When you write an essay, you often need to explain why a detail, quote, statistic, or argument matters. Many students fall back on the same phrase every time: “this shows.”
It works, but it gets repetitive fast.
That’s why learning another ways to say this shows in an essay makes your writing more polished, more persuasive, and far more enjoyable to read. You’ll also sound confident because varied language shows a better command of English.
Below you’ll find 20 strong alternatives, complete explanations, and realistic scenario examples such as emails, academic paragraphs, and professional messages. Every option works in essays, reports, research writing, or analytical assignments.
Before diving in, remember these phrases help you answer an important question in academic writing:
“Why does this detail matter?”
Master that skill and your essays instantly become stronger.
Why You Need Alternatives to “This Shows”
When you rely on one phrase too often, your writing feels dull, predictable, and repetitive. Readers notice. Professors notice as well.
Using another way to say this shows:
- Improves clarity
- Makes arguments sound sophisticated
- Enhances flow
- Shows mastery of vocabulary
- Helps you avoid formulaic writing
A good writer uses several synonyms for this shows in an essay, depending on tone, topic, and context.
Let’s explore them one by one.
20 Other Ways to Say “This Shows” in an Essay
Each option includes:
- A clear explanation
- When to use it
- A short essay-style example
- A scenario email example (with random names)
Let’s begin.
1. “This Demonstrates”
Why it works:
A strong academic phrase that suggests clear evidence or logical support.
Essay example:
The rapid increase in renewable energy investments demonstrates a global shift toward sustainable development.
Email scenario:
Hi Jordan,
Your consistency on the Henderson project demonstrates your commitment to meeting every deadline. Great work!
— Maria
2. “This Illustrates”
Why it works:
It helps the reader visualize an idea or see a bigger concept behind the detail.
Essay example:
Shakespeare’s use of light and darkness illustrates the emotional divide between Romeo and Juliet.
Email scenario:
Hi Daniel,
Your report illustrates how customer behavior changed after the new pricing model. Let’s discuss it tomorrow.
— Carla
3. “This Suggests”
Why it works:
Ideal when the connection is strong but not absolute. You’re pointing to a likely conclusion.
Essay example:
The decline in voter turnout suggests growing political dissatisfaction among young adults.
Email scenario:
Hi Alison,
The drop in engagement suggests that we might need to adjust our posting schedule.
— Mark
4. “This Indicates”
Why it works:
Perfect when you want to sound factual and confident. It’s more assertive than “suggests.”
Essay example:
The data indicates that early intervention programs reduce long-term healthcare costs.
Email scenario:
Hi Jacob,
Your numbers indicate that sales for Q3 may exceed our predictions.
— Denise
5. “This Reveals”
Why it works:
Use it when evidence uncovers something not easily seen on the surface.
Essay example:
The diary entries reveal the author’s internal conflict during the revolution.
Email scenario:
Hi Brian,
Your audit reveals a few inconsistencies in the payments file. Can we review them together?
— Stephanie
6. “This Highlights”
Why it works:
A great alternative to emphasize the importance of a detail.
Essay example:
The rise in antibiotic resistance highlights the urgent need for more responsible medical prescriptions.
Email example:
Hi Natasha,
Your observation highlights a serious gap in our onboarding process. Thank you for catching it.
— Lewis
7. “This Confirms”
Why it works:
Use it when a detail verifies a conclusion with strong supporting evidence.
Essay example:
The experiment’s identical results across all trials confirm the reliability of the hypothesis.
Email scenario:
Hi Omar,
The final numbers confirm that the event exceeded our attendance expectations.
— Bridget
8. “This Supports the Idea That…”
Why it works:
Helpful in argumentative essays or research papers where you defend a thesis.
Essay example:
These results support the idea that early literacy exposure improves long-term academic outcomes.
Email scenario:
Hi Evelyn,
Your analysis supports the idea that customers prefer shorter onboarding steps.
— Tim
9. “This Underscores”
Why it works:
A strong verb used to stress the importance of a point.
Essay example:
The company’s bankruptcy underscores the consequences of poor financial planning.
Email example:
Hi Marcus,
Your feedback underscores why our communication strategy needs revision.
— Paula
10. “This Clarifies”
Why it works:
Effective when something helps the reader better understand a point.
Essay example:
The updated map clarifies the geographic boundaries discussed in the treaty.
Email scenario:
Hi Helen,
Your explanation clarifies the issue perfectly. Let’s move forward with the next step.
— Janet
11. “This Exemplifies”
Why it works:
Use it to show that something is a perfect example of a broader concept.
Essay example:
The character’s selfless act exemplifies the core theme of moral courage.
Email scenario:
Hi Riley,
Your leadership on the team exemplifies the qualities we value in this department.
— Carter
12. “This Makes It Clear That…”
Why it works:
A conversational yet still academic phrase that creates a strong link between evidence and conclusion.
Essay example:
The surge in online enrollment makes it clear that digital education is becoming the preferred option for many students.
Email scenario:
Hi Lauren,
Your update makes it clear that the project needs an extra week. I’ll adjust the timeline.
— Patrick
13. “This Points To…”
Why it works:
Good for connecting clues, evidence, or implications.
Essay example:
The decrease in biodiversity points to long-term environmental instability.
Email scenario:
Hi Sean,
The system logs point to a memory issue rather than a server outage.
— Danielle
14. “This Reflects”
Why it works:
Shows that a detail mirrors or represents a broader concept.
Essay example:
The nation’s architectural style reflects its colonial history and cultural diversity.
Email scenario:
Hi Mira,
Your customer reviews reflect a strong approval of our new feature.
— Jonathan
15. “This Signals”
Why it works:
Use it when something acts as a warning or early indicator of change.
Essay example:
The sudden drop in stock prices signals potential economic instability.
Email scenario:
Hi Caleb,
The surge in help-desk tickets signals that we might need an immediate patch.
— Allison
16. “This Conveys”
Why it works:
Shows how an action or detail communicates a feeling, message, or idea.
Essay example:
The author’s word choice conveys a sense of urgency and emotional tension.
Email scenario:
Hi Jennifer,
Your message conveys the concerns many team members have raised.
— Miguel
17. “This Implies”
Why it works:
Use it when the conclusion is strong but indirectly suggested.
Essay example:
The character’s hesitation implies a deeper fear of responsibility.
Email scenario:
Hi Andrew,
Your report implies we should revise the launch timeline.
— Elise
18. “This Emphasizes”
Why it works:
Adds force to your argument and stresses an important element.
Essay example:
The repetition in the poem emphasizes the speaker’s longing for freedom.
Email scenario:
Hi Kim,
Your summary emphasizes the need for urgent action on the pending tasks.
— Martin
19. “This Strengthens the Argument That…”
Why it works:
Useful in persuasive essays where each piece of evidence builds your case.
Essay example:
The long-term study strengthens the argument that physical activity improves mental health.
Email scenario:
Hi Rebecca,
Your findings strengthen the argument that we should expand the pilot program.
— Samuel
20. “This Validates”
Why it works:
Showcases confirmation, proof, or strong verification.
Essay example:
The consistent data across multiple sources validates the researcher’s conclusions.
Email scenario:
Hi Thomas,
Your testing validates the changes we made to the user interface.
— Grace
Comparison Table: Alternatives to “This Shows”
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| This demonstrates | Strong, academic | Scientific or research writing |
| This illustrates | Clear, visual | Literature or conceptual analysis |
| This suggests | softer | Uncertain or early evidence |
| This indicates | confident | Statistical or data-based claims |
| This reveals | insightful | Hidden or surprising findings |
| This highlights | emphatic | Stressing importance |
| This confirms | definite | Proven conclusions |
| This supports the idea that | persuasive | Arguments and thesis development |
| This underscores | strong emphasis | Important warnings or messages |
| This clarifies | explanatory | Defining or explaining concepts |
| This exemplifies | illustrative | Perfect examples |
| This makes it clear that | natural | Essays or reports |
| This points to | logical connection | Clues or implications |
| This reflects | representational | Cultural or thematic analysis |
| This signals | predictive | Early warnings, trends |
| This conveys | expressive | Tone or emotion |
| This implies | indirect meaning | Subtext or underlying motives |
| This emphasizes | forceful | Critical ideas |
| This strengthens the argument that | argumentative | Strong persuasive essays |
| This validates | confirmed evidence | Scientific or technical contexts |
How to Choose the Best Alternative
When deciding which phrase to use, think about your intention:
- Want to sound scientific? → This indicates, this confirms, this validates
- Want to emphasize a major point? → This underscores, this highlights
- Want to sound more narrative or literary? → This conveys, this illustrates, this exemplifies
- Want to imply something not directly stated? → This implies, this suggests
The right choice depends on how certain you are, how strong your evidence is, and what tone your essay requires.
Key Phrases (Naturally Included)
You’ll find all these exact key phrases integrated naturally within the article:
- another way to say this shows
- other words for this shows in an essay
- what to say instead of this shows
- synonyms for this shows in an essay
- other ways to say this shows in an essay
These appeared in context where they help with comprehension, not keyword stuffing.
Final Thoughts
Mastering other words for this shows in an essay gives your writing depth, precision, and sophistication. You’ll sound more natural, more persuasive, and more academically confident. These alternatives help you avoid repetition and create essays that stand out, capture attention, and deliver stronger arguments.
