Academic writers can strengthen their arguments by replacing "this shows" with more precise alternatives. Effective synonyms include "this indicates," "this illustrates," "this reveals," "this establishes," "this highlights," "this suggests," "this confirms," "this underscores," "this validates," and "this demonstrates." Each alternative conveys subtle differences in meaning while maintaining professional tone and analytical clarity. Understanding these nuanced distinctions allows writers to craft more sophisticated and compelling academic arguments.
Is It Professional to Use 'This Shows'?
The phrase "this indicates" presents several challenges in academic and professional writing, despite its common usage. While not technically incorrect, it often appears too casual and can weaken the impact of academic arguments. Professional writing demands more sophisticated connecting phrases that demonstrate analytical thinking and clear connections between ideas.
Additionally, "this indicates" can create ambiguity about what exactly "this" refers to, potentially confusing readers about which previous point or evidence is being referenced. Academic writers should instead opt for more precise language that explicitly connects evidence to conclusions. Writing instructors and style guides typically recommend using more specific linkages that clearly articulate the logical relationship between ideas, helping to enhance the overall sophistication and clarity of academic papers.
Why You Might Use a Different Word To 'This Shows'
Choosing alternative phrases to "this shows" can greatly strengthen academic writing by adding precision, sophistication, and clarity to analytical arguments. While "this shows" is grammatically correct, it often appears repetitive and basic in academic essays. Using varied alternatives helps writers convey specific relationships between ideas, demonstrate critical thinking skills, and maintain reader engagement throughout their work.
Alternative expressions can more accurately reflect the type of connection being made between evidence and conclusions. For instance, phrases like "this demonstrates," "this reveals," or "this indicates" each carry subtle differences in meaning that can better articulate the writer's analytical process. Additionally, varied word choices help avoid the monotonous repetition that can make essays sound elementary or unsophisticated, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of academic writing.
10 Synonyms for 'This Shows'
1. ### This Shows
Particularly effective when presenting concrete evidence or tangible proof of a concept. Best used when drawing direct connections between cause and effect relationships or when illustrating specific examples that support your argument. Works well in academic writing where empirical evidence needs to be linked to conclusions.
Example use:
"This shows the strong correlation between exercise and mental health."
"This shows how technological advancement has transformed modern communication."
"This shows why traditional farming methods remain relevant today."
2. ### This Indicates
Best suited for suggesting trends, patterns, or implications without making absolute claims. Useful when discussing research findings or statistical data that point toward certain conclusions while maintaining academic caution. Excellent for analytical writing where interpretations need to be presented carefully.
Example use:
"This indicates a shift in consumer behavior towards sustainable products."
"This indicates the potential benefits of implementing flexible work hours."
"This indicates why further research in this area is necessary."
3. ### This Illustrates
Perfect for when you're using specific examples or scenarios to make a point clearer. Especially useful when explaining complex concepts through concrete examples or when making abstract ideas more accessible. Works well in descriptive or explanatory writing.
Example use:
"This illustrates the fundamental principle of supply and demand."
"This illustrates how social media influences modern relationships."
"This illustrates the impact of climate change on coastal communities."
4. ### This Reveals
Ideal for introducing new insights or unexpected findings. Best used when uncovering hidden connections or presenting surprising conclusions. Particularly effective in research papers or analytical essays where new information is being presented.
Example use:
"This reveals the underlying causes of urban poverty."
"This reveals why traditional marketing strategies are becoming less effective."
"This reveals the complex relationship between diet and mental health."
5. ### This Establishes
Strong choice for presenting definitive evidence or making authoritative statements. Best used when solid proof has been presented and a clear conclusion can be drawn. Particularly effective in argumentative essays or scientific papers.
Example use:
"This establishes a clear link between smoking and respiratory diseases."
"This establishes the importance of early childhood education."
"This establishes why renewable energy is essential for future sustainability."
6. ### This Highlights
Useful for emphasizing key points or drawing attention to specific aspects of an argument. Effective when pointing out particularly significant elements within a broader discussion. Works well in analytical or persuasive writing.
Example use:
"This highlights the growing disparity between urban and rural development."
"This highlights why cybersecurity measures are increasingly important."
"This highlights the essential role of biodiversity in ecosystem health."
7. ### This Suggests
Appropriate for making tentative conclusions or presenting possibilities without making absolute claims. Ideal for academic writing where certainty cannot be guaranteed or when discussing preliminary findings.
Example use:
"This suggests a possible connection between sleep patterns and productivity."
"This suggests that alternative approaches might be more effective."
"This suggests why traditional methods may need revision."
8. ### This Confirms
Best used when providing evidence that supports existing theories or previously stated claims. Particularly effective in research papers or when building upon established ideas with new evidence.
Example use:
"This confirms the initial hypothesis about genetic inheritance patterns."
"This confirms why investment in education yields long-term benefits."
"This confirms the effectiveness of the new treatment method."
9. ### This Underscores
Excellent for reinforcing important points or emphasizing the significance of evidence. Useful when you want to stress the importance of a particular finding or observation.
Example use:
"This underscores the necessity of environmental conservation efforts."
"This underscores why digital literacy is essential in modern education."
"This underscores the impact of social media on political discourse."
10. ### This Validates
Perfect for situations where evidence strongly supports a claim or hypothesis. Best used when presenting conclusive proof or confirmation of theories. Particularly effective in scientific or academic writing.
Example use:
"This validates the theory of evolutionary adaptation."
"This validates the effectiveness of the new teaching methodology."
"This validates why sustainable practices are economically beneficial."
Final Thoughts
Mastery in varying connecting phrases considerably enhances the quality and professionalism of academic writing. While phrases like "this shows" serve their basic purpose, incorporating diverse linking expressions demonstrates linguistic sophistication and maintains reader engagement. Writers who deliberately expand their repertoire of connecting phrases often produce more polished and compelling arguments. To effectively implement these alternatives, students should practice incorporating them naturally into their writing, ensuring the chosen phrases align with their intended meaning and the overall context of their work. Regular use of varied connections helps develop a more refined writing style, strengthens the logical flow between ideas, and raises the overall scholarly tone of academic essays. This skill becomes increasingly valuable as students advance in their academic careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use 'This Shows' at the Beginning of a Paragraph?
Starting a paragraph with "this shows" is generally discouraged as it lacks clear reference and context. Writers should instead use specific topic sentences that directly state the paragraph's main idea.
How Many Times Should I Use Synonyms for 'This Shows' per Essay?
Using connection phrases like "this shows" should be limited to 3-4 times per essay to maintain variety. Overusing any single phrase can make writing repetitive and less engaging.
Are There Any Industry-Specific Alternatives to 'This Shows'?
Industry-specific alternatives include "data indicates" for science, "market trends demonstrate" for business, "clinical evidence suggests" for healthcare, and "legal precedent establishes" for law-related content.
Should I Vary Synonyms Throughout My Essay or Stick to One?
Varying shifting phrases throughout an essay enhances readability and demonstrates sophisticated writing ability. However, consistency in specific sections helps maintain logical flow and coherence within individual arguments.
How Can I Smoothly Transition Between Different Variations of 'This Shows'?
Alternating between phrases like "this demonstrates," "this illustrates," and "this reveals" requires contextual alignment. Each shift should naturally flow from the evidence presented to the analytical point being made.
