrates” emphasizes evidence, while “this suggests” communicates a more cautious interpretation.
When to Use It
The phrase “this shows” and its formal alternatives are useful whenever you need to explain what evidence or information means.
Academic Writing
Use these expressions when interpreting research findings, statistics, quotations, or observations.
The results demonstrate a significant relationship between exercise and productivity.
Business Reports
Formal alternatives can help explain trends, performance indicators, and organizational outcomes.
The quarterly figures indicate continued growth in customer demand.
Professional Emails
A concise alternative can make workplace communication sound polished.
The updated figures clearly indicate that the project remains on schedule.
Presentations and Speeches
These expressions help connect evidence with an explanation.
These findings highlight the importance of improving employee training.
Research Papers
Analytical alternatives are particularly valuable when interpreting evidence.
The findings suggest that additional research may be necessary.
Casual Communication
Simple expressions such as “this means,” “this makes it clear,” or “this points to” may be more natural in informal conversations.
Is It Polite or Professional?
Yes, “this shows” is polite, clear, and professional. However, it is relatively simple rather than highly sophisticated. It works well in everyday professional communication, but academic papers, research reports, formal presentations, and analytical writing often benefit from more precise alternatives.
The best replacement depends on the strength of your evidence. If the evidence proves something clearly, use expressions such as “this demonstrates” or “this establishes.” If the evidence only indicates a possibility, “this suggests” or “this may indicate” is more appropriate.
Choosing language according to the strength of your evidence makes your writing more credible and intellectually careful.
1. This Demonstrates
Meaning: Indicates that evidence clearly proves or illustrates something.
Tone: Formal, analytical, confident.
The improved test scores demonstrate the effectiveness of the revised curriculum.
Short Explanation: Use this when the evidence provides strong support for your conclusion.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for academic writing, reports, presentations, and research discussions.
2. This Indicates
Meaning: Suggests that something is likely or clearly connected to the evidence.
Tone: Formal, neutral, analytical.
The decline in complaints indicates that customer satisfaction has improved.
Short Explanation: This is one of the most versatile replacements for “this shows.”
Purpose and Personalization: Use it when interpreting statistics, trends, or measurable outcomes.
3. This Suggests
Meaning: Provides evidence that points toward a particular conclusion without claiming certainty.
Tone: Formal, cautious, analytical.
The findings suggest that workplace flexibility may improve employee retention.
Short Explanation: This is appropriate when the evidence supports an interpretation but does not establish absolute proof.
Purpose and Personalization: Excellent for research papers and evidence based arguments.
4. This Reveals
Meaning: Makes previously unclear information apparent.
Tone: Formal, analytical, confident.
The survey reveals a substantial gap between customer expectations and service delivery.
Short Explanation: Use this when evidence brings an important fact or pattern to light.
Purpose and Personalization: Effective in reports, investigations, and analytical writing.
5. This Establishes
Meaning: Provides sufficient evidence to confirm a fact or relationship.
Tone: Highly formal, authoritative.
The longitudinal study establishes a strong association between the two variables.
Short Explanation: This expression is stronger than “this suggests.”
Purpose and Personalization: Best used when the evidence is sufficiently strong to support a firm conclusion.
6. This Highlights
Meaning: Draws attention to an important feature, fact, or consequence.
Tone: Professional, analytical.
The latest report highlights the importance of maintaining consistent quality standards.
Short Explanation: Use this when your goal is to emphasize significance rather than prove a conclusion.
Purpose and Personalization: Useful for reports, presentations, essays, and business communication.
7. This Illustrates
Meaning: Provides a clear example or representation of an idea.
Tone: Formal, educational.
The case study illustrates the practical benefits of early intervention.
Short Explanation: This is especially useful when an example helps explain a broader concept.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for academic writing, training materials, and presentations.
8. This Evidences
Meaning: Provides evidence of a particular fact or condition.
Tone: Highly formal, academic.
The consistent improvement in performance evidences the value of the new approach.
Short Explanation: This is a sophisticated alternative, although it is less common than “this demonstrates.”
Purpose and Personalization: Use it selectively in formal analytical writing.
9. This Confirms
Meaning: Provides additional support for something already believed or established.
Tone: Formal, confident.
The latest findings confirm the effectiveness of the intervention.
Short Explanation: Use this when new evidence supports an existing conclusion.
Purpose and Personalization: Particularly useful in research, reporting, and professional analysis.
10. This Supports
Meaning: Provides evidence that strengthens an argument or conclusion.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
The survey data supports the argument that flexible schedules improve productivity.
Short Explanation: This is useful when evidence strengthens rather than completely proves a claim.
Purpose and Personalization: Excellent for essays, research papers, and business cases.
11. This Underscores
Meaning: Emphasizes the importance or significance of something.
Tone: Formal, sophisticated.
The increasing demand for digital services underscores the need for technological investment.
Short Explanation: This expression is stronger and more polished than simply saying “this shows.”
Purpose and Personalization: Particularly effective in executive reports and academic writing.
12. This Emphasizes
Meaning: Gives particular importance or attention to an idea.
Tone: Formal, professional.
The employee feedback emphasizes the importance of effective communication.
Short Explanation: Use this when evidence reinforces an important point.
Purpose and Personalization: Suitable for reports, presentations, essays, and workplace communication.
13. This Demonstrates Clearly
Meaning: Indicates that the evidence provides obvious support for a conclusion.
Tone: Formal, confident.
The consistent results demonstrate clearly that the revised process is more efficient.
Short Explanation: This adds emphasis when the evidence is particularly strong.
Purpose and Personalization: Use it when a conclusion is strongly supported by available evidence.
14. This Makes Clear
Meaning: Makes a fact or conclusion easier to understand.
Tone: Professional, direct.
The comparison makes clear that the second strategy produces better results.
Short Explanation: This is useful when evidence removes uncertainty.
Purpose and Personalization: Works well in business writing and analytical explanations.
15. This Makes Evident
Meaning: Makes something clearly noticeable or understandable.
Tone: Formal, polished.
The findings make evident the need for additional investment in training.
Short Explanation: This has a refined academic tone.
Purpose and Personalization: Use it in formal reports, essays, and research writing.
16. This Brings to Light
Meaning: Reveals information that was previously unnoticed or unclear.
Tone: Formal, expressive.
The investigation brings to light several weaknesses in the existing procedure.
Short Explanation: This phrase emphasizes discovery.
Purpose and Personalization: Useful for investigative reports, analysis, and persuasive writing.
17. This Points to
Meaning: Provides evidence that directs attention toward a particular conclusion.
Tone: Professional, analytical.
The decline in participation points to a need for greater employee engagement.
Short Explanation: This is useful when evidence indicates a likely explanation or direction.
Purpose and Personalization: Excellent for cautious analysis.
18. This Points Toward
Meaning: Suggests a possible conclusion or direction.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
The available evidence points toward a gradual shift in consumer preferences.
Short Explanation: Similar to “this points to,” but slightly more deliberate in tone.
Purpose and Personalization: Use it when discussing emerging patterns or trends.
19. This Implies
Meaning: Indicates something indirectly rather than stating it explicitly.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
The absence of complaints implies that the revised process has been well received.
Short Explanation: Use this when the conclusion is inferred from evidence.
Purpose and Personalization: Suitable for essays, research, and critical analysis.
20. This Demonstrates the Fact That
Meaning: Emphasizes that evidence supports a particular fact.
Tone: Formal, emphatic.
The consistent attendance demonstrates the fact that employees value the training program.
Short Explanation: This structure gives strong emphasis to a conclusion.
Purpose and Personalization: Use it sparingly when you want to make an important point especially clear.
21. This Provides Evidence That
Meaning: States that available information supports a particular conclusion.
Tone: Formal, academic.
The survey provides evidence that consumers prefer more flexible payment options.
Short Explanation: This is particularly useful when discussing research or empirical data.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for academic and professional reports.
22. This Provides Insight Into
Meaning: Helps explain or understand a particular issue.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
The interviews provide insight into the challenges faced by remote employees.
Short Explanation: Use this when evidence improves understanding rather than directly proving something.
Purpose and Personalization: Excellent for qualitative research and organizational analysis.
23. This Offers Evidence Of
Meaning: Provides information supporting the existence of something.
Tone: Formal, academic.
The repeated observations offer evidence of a broader behavioral pattern.
Short Explanation: This is useful when discussing observations or research findings.
Purpose and Personalization: Suitable for analytical and academic contexts.
24. This Reflects
Meaning: Represents or reveals a particular condition, attitude, or trend.
Tone: Professional, analytical.
The increase in online purchases reflects changing consumer behavior.
Short Explanation: Use this when a result mirrors a wider situation.
Purpose and Personalization: Works especially well in business and market analysis.
25. This Represents
Meaning: Serves as an example or expression of a broader idea.
Tone: Formal, objective.
The improvement represents a significant advancement in operational efficiency.
Short Explanation: This is useful when connecting a specific result to a larger concept.
Purpose and Personalization: Appropriate for reports, research, and formal presentations.
26. This Signifies
Meaning: Indicates that something has a particular importance or meaning.
Tone: Formal, sophisticated.
The policy change signifies a major shift in the organization’s priorities.
Short Explanation: Use this when the evidence represents an important development.
Purpose and Personalization: Particularly effective in strategic and analytical writing.
27. This Denotes
Meaning: Indicates or represents a specific meaning.
Tone: Highly formal, academic.
The recurring pattern denotes a significant change in consumer behavior.
Short Explanation: This is more technical than ordinary alternatives.
Purpose and Personalization: Best suited to academic, scientific, or highly formal contexts.
28. This Reflects the Fact That
Meaning: Shows that a particular situation corresponds with a known reality.
Tone: Formal, explanatory.
The growing participation reflects the fact that the program is becoming more accessible.
Short Explanation: This helps connect evidence with a broader observation.
Purpose and Personalization: Useful when explaining trends or organizational developments.
29. This Serves as Evidence That
Meaning: Functions as evidence supporting a particular conclusion.
Tone: Formal, academic.
The successful trial serves as evidence that the proposed method is viable.
Short Explanation: This clearly establishes the relationship between evidence and conclusion.
Purpose and Personalization: Excellent for essays, research papers, and reports.
30. This Serves to Demonstrate
Meaning: Functions to illustrate or prove a particular point.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
The comparison serves to demonstrate the advantages of the revised approach.
Short Explanation: This is useful when discussing the purpose of evidence or examples.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for academic and professional analysis.
31. This Helps Establish
Meaning: Contributes to proving or confirming an idea.
Tone: Formal, cautious.
The additional data helps establish a connection between training and performance.
Short Explanation: This avoids claiming that the evidence alone proves the conclusion.
Purpose and Personalization: Useful when multiple pieces of evidence contribute to an argument.
32. This Helps Illustrate
Meaning: Makes an idea easier to understand through evidence or example.
Tone: Professional, educational.
The example helps illustrate how effective communication can reduce workplace conflict.
Short Explanation: This works well when explaining abstract concepts.
Purpose and Personalization: Suitable for essays, presentations, training, and educational writing.
33. This Reinforces
Meaning: Strengthens an existing idea, argument, or conclusion.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
The latest survey reinforces the conclusion that customer service remains a priority.
Short Explanation: Use this when new evidence supports something already established.
Purpose and Personalization: Effective in persuasive writing and business analysis.
34. This Validates
Meaning: Provides support for the accuracy or legitimacy of an idea.
Tone: Formal, authoritative.
The independent review validates the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Short Explanation: This implies that evidence strengthens confidence in a previous conclusion.
Purpose and Personalization: Best for research, evaluation, and professional reports.
35. This Corroborates
Meaning: Confirms information by providing additional supporting evidence.
Tone: Highly formal, academic.
The second study corroborates the original findings.
Short Explanation: This is particularly precise when multiple sources support the same conclusion.
Purpose and Personalization: Excellent for research papers and evidence based analysis.
36. This Substantiates
Meaning: Provides evidence that strengthens or proves a claim.
Tone: Highly formal, authoritative.
The documented results substantiate the company’s claims regarding efficiency.
Short Explanation: This is a strong alternative when evidence provides substantial support.
Purpose and Personalization: Use it in legal, academic, scientific, and professional writing.
37. This Attests to
Meaning: Provides evidence of the existence or quality of something.
Tone: Formal, sophisticated.
The consistent performance attests to the effectiveness of the training program.
Short Explanation: This expression emphasizes evidence that demonstrates credibility or quality.
Purpose and Personalization: Suitable for formal evaluations and professional writing.
38. This Bears Out
Meaning: Confirms that an idea or prediction is correct.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
The latest results bear out the initial prediction regarding consumer demand.
Short Explanation: This is useful when new evidence confirms an earlier expectation.
Purpose and Personalization: Works well in research and analytical reports.
39. This Is Indicative Of
Meaning: Serves as a sign or indication of something.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
The rapid increase in applications is indicative of growing public interest.
Short Explanation: This is a sophisticated way to describe evidence that signals a broader trend.
Purpose and Personalization: Use it in formal reports and analytical writing.
40. This Is Suggestive Of
Meaning: Indicates that something may be true or likely.
Tone: Highly formal, cautious.
The observed pattern is suggestive of a broader change in consumer preferences.
Short Explanation: This expression deliberately avoids making an absolute claim.
Purpose and Personalization: Excellent for academic and scientific writing.
41. This Is Consistent With
Meaning: Matches or supports an existing idea, expectation, or finding.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
The results are consistent with previous research on employee motivation.
Short Explanation: Use this when new evidence aligns with earlier findings.
Purpose and Personalization: Particularly useful in academic research and comparative analysis.
42. This Aligns With
Meaning: Corresponds with a particular idea, objective, or expectation.
Tone: Professional, modern.
The increase in participation aligns with the organization’s goal of improving engagement.
Short Explanation: This is a natural alternative for workplace and strategic communication.
Purpose and Personalization: Useful for reports, presentations, and business discussions.
43. This Correlates With
Meaning: Indicates that two factors are associated with each other.
Tone: Formal, scientific.
The increase in physical activity correlates with improved reported wellbeing.
Short Explanation: Use this only when the evidence supports an association rather than assuming causation.
Purpose and Personalization: Particularly appropriate for research and statistical analysis.
44. This Is Indicative Of a Trend
Meaning: Suggests that the evidence represents a developing pattern.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
The steady rise in demand is indicative of a long term market trend.
Short Explanation: This phrase is useful for interpreting repeated changes over time.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for market reports, business analysis, and research.
45. This Highlights the Significance Of
Meaning: Draws attention to the importance of something.
Tone: Formal, sophisticated.
The findings highlight the significance of early intervention.
Short Explanation: This is stronger than simply stating that something is visible or apparent.
Purpose and Personalization: Excellent for academic conclusions and professional reports.
46. This Demonstrates the Importance Of
Meaning: Shows why something deserves attention or consideration.
Tone: Formal, persuasive.
The results demonstrate the importance of investing in employee development.
Short Explanation: Use this when evidence supports the value of an action or principle.
Purpose and Personalization: Particularly effective in persuasive and professional writing.
47. This Draws Attention To
Meaning: Directs focus toward a particular issue or fact.
Tone: Formal, professional.
The report draws attention to significant gaps in current workplace policies.
Short Explanation: This focuses on importance rather than direct proof.
Purpose and Personalization: Useful in reports, presentations, and policy discussions.
48. This Brings Attention To
Meaning: Makes a particular issue noticeable or worthy of consideration.
Tone: Professional, direct.
The analysis brings attention to several areas requiring further investigation.
Short Explanation: Use this when emphasizing an issue that deserves closer examination.
Purpose and Personalization: Suitable for reports and analytical communication.
49. This Calls Attention To
Meaning: Explicitly directs readers toward an important matter.
Tone: Formal, assertive.
The evidence calls attention to the need for stronger quality controls.
Short Explanation: This expression is useful when the issue requires action or consideration.
Purpose and Personalization: Effective in policy papers, reports, and persuasive writing.
50. This Brings Into Focus
Meaning: Makes a particular issue or relationship clearer.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
The findings bring into focus the challenges associated with rapid organizational growth.
Short Explanation: This is useful when evidence clarifies a complex issue.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for sophisticated essays and professional analysis.
51. This Makes Apparent
Meaning: Makes something clearly visible or understandable.
Tone: Formal, polished.
The comparison makes apparent the limitations of the existing approach.
Short Explanation: This is a refined alternative to “this shows.”
Purpose and Personalization: Use it when evidence makes a previously unclear point easier to recognize.
52. This Makes Manifest
Meaning: Makes something clearly evident or obvious.
Tone: Highly formal, sophisticated.
The findings make manifest the urgent need for organizational reform.
Short Explanation: This is an advanced expression suited to highly formal writing.
Purpose and Personalization: Use it selectively when a sophisticated academic tone is appropriate.
53. This Demonstrates the Extent Of
Meaning: Shows the degree or magnitude of something.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
The survey demonstrates the extent of employee concern regarding workload.
Short Explanation: Use this when discussing scale, magnitude, or severity.
Purpose and Personalization: Particularly useful for research findings and statistical analysis.
54. This Illustrates the Impact Of
Meaning: Shows the effect or consequence of something.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
The case study illustrates the impact of effective leadership on team performance.
Short Explanation: This expression works well when evidence explains consequences.
Purpose and Personalization: Useful in business reports, essays, and presentations.
55. This Highlights the Relationship Between
Meaning: Draws attention to a connection between two factors.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
The research highlights the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance.
Short Explanation: Use this when discussing connections or associations.
Purpose and Personalization: Particularly effective in academic and research writing.
56. This Establishes a Clear Connection Between
Meaning: Demonstrates a strong relationship between two ideas or factors.
Tone: Formal, authoritative.
The evidence establishes a clear connection between employee recognition and workplace engagement.
Short Explanation: This is appropriate when evidence strongly supports a relationship.
Purpose and Personalization: Use it when you want to emphasize a well supported connection.
57. This Provides a Clear Indication Of
Meaning: Offers strong evidence that something is occurring or likely to be true.
Tone: Formal, precise.
The repeated improvements provide a clear indication of the program’s effectiveness.
Short Explanation: This balances confidence with analytical caution.
Purpose and Personalization: Useful for reports, research findings, and professional evaluations.
58. This Serves as a Clear Demonstration Of
Meaning: Acts as strong evidence or an example of something.
Tone: Formal, authoritative.
The successful implementation serves as a clear demonstration of the strategy’s potential.
Short Explanation: This expression emphasizes both evidence and clarity.
Purpose and Personalization: Use it when discussing significant examples or successful outcomes.
59. This Offers a Clear Illustration Of
Meaning: Provides an understandable example of a broader idea.
Tone: Formal, explanatory.
The case study offers a clear illustration of the challenges associated with rapid expansion.
Short Explanation: This is especially useful when a specific example represents a larger issue.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for academic papers, reports, and presentations.
60. This Provides Further Support For
Meaning: Adds additional evidence to an existing argument or conclusion.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
The latest findings provide further support for the proposed intervention.
Short Explanation: Use this when new evidence strengthens a conclusion already supported by other information.
Purpose and Personalization: Excellent for research papers, analytical essays, and professional reports.
How to Choose the Right Alternative
When the Evidence Is Strong
Choose “this demonstrates,” “this establishes,” “this confirms,” “this substantiates,” or “this validates” when the evidence provides strong support.
When the Evidence Is Cautious
Use “this suggests,” “this implies,” “this points to,” “this may indicate,” or “this is suggestive of” when your conclusion is possible rather than certain.
When You Want to Emphasize Importance
Choose “this highlights,” “this underscores,” “this emphasizes,” or “this draws attention to” when the main goal is to stress significance.
When You Are Explaining a Relationship
Use “this establishes a clear connection between,” “this highlights the relationship between,” or “this correlates with” when discussing relationships between ideas or variables.
When You Are Writing Academically
Expressions such as “this provides evidence that,” “this corroborates,” “this substantiates,” “this is consistent with,” and “this demonstrates” are particularly useful in research and academic writing.
Conclusion
Replacing “this shows” with more precise formal alternatives can significantly improve the quality of your writing. Expressions such as “this demonstrates,” “this indicates,” “this suggests,” “this underscores,” and “this establishes” allow you to communicate different levels of certainty, importance, and evidence. The strongest choice depends on what your evidence actually supports, so avoid using powerful terms when the evidence is only suggestive. By varying your vocabulary naturally and selecting expressions that match your intended meaning, you can make essays, reports, emails, presentations, and professional documents more polished, persuasive, and precise.
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