Finding varied and effective ways to say “this shows” can help you communicate more thoughtfully and creatively. Whether you’re writing an email, report, or just trying to be more expressive in casual conversation, these alternatives allow you to share insights or conclusions in a more specific or impactful way.
Let’s explore some great options that will help make your writing clearer and more engaging.
What Does “This Shows” Mean?
The phrase “this shows” is commonly used to point out evidence or demonstrate something that is clear or apparent. It’s used when explaining a fact, outcome, or result that is obvious based on the information provided. Sometimes, though, using a different phrase can add more nuance or emphasis to your statement.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “This Shows”?
While “this shows” is perfectly acceptable in most contexts, it can sound a bit simplistic or generic. In more professional or formal writing, you may want to use phrases that are more precise, such as “this indicates” or “this demonstrates.” Switching up your wording allows you to convey information in a way that is both engaging and professional, especially when communicating with colleagues, clients, or customers.
Pros and Cons of Saying “This Shows”
Pros:
- Clear and easy to understand.
- Suitable for both casual and formal communication.
Cons:
- Can be repetitive if overused.
- Doesn’t add much specificity to your message.
Synonyms For “This Shows”:
- This Indicates
- This Demonstrates
- This Reveals
- This Proves
- This Suggests
- This Confirms
- This Highlights
- This Illustrates
- This Displays
- This Expresses
- This Represents
- This Signifies
- This Points To
- This Denotes
- This Establishes
- This Evidences
- This Validates
- This Reflects
- This Communicates
- This Illustrates Clearly
1. This Indicates
This is a more formal alternative to “this shows,” suggesting that the information points to something or reveals a specific fact.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Sales Data Insights
Hi [Name],
The latest figures indicate a positive trend in customer acquisition. Based on this data, we should continue with our current strategy.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use this when presenting data or information that leads to a conclusion.
Additional Note: This is particularly effective in reports or professional emails where you want to communicate clarity.
2. This Demonstrates
When you want to emphasize that something is being clearly shown or proven, “this demonstrates” is a great choice.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Quarterly Report Review
Hi [Name],
The survey results demonstrate that our new approach is resonating well with our target audience. This is a promising sign for our upcoming campaigns.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use when you want to highlight evidence or data that clearly supports a claim or conclusion.
Additional Note: This phrase works well when you need to make a strong, convincing point.
3. This Reveals
“Reveals” works well when something has been uncovered, either through research, observation, or analysis.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Customer Feedback Analysis
Hi [Name],
The feedback from our users reveals some interesting trends. Many mentioned the ease of use as a key factor in their positive reviews.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Perfect for when you want to show something that was hidden or discovered.
Additional Note: This can be great for situations where new information is being made clear for the first time.
4. This Proves
This is a stronger alternative, often used when the evidence is so compelling that there is no doubt about the conclusion.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Evidence of Marketing Success
Hi [Name],
The recent spike in web traffic proves that our ad campaign is effective. Let’s plan a follow-up strategy to maintain this momentum.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Ideal for situations where the evidence strongly supports a definitive conclusion.
Additional Note: Use it when you’re confident that the facts clearly confirm a point you’re making.
5. This Suggests
“Suggests” is a more cautious alternative, often used when the evidence doesn’t conclusively prove something but points in that direction.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: New Product Line Discussion
Hi [Name],
The preliminary results suggest that customers are more interested in the eco-friendly option. Let’s dive deeper into this trend during our next meeting.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use this when the information implies something, but you’re not fully concluding it yet.
Additional Note: It’s useful for making recommendations or pointing out trends that need further exploration.
6. This Confirms
When the information supports something that was previously uncertain, “this confirms” provides certainty.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Team Performance Review
Hi [Name],
The recent project outcomes confirm that our revised workflow is improving efficiency. We should continue with this model.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Great for reaffirming something that was believed to be true based on supporting evidence.
Additional Note: This phrase is often used when verifying assumptions or predictions with facts.
7. This Highlights
“Highlights” is a great way to focus attention on the most important takeaway or significant point from a set of data or information.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Key Findings from Survey
Hi [Name],
The survey results highlight the need for more customer support in the mobile app. We’ll need to address this in the next update.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use this when you want to draw attention to specific information or findings.
Additional Note: It’s effective when summarizing key insights or important points that deserve focus.
8. This Illustrates
“Illustrates” is a great way to explain how something is shown or demonstrated, often used in more detailed or descriptive contexts.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Visual Data Representation
Hi [Name],
The graph illustrates the steady increase in sales over the last three months. It’s clear that our efforts are paying off.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Perfect when referencing visual data or a visual representation of information.
Additional Note: Use it when you want to give a visual or metaphorical explanation of something.
9. This Displays
“Displays” is a straightforward way to indicate that something is showing or presenting information clearly.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Budget Allocation Update
Hi [Name],
The chart displays how the budget has been allocated across different departments. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use when pointing out something that is clearly visible, often in visual form.
Additional Note: This phrase is useful in both professional and informal contexts where clarity is key.
10. This Expresses
When you want to say that something is communicated or conveyed, “this expresses” works well.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Employee Satisfaction Results
Hi [Name],
The employee satisfaction survey expresses that morale is higher than expected, especially after the new policy was introduced.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use when discussing feelings, emotions, or opinions that are communicated through data or actions.
Additional Note: This is often used when referring to intangible results like sentiments or values.
11. This Represents
When you want to express that something stands for or symbolizes something else, “this represents” is a great choice.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Financial Overview
Hi [Name],
The increase in revenue represents the success of our recent marketing efforts. We’re seeing positive growth across all metrics.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use when something symbolizes or stands for a larger idea or result.
Additional Note: Ideal for situations where you want to convey that something is an example or a symbol of a broader concept.
12. This Signifies
“Signifies” is a slightly formal way of saying that something indicates or shows a certain meaning, often suggesting importance.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Quarterly Report Summary
Hi [Name],
The decline in customer engagement signifies that we may need to reassess our content strategy for the next quarter.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use when you want to highlight the significance or meaning of something that’s been observed.
Additional Note: “Signifies” is a good choice when you want to convey that something is not just showing, but carrying a deeper meaning.
13. This Points To
This phrase is great when you want to indicate that something is a clear signal or indicator of something else.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Analysis of Sales Trends
Hi [Name],
The consistent rise in sales points to a successful response to our new product line. We may want to expand its reach further.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use when you want to suggest that something is a clear sign or indicator of another fact or trend.
Additional Note: This is often used when identifying causes or signals that lead to a conclusion.
14. This Denotes
“Denotes” is another formal alternative, commonly used when referring to something that signifies a clear meaning or fact.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Team Performance Review
Hi [Name],
The increase in project completion rates denotes a stronger alignment with our team goals and improved collaboration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Great for formal or technical writing, especially when you need to reference a clear meaning or result.
Additional Note: “Denotes” is used when you want to give a more academic or technical tone to your statement.
15. This Establishes
When you want to show that something sets the foundation for a conclusion or understanding, “this establishes” is a powerful option.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Progress on Key Metrics
Hi [Name],
The data we’ve gathered establishes a clear correlation between customer feedback and product satisfaction, which will inform our future strategy.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use this when the information builds a foundation for something, confirming or proving a statement or belief.
Additional Note: This is ideal for situations where you are creating a basis for a larger argument or explanation.
16. This Evidences
“Evidences” is a slightly more formal and technical way to show that something provides clear proof or evidence for a particular claim.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Year-End Review
Hi [Name],
The improved customer retention rates evidences the success of our loyalty program. It seems to be making a strong impact.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use when you need to provide strong proof or support for a claim, especially in formal contexts.
Additional Note: This phrase works well in legal or professional contexts, where providing clear evidence is essential.
17. This Validates
“Validates” is ideal for confirming that something is accurate or true, often after scrutiny or testing.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: New Research Findings
Hi [Name],
The findings from our latest survey validate our hypothesis that personalization increases customer satisfaction.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Great for confirming facts or theories, often used when something has been tested or reviewed.
Additional Note: Use this phrase when you need to confirm that something holds true based on data or proof.
18. This Reflects
“Reflects” works well when you want to indicate that something mirrors, shows, or gives insight into a situation or condition.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Review of Employee Engagement
Hi [Name],
The results of the survey reflect a high level of satisfaction among the staff, which is great news for the company culture.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use when something is showing or giving insight into a situation, condition, or trend.
Additional Note: This phrase is especially useful in reflective or summarizing statements, where you’re drawing conclusions from data.
19. This Communicates
When something is conveying or sharing information, “this communicates” is a solid choice to indicate that information is being expressed.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Marketing Campaign Feedback
Hi [Name],
The response rate from the last campaign communicates a clear preference for social media ads over email marketing.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Use when you want to say that information or feelings are being communicated clearly.
Additional Note: “Communicates” is ideal when discussing how messages or signals are conveyed.
20. This Illustrates Clearly
This variant gives a little extra emphasis by adding “clearly” to highlight the obviousness or transparency of the information.
Scenario Example:
Email Example:
Subject: Customer Service Performance
Hi [Name],
The number of customer complaints illustrates clearly that we need to improve our response time in the support center.
Best,
[Your Name]
Best Use: Great for emphasizing the clarity and unmistakable nature of the evidence or conclusion.
Additional Note: “Illustrates clearly” is ideal when you want to make sure your point is unmistakable and easily understood.
Conclusion
Switching up your language when expressing how something “shows” can make your communication more dynamic and impactful. By using alternatives such as “this indicates,” “this demonstrates,” or “this reflects,” you’ll be able to craft more engaging, thoughtful messages. These variations can add depth and nuance, making your writing feel more professional, confident, and clear.
