Professional writing benefits from varied alternatives to "this shows" to enhance clarity and sophistication. Common synonyms include "this illustrates," "this indicates," "this reveals," "this highlights," and "this suggests." More formal options encompass "this confirms," "this evidences," "this establishes," "this demonstrates," and "this proves." Each alternative serves specific contexts and purposes, offering precise ways to connect ideas and evidence. Understanding these distinctions enables more nuanced and effective communication.
Is It Professional to Use 'This Shows'?
The phrase "this shows" often appears in academic and professional writing, though its appropriateness depends heavily on context and usage. While not inherently unprofessional, this expression can sometimes appear basic or repetitive, particularly in formal documents where more sophisticated language is expected.
In academic writing, using "this shows" occasionally is acceptable, especially when clearly connecting evidence to a conclusion. However, relying too heavily on this phrase may suggest limited vocabulary or insufficient attention to style. Professional writers often prefer more precise alternatives that better convey specific relationships between ideas, such as "this demonstrates," "this indicates," or "this evidence suggests." The key is maintaining variety in connecting phrases while ensuring clarity and logical flow in the discussion of findings or results.
Why You Might Use a Different Word To 'This Shows'
Varying word choice in professional and academic writing serves multiple essential purposes beyond mere stylistic preference. Using alternatives to "this shows" helps writers avoid repetition, demonstrates command of language, and often provides more precise meaning. Different words can better convey specific relationships between ideas, such as causation, correlation, or progression.
Writers may need alternatives when the context requires stronger emphasis, greater formality, or more nuanced expression. For instance, "this demonstrates" carries more authoritative weight in academic papers, while "this indicates" suggests a more tentative connection. Additionally, varying terminology maintains reader engagement and prevents monotonous writing. In technical or scientific writing, alternatives like "this reveals" or "this evidences" can better align with field-specific conventions and expectations.
10 Synonyms for 'This Shows'
1. This Shows
Ideal for formal academic writing when presenting clear evidence or proof of a concept. Works well when showing a direct cause-and-effect relationship or when explaining experimental results. particularly effective in scientific papers and research documents where empirical evidence needs to be presented clearly.
Example use:
"This shows the correlation between exercise and improved mental health."
"The data from our experiments shows a clear pattern of behavior."
"The rising unemployment rate shows the economy's fragility."
2. This Illustrates
Best used when making a point through examples or when painting a clear picture of a situation. Particularly effective in descriptive writing or when using metaphors and analogies. Works well in educational contexts or when explaining complex concepts to a general audience.
Example use:
"This illustrates why preventive maintenance is essential for machinery."
"The graph illustrates the steady decline in biodiversity."
"This illustrates perfectly how supply and demand affects market prices."
3. This Indicates
Suitable for suggesting or pointing to a conclusion without making absolute statements. Effective in research papers when discussing preliminary findings or when there's a need for cautious interpretation of results.
Example use:
"This indicates a potential shift in consumer behavior."
"The preliminary data indicates a strong link between the variables."
"This indicates that further research may be necessary."
4. This Reveals
Perfect for introducing surprising or significant findings. Most effective when uncovering hidden patterns or presenting new information that changes understanding of a topic. Particularly impactful in investigative journalism or academic discoveries.
Example use:
"This reveals the underlying cause of the system failure."
"The analysis reveals unexpected patterns in user behavior."
"This reveals why traditional approaches have been ineffective."
5. This Highlights
Ideal for emphasizing important points or drawing attention to specific aspects of an argument. Effective in presentations and reports where key information needs to stand out. Works well in executive summaries and business communications.
Example use:
"This highlights the importance of cyber security in modern business."
"The case study highlights common mistakes in project management."
"This highlights why immediate action is necessary."
6. This Suggests
Appropriate for making tentative conclusions or proposing possible interpretations. Useful in academic writing when complete certainty isn't possible or when presenting hypotheses. Effective in diplomatic or careful communication.
Example use:
"This suggests a correlation between diet and sleep quality."
"The evidence suggests multiple factors are at play."
"This suggests we should reconsider our initial approach."
7. This Confirms
Best used when validating existing theories or supporting previous findings. Particularly effective in scientific writing when proving hypotheses or verifying earlier research. Suitable for definitive conclusions backed by solid evidence.
Example use:
"This confirms our initial suspicions about the material's properties."
"The latest study confirms previous findings about climate change."
"This confirms the effectiveness of the new treatment."
8. This Evidences
Formal and precise, ideal for legal or technical documents where proof is being presented. Effective in professional reports and academic papers where concrete evidence supports conclusions. Best used in contexts requiring formal language.
Example use:
"This evidences the breach of contract claims."
"The data evidences a clear trend in market behavior."
"This evidences the need for policy reform."
9. This Establishes
Suitable for presenting definitive conclusions or founding principles. Effective when setting up frameworks or proving fundamental points. Works well in theoretical or philosophical arguments.
Example use:
"This establishes the basis for our new methodology."
"The experiment establishes a clear causal relationship."
"This establishes why the traditional model is obsolete."
10. This Proves
Strongest form of showing evidence, best used when absolute certainty exists. Most appropriate for mathematical proofs or when presenting irrefutable evidence. Should be used sparingly and only when conclusive evidence exists.
Example use:
"This proves the theorem beyond any doubt."
"The DNA analysis proves the suspect's presence at the scene."
"This proves our hypothesis was correct."
Final Thoughts
Having explored various alternatives for expressing causal relationships and evidence presentation, it remains important to contemplate the proper application of these synonymous phrases in different contexts. Writers must consider their audience, the formality level required, and the specific type of evidence or relationship being presented when selecting the most appropriate phrase. Varying these connecting expressions not only enhances writing quality but also maintains reader engagement through linguistic diversity. Additionally, writers should remember that different academic disciplines and professional fields may favor certain expressions over others, making contextual awareness vital. The key to effective implementation lies in understanding both the subtle distinctions between these phrases and the conventions of the specific writing context, ensuring clear and precise communication of ideas and evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'This Shows' Be Used Effectively in Academic Writing?
While 'this shows' can be used in academic writing, excessive repetition should be avoided. Scholars recommend varying connecting phrases to maintain sophistication and demonstrate command of academic language.
How Often Should I Vary My Transitional Phrases in a Single Paragraph?
Varying connective phrases 2-3 times within a paragraph maintains flow while avoiding redundancy. Using the same phrase repeatedly can make writing appear monotonous and reduce its professional impact.
Are There Industry-Specific Alternatives to 'This Shows' in Technical Writing?
Technical writing employs specialized alternatives like "this demonstrates," "the data indicates," "results confirm," "analysis reveals," and "findings suggest," maintaining precision while connecting technical concepts within professional documentation.
Should 'This Shows' Be Avoided Completely in Formal Presentations?
While 'this shows' can be used in formal presentations, varying connecting phrases enhances professionalism and audience engagement. Alternatives like 'this demonstrates' or 'these results indicate' offer more precision.
Do Different Cultures Interpret Phrases Like 'This Shows' Differently in Business Communication?
Cultural interpretations of directness in business communication vary greatly. Western cultures often favor explicit phrases like 'this shows,' while some Asian cultures prefer more indirect, contextual expressions.
