Other Ways to Say This Shows | Better Words to Use In 2026

Quick Answer
Other ways to say “this shows” include this indicates, this demonstrates, this suggests, this reveals, this highlights, this illustrates, and this proves. These alternatives help you express evidence, meaning, and conclusions more precisely.

Finding the right other ways to say this shows can make your writing more engaging, professional, and effective. Whether you are writing an essay, preparing a report, or explaining an idea, choosing the right alternative helps you communicate your message clearly and confidently.

The phrase “this shows” is commonly used to explain evidence, highlight important findings, or support an argument. However, repeating it too often can make your writing sound monotonous. Exploring different alternatives allows you to express ideas more naturally and adapt your language to academic, professional, and everyday situations.

Table of Contents

Quick Categories

Formal alternatives to “this shows”

This demonstrates
This indicates
This illustrates
This substantiates

Pro Tip: Use these expressions in academic essays, research papers, and formal presentations when explaining evidence or supporting a conclusion.

Casual alternatives

This makes it clear
This tells us
This points to
This gives us an idea

Pro Tip: Choose conversational expressions when explaining an idea to friends, classmates, or colleagues in everyday discussions.

Professional alternatives

This highlights
This reflects
This reveals
This underscores

Pro Tip: Use precise, evidence-based language in business reports, presentations, and workplace discussions to communicate findings clearly.

Informal expressions

You can see that
This goes to show
This is a sign that
This makes it obvious

Pro Tip: Informal expressions work well in friendly conversations and relaxed discussions, but avoid overly casual wording in formal documents.

“A precise expression does more than replace a phrase. It tells your reader exactly what the evidence means.”

Common Mistakes When Using “This Shows”

Even a simple expression can become repetitive or unclear when used incorrectly. Here are five common mistakes to avoid.

1. Repeating the phrase too often

Mistake: Using the same expression in every paragraph.

Example: “This shows the problem. This shows the solution. This shows the result.”

Correction: “This highlights the problem, explains the solution, and demonstrates the result.”

2. Using it without clear evidence

Mistake: Making a conclusion without supporting information.

Example: “This shows that the company is successful.”

Correction: “The company’s 20% revenue growth demonstrates its financial progress.”

3. Choosing an overly formal alternative in casual conversation

Mistake: Using technical language in everyday discussions.

Example: “This substantiates that the movie was entertaining.”

Correction: “This makes it clear that the movie was entertaining.”

4. Confusing evidence with possibility

Mistake: Using a strong expression when the evidence is uncertain.

Example: “This proves that the new strategy will succeed.”

Correction: “This suggests that the new strategy may succeed.”

5. Using the phrase without explaining its significance

Mistake: Stating that something shows an idea without clarifying the connection.

Example: “The survey shows customer satisfaction.”

Correction: “The survey results indicate high customer satisfaction, with 85% of respondents reporting a positive experience.”

What Does “This Shows” Mean?

“This shows” means that a fact, piece of evidence, action, or observation makes something visible, understandable, or apparent.

Grammatically, it consists of:

This: A demonstrative pronoun referring to a particular fact, event, or piece of information.
Shows: The third-person singular form of the verb “show,” meaning to reveal, demonstrate, or indicate something.

Example: “The test results show that the new method is effective.”

In this sentence, the test results provide evidence supporting the conclusion.

When to Use “This Shows”

The expression is suitable for a variety of communication settings.

Common contexts

Academic writing: Explaining research findings, evidence, or literary analysis.
Professional communication: Presenting business results, project outcomes, or performance data.
Everyday conversations: Explaining what an action or event means.
Presentations: Connecting facts to a conclusion.
Analytical writing: Interpreting statistics, observations, and examples.

Spoken vs. written usage

Context	Example
Spoken	“This shows that we need a different approach.”
Written	“The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.”

Formal vs. informal usage

In formal contexts, expressions such as “this demonstrates” and “this indicates” are often appropriate. In informal conversations, “this makes it clear” and “this tells us” sound more natural.

Is It Professional or Polite to Say “This Shows”?

Polite? Yes.

Professional? Yes, in most cases.

“This shows” is a neutral, widely understood expression. It is appropriate for professional communication, although a more precise alternative may be preferable when presenting technical findings or making evidence-based arguments.

Business-style example: “The latest sales report shows that customer demand has increased this quarter.”

For a more formal version, you could say: “The latest sales report indicates an increase in customer demand this quarter.”

“Professional English is not about using complicated words. It is about choosing the clearest expression for the situation.”

Pros and Cons of Using “This Shows”

Pros

Simple and natural: Easy to use in everyday and professional communication.
Friendly tone: Sounds direct without being overly formal.
Common usage: Widely understood by English speakers.
Easy to understand: Connects evidence with a conclusion clearly.

Cons

These alternatives will help you sound more fluent, confident, and natural in different situations.

Can become repetitive: Overuse may make writing sound monotonous.
Sometimes too general: Does not always explain the exact relationship between evidence and conclusion.
Limited precision: May not distinguish between proof, indication, and interpretation.
Less suitable for specialized writing: More specific terminology may be needed in technical or academic contexts.

Other Ways to Say “This Shows” (With Examples)

Use them according to tone, context, and audience to communicate evidence, emphasize meaning, or express approval.

Formal and academic alternatives

1. This demonstrates

Meaning: This clearly illustrates or establishes a particular point.
Explanation: Use it when evidence or an example strongly supports a conclusion.
Example Sentence: “The experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of the new treatment method.”
Best Use: Academic writing
Worst Use: Casual chatting
Tone: Formal, confident, analytical
Context Variability: Casual: “That really demonstrates the problem.” Professional: “The report demonstrates measurable improvement.” Spoken: “This demonstrates how the system works.”

2. This indicates

Meaning: This suggests that something is likely to be true.
Explanation: Use it when evidence points toward a conclusion without necessarily proving it.
Example Sentence: “The latest data indicates a steady increase in customer satisfaction.”
Best Use: Research reports
Worst Use: Emotional reactions
Tone: Neutral, analytical, professional
Context Variability: Casual: “That indicates a change.” Professional: “The data indicates improved performance.” Spoken: “This indicates that we’re on the right track.”

3. This illustrates

Meaning: This makes an idea clear through an example or demonstration.
Explanation: Use it when explaining an abstract concept through a specific situation.
Example Sentence: “This case illustrates the importance of effective communication.”
Best Use: Educational writing
Worst Use: Simple greetings
Tone: Explanatory, formal, informative
Context Variability: Casual: “That illustrates the point.” Professional: “The case illustrates a recurring challenge.” Spoken: “This illustrates why planning matters.”

4. This substantiates

Meaning: This provides evidence that supports a claim.
Explanation: Use it when facts or research strengthen the credibility of an argument.
Example Sentence: “The survey results substantiate the company’s claim about customer satisfaction.”
Best Use: Evidence-based arguments
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Tone: Formal, analytical, authoritative
Context Variability: Casual: “That supports the idea.” Professional: “The findings substantiate the proposal.” Spoken: “This substantiates our initial assessment.”

5. This confirms

Meaning: This establishes that something previously suspected or believed is true.
Explanation: Use it when new evidence supports an existing understanding.
Example Sentence: “The latest inspection confirms that the equipment meets safety standards.”
Best Use: Verified findings
Worst Use: Uncertain claims
Tone: Direct, confident, factual
Context Variability: Casual: “That confirms it.” Professional: “The audit confirms compliance.” Spoken: “This confirms what we expected.”

6. This establishes

Meaning: This firmly sets out or demonstrates a fact or principle.
Explanation: Use it when evidence creates a clear foundation for a conclusion.
Example Sentence: “The findings establish a strong connection between training and productivity.”
Best Use: Formal arguments
Worst Use: Casual remarks
Tone: Formal, authoritative, precise
Context Variability: Casual: “That establishes the point.” Professional: “The evidence establishes a clear pattern.” Spoken: “This establishes the basis for our decision.”

7. This suggests

Meaning: This points toward a possible explanation or conclusion.
Explanation: Use it when the evidence supports an interpretation but does not prove it.
Example Sentence: “The results suggest that flexible schedules may improve employee satisfaction.”
Best Use: Tentative conclusions
Worst Use: Certain facts
Tone: Cautious, analytical, measured
Context Variability: Casual: “That suggests something is changing.” Professional: “The data suggests a possible improvement.” Spoken: “This suggests we should review the plan.”

8. This reveals

Meaning: This makes previously hidden or less obvious information known.
Explanation: Use it when evidence uncovers an important fact or insight.
Example Sentence: “The investigation reveals several gaps in the company’s security procedures.”
Best Use: New discoveries
Worst Use: Obvious facts
Tone: Analytical, revealing, direct
Context Variability: Casual: “That reveals the truth.” Professional: “The analysis reveals operational gaps.” Spoken: “This reveals what went wrong.”

9. This signifies

Meaning: This represents or indicates the importance of something.
Explanation: Use it when an event, action, or result carries a particular meaning.
Example Sentence: “The successful launch signifies an important milestone for the organization.”
Best Use: Formal interpretation
Worst Use: Casual chatting
Tone: Formal, interpretive, polished
Context Variability: Casual: “That signifies a change.” Professional: “The achievement signifies progress.” Spoken: “This signifies a new chapter for the team.”

10. This validates

Meaning: This supports the accuracy or legitimacy of an idea or claim.
Explanation: Use it when evidence supports a previously proposed explanation or method.
Example Sentence: “The customer feedback validates our decision to introduce the new service.”
Best Use: Testing assumptions
Worst Use: Unsupported claims
Tone: Confident, analytical, professional
Context Variability: Casual: “That validates the idea.” Professional: “The results validate our approach.” Spoken: “This validates the decision we made.”

Professional and business alternatives

11. This highlights

Meaning: This draws attention to an important point or feature.
Explanation: Use it to emphasize a key finding or issue.
Example Sentence: “The quarterly report highlights the need for improved customer support.”
Best Use: Business reports
Worst Use: Minor details
Tone: Professional, focused, clear
Context Variability: Casual: “That highlights the issue.” Professional: “The report highlights key priorities.” Spoken: “This highlights an important concern.”

12. This underscores

Meaning: This emphasizes the importance of a particular point.
Explanation: Use it when you want to stress why a fact or finding matters.
Example Sentence: “The latest figures underscore the importance of investing in employee training.”
Best Use: Executive summaries
Worst Use: Casual small talk
Tone: Formal, emphatic, persuasive
Context Variability: Casual: “That emphasizes the point.” Professional: “The findings underscore the need for action.” Spoken: “This underscores our commitment to quality.”

13. This reflects

Meaning: This represents or expresses a particular quality, condition, or situation.
Explanation: Use it to connect an outcome with an underlying characteristic or trend.
Example Sentence: “The team’s consistent performance reflects its strong commitment to quality.”
Best Use: Performance reviews
Worst Use: Unrelated evidence
Tone: Professional, thoughtful, balanced
Context Variability: Casual: “That reflects the situation.” Professional: “The result reflects improved efficiency.” Spoken: “This reflects the team’s hard work.”

14. This points to

Meaning: This indicates a possible explanation or direction.
Explanation: Use it when evidence suggests a trend, cause, or potential solution.
Example Sentence: “The decline in customer complaints points to improvements in service quality.”
Best Use: Business analysis
Worst Use: Established facts
Tone: Analytical, neutral, practical
Context Variability: Casual: “That points to a problem.” Professional: “The trend points to a new opportunity.” Spoken: “This points to a better solution.”

15. This demonstrates the importance of

Meaning: This clearly explains why something matters.
Explanation: Use it when an example or result emphasizes the value of a particular action or principle.
Example Sentence: “The successful project demonstrates the importance of effective teamwork.”
Best Use: Business presentations
Worst Use: Unrelated observations
Tone: Formal, explanatory, persuasive
Context Variability: Casual: “That shows why it matters.” Professional: “The outcome demonstrates the importance of planning.” Spoken: “This demonstrates the importance of teamwork.”

16. This is evidence of

Meaning: This provides information supporting the existence of a particular condition or quality.
Explanation: Use it when referring directly to facts or observations that support a claim.
Example Sentence: “The steady increase in sales is evidence of growing customer demand.”
Best Use: Evidence-based reports
Worst Use: Unsupported opinions
Tone: Factual, analytical, professional
Context Variability: Casual: “That’s evidence of progress.” Professional: “This is evidence of improved efficiency.” Spoken: “This is evidence of a positive change.”

17. This is indicative of

Meaning: This suggests the presence of a particular condition or trend.
Explanation: Use it when a result serves as a sign of something broader.
Example Sentence: “The increase in repeat purchases is indicative of stronger customer loyalty.”
Best Use: Analytical reports
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Tone: Formal, analytical, measured
Context Variability: Casual: “That indicates a trend.” Professional: “This is indicative of market growth.” Spoken: “This is indicative of a wider change.”

18. This reinforces

Meaning: This strengthens an existing idea, belief, or conclusion.
Explanation: Use it when new information adds support to a point already established.
Example Sentence: “The latest customer feedback reinforces the value of our service improvements.”
Best Use: Supporting arguments
Worst Use: Contradictory evidence
Tone: Confident, persuasive, professional
Context Variability: Casual: “That reinforces the idea.” Professional: “The findings reinforce our strategy.” Spoken: “This reinforces what we discussed earlier.”

19. This demonstrates a clear link between

Meaning: This shows a direct relationship between two things.
Explanation: Use it when evidence establishes a connection between two variables or ideas.
Example Sentence: “The study demonstrates a clear link between regular exercise and improved sleep quality.”
Best Use: Research findings
Worst Use: Unrelated concepts
Tone: Analytical, precise, formal
Context Variability: Casual: “That shows a connection.” Professional: “The data demonstrates a clear link between training and productivity.” Spoken: “This demonstrates a clear link between planning and results.”

20. This sheds light on

Meaning: This helps explain or clarify something that was previously unclear.
Explanation: Use it when information provides a better understanding of an issue.
Example Sentence: “The employee survey sheds light on the reasons behind declining job satisfaction.”
Best Use: Explaining complex issues
Worst Use: Obvious facts
Tone: Informative, thoughtful, analytical
Context Variability: Casual: “That clears things up.” Professional: “The report sheds light on customer concerns.” Spoken: “This sheds light on what happened.”

Casual and conversational alternatives

21. This makes it clear

Meaning: This makes a particular point easy to understand.
Explanation: Use it when evidence or an explanation removes confusion.
Example Sentence: “The revised instructions make it clear how to complete the application.”
Best Use: Everyday explanations
Worst Use: Technical reports
Tone: Direct, conversational, clear
Context Variability: Casual: “That makes it clear.” Professional: “The guidelines make it clear what is expected.” Spoken: “This makes it clear why we need to act.”

22. This tells us

Meaning: This provides information about a situation or fact.
Explanation: Use it when interpreting information in a straightforward way.
Example Sentence: “The survey tells us that most customers prefer online support.”
Best Use: Everyday discussions
Worst Use: Formal research
Tone: Friendly, simple, explanatory
Context Variability: Casual: “That tells us a lot.” Professional: “The survey tells us what customers value.” Spoken: “This tells us where to focus.”

23. This goes to show

Meaning: This emphasizes a lesson or conclusion drawn from an example.
Explanation: Use it in conversational English when highlighting the significance of a situation.
Example Sentence: “Her success goes to show that consistent effort can make a difference.”
Best Use: Casual storytelling
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Conversational, emphatic, friendly
Context Variability: Casual: “That goes to show how much effort matters.” Professional: “This demonstrates the value of persistence.” Spoken: “This goes to show that practice pays off.”

24. You can see that

Meaning: This invites someone to recognize a visible fact or logical conclusion.
Explanation: Use it when guiding a listener through evidence or an observation.
Example Sentence: “You can see that the updated design is easier to navigate.”
Best Use: Informal explanations
Worst Use: Formal essays
Tone: Friendly, direct, conversational
Context Variability: Casual: “You can see that it works.” Professional: “The results show a clear improvement.” Spoken: “You can see that we have made progress.”

25. This is a sign that

Meaning: This indicates that something may be happening or developing.
Explanation: Use it when interpreting a particular event as a possible indication of a broader situation.
Example Sentence: “The increase in inquiries is a sign that interest in the new product is growing.”
Best Use: Everyday observations
Worst Use: Definitive proof
Tone: Neutral, conversational, interpretive
Context Variability: Casual: “That’s a sign things are improving.” Professional: “This is a sign that demand is increasing.” Spoken: “This is a sign that we’re moving forward.”

26. This gives us an idea of

Meaning: This provides a general understanding of something.
Explanation: Use it when information offers an approximate picture rather than a definitive conclusion.
Example Sentence: “The preliminary survey gives us an idea of what customers expect.”
Best Use: Initial assessments
Worst Use: Definitive conclusions
Tone: Informal, explanatory, approachable
Context Variability: Casual: “That gives us an idea.” Professional: “The preliminary data gives us an idea of market demand.” Spoken: “This gives us an idea of what to expect.”

27. This makes it obvious

Meaning: This makes a conclusion seem very easy to recognize.
Explanation: Use it when the evidence makes a point particularly clear, while avoiding it when the wording might sound dismissive.
Example Sentence: “The repeated errors make it obvious that the process needs improvement.”
Best Use: Direct explanations
Worst Use: Sensitive discussions
Tone: Direct, emphatic, conversational
Context Variability: Casual: “That makes it obvious.” Professional: “The results make the issue clear.” Spoken: “This makes it obvious why we need a change.”

28. This brings out

Meaning: This makes a particular quality or feature more noticeable.
Explanation: Use it when describing how something emphasizes a characteristic or aspect.
Example Sentence: “The new lighting brings out the colors in the painting.”
Best Use: Descriptive writing
Worst Use: Statistical analysis
Tone: Descriptive, expressive, natural
Context Variability: Casual: “That brings out the best in her.” Professional: “The design brings out the product’s key features.” Spoken: “This brings out an important detail.”

29. This points toward

Meaning: This suggests a possible direction, outcome, or explanation.
Explanation: Use it when evidence indicates a potential next step or emerging pattern.
Example Sentence: “The early feedback points toward a need for more flexible working arrangements.”
Best Use: Exploring possibilities
Worst Use: Confirmed conclusions
Tone: Thoughtful, analytical, measured
Context Variability: Casual: “That points toward a solution.” Professional: “The findings point toward further research.” Spoken: “This points toward a new opportunity.”

30. This makes a strong case for

Meaning: This provides convincing reasons to support a particular idea or action.
Explanation: Use it when evidence or reasoning supports a recommendation.
Example Sentence: “The productivity gains make a strong case for adopting flexible working hours.”
Best Use: Persuasive arguments
Worst Use: Neutral summaries
Tone: Persuasive, confident, professional
Context Variability: Casual: “That makes a good case for trying it.” Professional: “The results make a strong case for further investment.” Spoken: “This makes a strong case for changing our approach.”

“Choose ‘suggests’ when evidence is uncertain, ‘demonstrates’ when it is clear, and ‘confirms’ when it verifies an existing understanding.”

Mini Quiz: Test Your Understanding

1. Which phrase is most appropriate when evidence points to a possible conclusion but does not prove it?This confirmsThis suggestsThis establishes

2. Which expression is suitable for a formal business report?This goes to showThis tells us a lotThis underscores

3. Which phrase is most natural in a casual conversation?This substantiatesThis makes it clearThis is indicative of

4. Which phrase emphasizes that evidence supports an existing claim?This validatesThis gives us an idea ofThis brings outCheck answers

Comparison Table: Top 10 Alternatives

Phrase	Tone	Best Use
This demonstrates	Formal	Academic writing
This indicates	Analytical	Reports and research
This illustrates	Explanatory	Teaching and essays
This reveals	Analytical	Discoveries
This suggests	Cautious	Tentative conclusions
This highlights	Professional	Business reports
This underscores	Formal	Emphasizing importance
This reflects	Neutral	Performance reviews
This makes it clear	Conversational	Everyday explanations
This confirms	Confident	Verified findings

FAQs

1. What are the best alternatives to “this shows”?

Some useful alternatives include “this demonstrates,” “this indicates,” “this reveals,” “this highlights,” and “this suggests.” The best choice depends on the evidence and context.

2. What is a formal way to say “this shows”?

“This demonstrates,” “this substantiates,” and “this establishes” are formal alternatives. Choose the one that accurately reflects how strongly the evidence supports your point.

3. How can I avoid repeating “this shows” in an essay?

Vary your wording with expressions such as “this illustrates,” “this indicates,” “this reveals,” and “this suggests.” Make sure each phrase matches the strength of your evidence.

4. Is “this indicates” the same as “this shows”?

They are similar, but “this indicates” often suggests a conclusion rather than proving it. “This shows” is broader and can refer to either a clear demonstration or a general observation.

5. What is a professional way to say “this shows that”?

You can use “this demonstrates that,” “this indicates that,” or “the findings suggest that.” These expressions are useful in reports, presentations, and formal workplace communication.

Conclusion

Learning alternatives to “this shows” helps you express ideas more precisely, reduce repetition, and communicate effectively in academic, professional, and everyday situations. Expressions such as “this demonstrates,” “this indicates,” and “this highlights” can make your writing more engaging and informative.

Practice using these phrases in daily conversations, emails, and written assignments. Pay attention to tone, context, and the strength of the evidence so that your English sounds clear, natural, and confident.