“This shows” is a common phrase used in academic writing, reports, and professional communication to introduce evidence or explain results. However, it can feel basic and repetitive when overused.
Using more formal alternatives helps your writing sound more analytical, precise, and academically strong, especially in essays, research papers, and business reports. These variations also help you present arguments in a more polished and authoritative tone.
What Does “This Shows” Mean?
“This shows” is used to:
- Introduce evidence or findings
- Explain results or observations
- Connect data to a conclusion or interpretation
Tone: Neutral, but can be improved for academic sophistication.
When to Use It
Use alternatives when:
- Writing essays or research papers
- Presenting data or analysis
- Writing reports or formal documents
Example:
- This shows that the policy is effective →
- This indicates that the policy is effective
37+ Formal Alternatives to “This Shows”
Academic & Analytical Alternatives
- This indicates that
Example: This indicates that the strategy is effective.
Tone: Academic - This suggests that
Example: This suggests that further research is needed.
Tone: Analytical - This demonstrates that
Example: This demonstrates that the theory is valid.
Tone: Strong - This reveals that
Example: This reveals that performance has improved.
Tone: Formal - This illustrates that
Example: This illustrates that the model is accurate.
Tone: Academic - This highlights that
Example: This highlights that changes are necessary.
Tone: Analytical - This confirms that
Example: This confirms that the hypothesis is correct.
Tone: Strong - This reflects that
Example: This reflects that consumer behavior is changing.
Tone: Formal
Research & Evidence-Based Alternatives
- The data indicates that
Example: The data indicates that sales are increasing.
Tone: Research-based - The findings show that
Example: The findings show that the treatment is effective.
Tone: Formal - The evidence suggests that
Example: The evidence suggests that the policy works.
Tone: Academic - The results demonstrate that
Example: The results demonstrate that the approach is valid.
Tone: Strong - The analysis reveals that
Example: The analysis reveals that trends are shifting.
Tone: Formal - The study indicates that
Example: The study indicates that exercise improves health.
Tone: Academic - The findings suggest that
Example: The findings suggest that further action is needed.
Tone: Research-based - The results show that
Example: The results show that productivity increased.
Tone: Neutral academic
Formal & Professional Alternatives
- It is evident that
Example: It is evident that demand is increasing.
Tone: Strong - It can be seen that
Example: It can be seen that performance improved.
Tone: Academic - It is clear that
Example: It is clear that the strategy works.
Tone: Confident - It becomes apparent that
Example: It becomes apparent that changes are required.
Tone: Formal - It appears that
Example: It appears that the system is effective.
Tone: Neutral - It is observed that
Example: It is observed that output has increased.
Tone: Analytical - It is noticeable that
Example: It is noticeable that engagement has improved.
Tone: Formal
Interpretive & Explanatory Alternatives
- This implies that
Example: This implies that the solution is effective.
Tone: Analytical - This points to the fact that
Example: This points to the fact that demand is rising.
Tone: Explanatory - This provides evidence that
Example: This provides evidence that the method works.
Tone: Strong - This supports the idea that
Example: This supports the idea that education is essential.
Tone: Academic - This reinforces the notion that
Example: This reinforces the notion that teamwork is vital.
Tone: Formal - This underlines that
Example: This underlines that improvements are necessary.
Tone: Professional - This emphasizes that
Example: This emphasizes that safety is important.
Tone: Strong
Concise & Academic Alternatives
- Indicating that
Example: Indicating that results are consistent.
Tone: Brief - Showing that
Example: Showing that the hypothesis holds true.
Tone: Simple academic - Demonstrating that
Example: Demonstrating that the system is effective.
Tone: Strong - Revealing that
Example: Revealing that patterns exist in the data.
Tone: Formal - Suggesting that
Example: Suggesting that further research is required.
Tone: Analytical - Confirming that
Example: Confirming that the results are valid.
Tone: Strong - Illustrating that
Example: Illustrating that the concept applies in practice.
Tone: Academic
Conclusion
Replacing “this shows” with more formal alternatives helps your writing:
- Sound more academic and professional
- Improve clarity and precision
- Strengthen argumentation and analysis
Choosing the right phrase depends on whether you want a tone that is neutral, analytical, or strongly assertive.