Professional writers can strengthen their analytical essays by employing alternatives to "this shows." Effective synonyms include "this illustrates," "this indicates," "this reveals," "this suggests," "this establishes," "this highlights," "this confirms," "this underscores," "this reflects," and "this demonstrates." Each alternative offers subtle variations in meaning and emphasis, allowing for more precise and sophisticated analysis. Understanding these nuanced differences enables writers to craft more compelling arguments with enhanced clarity and depth.
Is It Professional to Use 'This Shows'?
The phrase "this shows" often appears in academic and professional writing, though its appropriateness depends largely on context and execution. While not inherently unprofessional, this expression can become problematic when overused or employed without proper antecedents. Professional writing typically benefits from more sophisticated connective phrases and varied analytical language.
When used sparingly and with clear reference to specific evidence or examples, "this shows" can serve as an effective link in academic writing. However, many educators and professional editors recommend replacing it with more precise alternatives that better articulate the relationship between evidence and conclusions. The key to maintaining professionalism lies in ensuring clarity and avoiding repetitive language patterns that may suggest limited vocabulary or analytical skills.
Why You Might Use a Different Word To 'This Shows'
Adopting alternatives to "this shows" can considerably enhance writing quality and analytical depth. Using varied expressions helps writers avoid repetition, demonstrate sophisticated language skills, and convey ideas with greater precision. Different phrases can better capture specific analytical relationships, such as causation, correlation, or progression of ideas.
Furthermore, diversifying connecting phrases enables writers to maintain reader engagement while signaling the significance of evidence more effectively. Academic writing demands nuanced expression of analytical relationships, and relying too heavily on "this shows" may suggest limited vocabulary or analytical capability. Alternative expressions like "this demonstrates," "this reveals," or "this establishes" can better reflect the specific nature of the connection being made between evidence and conclusions, leading to more sophisticated and precise academic discourse.
10 Synonyms for 'This Shows'
1. This Illustrates
Particularly effective when presenting clear evidence or proof of a concept. Best used when you want to emphasize a direct cause-and-effect relationship or when explaining experimental results. Works well in academic or scientific writing where empirical evidence is being discussed. Creates a tone of authority and objectivity.
Example use:
"This illustrates the strong correlation between exercise and mental health."
"This illustrates why urban planning is essential for sustainable city development."
"This illustrates how social media influences consumer behavior."
2. This Indicates
Best suited for suggesting trends or patterns without making absolute claims. Useful when discussing data that points toward a conclusion but doesn't definitively prove it. Good for academic writing where cautious interpretation is valued. Works well in research papers and analytical essays.
Example use:
"This indicates a shifting trend in consumer preferences."
"This indicates the potential for further research in quantum computing."
"This indicates why traditional marketing methods may be becoming less effective."
3. This Reveals
Perfect for introducing new insights or unexpected findings. Particularly effective when uncovering hidden meanings or presenting surprising conclusions. Creates a sense of discovery and can add dramatic emphasis to your writing. Especially useful in literary analysis or investigative pieces.
Example use:
"This reveals the author's true intentions behind the metaphor."
"This reveals a fundamental flaw in the current system."
"This reveals why previous studies may have reached different conclusions."
4. This Illustrates
Ideal for explaining concepts through examples or making abstract ideas more concrete. Particularly useful when connecting theory to real-world situations. Effective in educational writing and explanatory essays. Helps readers visualize complex concepts.
Example use:
"This illustrates the practical application of the theory."
"This illustrates why sustainable practices are essential in modern business."
"This illustrates how mathematical concepts appear in nature."
5. This Suggests
Appropriate for making tentative conclusions or presenting possibilities. Good for academic writing where definitive statements might be too strong. Useful when discussing theories or interpretations that aren't yet fully proven. Maintains a scholarly tone while allowing for alternative viewpoints.
Example use:
"This suggests that environmental factors play a significant role."
"This suggests a need for further investigation into the matter."
"This suggests why traditional approaches may need revision."
6. This Establishes
Strong choice for presenting conclusive evidence or fundamental principles. Best used when setting up key arguments or establishing foundational concepts. Particularly effective in formal academic writing or legal documents. Creates a tone of authority and finality.
Example use:
"This establishes a clear link between the variables."
"This establishes the groundwork for future research."
"This establishes why the previous methodology was flawed."
7. This Highlights
Excellent for emphasizing key points or drawing attention to specific aspects of an argument. Useful when you want to focus reader attention on particular findings or implications. Works well in both academic and professional writing. Helps create clear focus points in your argument.
Example use:
"This highlights the importance of early intervention."
"This highlights why traditional methods are becoming obsolete."
"This highlights the key differences between the two approaches."
8. This Confirms
Best used when reinforcing existing theories or validating previous findings. Particularly effective when presenting evidence that supports established ideas. Useful in scientific writing or when building on previous research. Creates a strong sense of validation.
Example use:
"This confirms the initial hypothesis about climate change."
"This confirms why previous studies reached similar conclusions."
"This confirms the effectiveness of the new treatment method."
9. This Underscores
Effective for emphasizing important points or reinforcing significant concepts. Particularly useful when you want to stress the significance of findings or implications. Works well in persuasive writing and academic arguments. Helps build emphasis in your reasoning.
Example use:
"This underscores the necessity of immediate action."
"This underscores why policy change is essential."
"This underscores the importance of proper methodology."
10. This Reflects
Ideal for showing relationships or connections between ideas. Good for discussing how one concept mirrors or represents another. Particularly useful in analytical writing and cultural studies. Helps create meaningful connections between concepts.
Example use:
"This reflects the changing attitudes in society."
"This reflects why traditional values are evolving."
"This reflects how modern technology impacts human behavior."
Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of variation in connecting phrases enhances writing quality markedly, allowing authors to maintain reader engagement while presenting their arguments clearly and professionally. By incorporating diverse linking phrases instead of repeatedly using "this shows," writers can demonstrate sophisticated command of language and improve the overall flow of their analysis. These alternatives help create smoother connections between ideas and evidence, strengthening the logical progression of arguments throughout the essay. Writers should maintain a balance between variety and clarity, selecting phrases that best suit their specific context and meaning. Regular practice in implementing these alternative expressions will gradually make their usage more natural, leading to more polished and engaging academic writing that effectively communicates complex ideas and analytical insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'This Shows' Be Used in Academic or Scientific Writing?
While "this shows" can be used in academic writing, more precise alternatives like "these findings demonstrate," "the data indicates," or "the results reveal" are generally preferred for scientific clarity.
How Often Should I Vary Synonyms for 'This Shows' in One Essay?
Writers should vary connecting phrases every 2-3 instances to maintain flow while avoiding redundancy. Overusing variations can become distracting, while limited variation appears monotonous and unsophisticated.
Are There Industry-Specific Alternatives to 'This Shows' for Different Fields?
Different fields employ specialized shift phrases: scientists use "data indicates," economists say "trends demonstrate," legal writers prefer "evidence establishes," and medical professionals often state "results suggest" or "findings reveal."
Should Transition Phrases Always Come at the Beginning of Paragraphs?
Change phrases can appear anywhere within paragraphs, not just at the beginning. They work effectively mid-paragraph or at sentence beginnings to connect ideas and maintain logical flow throughout.
Does Using Sophisticated Alternatives to 'This Shows' Affect Readability?
Using sophisticated alternatives to "this shows" can impact readability if overused or chosen inappropriately. Moderate use of varied alternatives maintains clarity while adding professional sophistication to analytical writing.
