Sometimes, saying “this shows” can feel a little plain or repetitive. Whether you’re writing an email, a report, or sharing an insight, finding the right words can make your message clearer, warmer, and more engaging. Using alternative phrases helps your ideas stand out, sound thoughtful, and connect better with your readers.
In this article, we’ve collected 35 easy, professional, and natural ways to say “this shows,” complete with examples, explanations, and tips on when to use them. By the end, you’ll have a toolbox of phrases that make your communication feel more personal, clear, and polished.
What Does “This Shows” Mean?
Meaning: “This shows” is used to indicate that something provides evidence, proof, or clarity about a point.
Detailed Explanation: It signals a connection between information and conclusion, guiding the reader to understand the significance of what you are presenting.
Scenario Example: “The survey results are overwhelmingly positive. This shows that customers appreciate our new features.”
Best Use: Academic writing, professional reports, presentations, and thoughtful communication.
Tone: Informative, neutral, and explanatory.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “This Shows”?
Yes. “This shows” is professional and polite, but it can sometimes feel mechanical. Using alternatives can make your message more engaging and polished, especially in emails, presentations, or thoughtful communication.
Advantages and Disadvantages of “This Shows”
Advantage:
- Clear and direct.
- Signals logical connection between evidence and conclusion.
Disadvantage:
- Can feel repetitive if overused.
- Might sound impersonal in sensitive or empathetic communication.
1. This Demonstrates
Meaning: Highlights evidence or proof.
Detailed Explanation: Indicates that what follows clearly illustrates a point or finding.
Scenario Example: “The growth in sales demonstrates the success of our marketing strategy.”
Best Use: Business reports, presentations, and professional communication.
Tone: Confident, factual, and professional.
2. This Indicates
Meaning: Suggests or points to a fact or conclusion.
Detailed Explanation: Softens the statement, making it less forceful than “shows.”
Scenario Example: “High engagement rates indicate that users enjoy the new interface.”
Best Use: Analytical writing, emails, and observations.
Tone: Neutral, thoughtful, and analytical.
3. This Suggests
Meaning: Proposes a possible conclusion based on evidence.
Detailed Explanation: Leaves room for interpretation or discussion.
Scenario Example: “The data suggests that morning sessions are more productive.”
Best Use: Research reports, brainstorming, or collaborative discussions.
Tone: Cautious, thoughtful, and professional.
4. This Proves
Meaning: Confirms or validates a statement.
Detailed Explanation: Stronger than “shows,” implies certainty.
Scenario Example: “The experiment’s outcome proves that the theory is correct.”
Best Use: Scientific papers, formal arguments, or verified facts.
Tone: Assertive, confident, factual.
5. This Reflects
Meaning: Mirrors or highlights a state, opinion, or behavior.
Detailed Explanation: Shows characteristics or attitudes revealed by an action or data.
Scenario Example: “Her dedication reflects her commitment to excellence.”
Best Use: Personal observations, performance reviews, or narratives.
Tone: Positive, appreciative, and descriptive.
6. This Reveals
Meaning: Uncovers or makes known.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests something previously hidden or unknown is now clear.
Scenario Example: “The report reveals an opportunity for growth in emerging markets.”
Best Use: Business insights, investigative writing, or storytelling.
Tone: Informative, analytical, curious.
7. This Highlights
Meaning: Brings attention to something important.
Detailed Explanation: Focuses the reader’s or listener’s attention on a key point.
Scenario Example: “The case study highlights our team’s innovative approach.”
Best Use: Presentations, reports, and professional communication.
Tone: Positive, engaging, and professional.
8. This Illustrates
Meaning: Provides an example to clarify a point.
Detailed Explanation: Often used to make abstract ideas concrete.
Scenario Example: “The graph illustrates the trend in user growth over the last year.”
Best Use: Teaching, presentations, and written reports.
Tone: Educational, explanatory, and visual.
9. This Confirms
Meaning: Affirms or verifies a statement.
Detailed Explanation: Gives credibility to a conclusion or observation.
Scenario Example: “The feedback confirms our initial hypothesis about customer needs.”
Best Use: Analytical writing, validation of research, professional communication.
Tone: Reliable, assertive, professional.
10. This Signals
Meaning: Indicates or serves as a sign.
Detailed Explanation: Often used metaphorically to show that something points to a broader implication.
Scenario Example: “The rising trend signals a shift in consumer preferences.”
Best Use: Market analysis, professional insights, strategic discussions.
Tone: Analytical, insightful, forward-looking.
11. This Depicts
Meaning: Represents or portrays.
Detailed Explanation: Usually used with visual data or descriptive examples.
Scenario Example: “The chart depicts the relationship between investment and revenue.”
Best Use: Presentations, data storytelling, visuals.
Tone: Descriptive, illustrative, clear.
12. This Underscores
Meaning: Emphasizes importance.
Detailed Explanation: Adds weight to a key idea.
Scenario Example: “The success of this campaign underscores the value of targeted marketing.”
Best Use: Speeches, presentations, persuasive writing.
Tone: Emphatic, professional, persuasive.
13. This Emphasizes
Meaning: Draws attention to a point or fact.
Detailed Explanation: Similar to “underscores” but slightly softer.
Scenario Example: “Her consistent effort emphasizes the importance of teamwork.”
Best Use: Professional communication, leadership messages, team emails.
Tone: Supportive, encouraging, professional.
14. This Confers
Meaning: Grants significance or recognition.
Detailed Explanation: Suggests that the fact contributes authority or importance.
Scenario Example: “The award confers recognition of her achievements.”
Best Use: Awards, accolades, formal acknowledgments.
Tone: Respectful, formal, appreciative.
15. This Validates
Meaning: Confirms accuracy or value.
Detailed Explanation: Often used to confirm hypotheses or decisions.
Scenario Example: “The positive feedback validates our approach to customer service.”
Best Use: Research, professional decision-making, reports.
Tone: Analytical, professional, assertive.
16. This Establishes
Meaning: Proves or sets a fact as true.
Detailed Explanation: Strong, formal alternative to “shows.”
Scenario Example: “The data establishes a clear link between effort and outcome.”
Best Use: Academic, professional, or formal writing.
Tone: Authoritative, factual, professional.
17. This Signifies
Meaning: Indicates or represents something important.
Detailed Explanation: Often used for symbolic meaning or broader implications.
Scenario Example: “The award signifies our commitment to excellence.”
Best Use: Professional recognition, symbolic communication, formal messages.
Tone: Thoughtful, formal, meaningful.
18. This Exemplifies
Meaning: Serves as a typical example.
Detailed Explanation: Shows clearly through example.
Scenario Example: “Her dedication exemplifies the values we hold as a company.”
Best Use: Leadership communication, inspirational writing, teaching.
Tone: Appreciative, professional, motivational.
19. This Points Out
Meaning: Draws attention to a fact.
Detailed Explanation: Informal alternative, suitable for conversations.
Scenario Example: “The data points out areas for improvement.”
Best Use: Emails, meetings, reports.
Tone: Casual, helpful, professional.
20. This Portrays
Meaning: Represents in a descriptive way.
Detailed Explanation: Often used with qualitative or visual examples.
Scenario Example: “The advertisement portrays the brand’s innovative spirit.”
Best Use: Marketing, storytelling, descriptive writing.
Tone: Descriptive, engaging, professional.
21. This Confers Insight
Meaning: Provides understanding.
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on knowledge or perspective gained.
Scenario Example: “The analysis confers insight into consumer behavior.”
Best Use: Reports, analysis, professional communication.
Tone: Analytical, thoughtful, professional.
22. This Captures
Meaning: Expresses clearly or memorably.
Detailed Explanation: Emphasizes the clarity or appeal of a message or visual.
Scenario Example: “The photo captures the joy of the event perfectly.”
Best Use: Visual storytelling, presentations, creative writing.
Tone: Descriptive, positive, engaging.
23. This Illuminates
Meaning: Sheds light on or clarifies.
Detailed Explanation: Often used metaphorically to explain or reveal understanding.
Scenario Example: “The case study illuminates best practices for the team.”
Best Use: Educational writing, presentations, insightful communication.
Tone: Informative, reflective, professional.
24. This Portrays Clearly
Meaning: Represents distinctly.
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on clarity and vivid illustration.
Scenario Example: “The chart portrays clearly the shift in market trends.”
Best Use: Data presentation, reports, professional writing.
Tone: Clear, professional, instructive.
25. This Brings to Light
Meaning: Reveals or exposes something.
Detailed Explanation: Often used in investigative or explanatory contexts.
Scenario Example: “The research brings to light gaps in training programs.”
Best Use: Reports, insights, storytelling.
Tone: Thoughtful, analytical, professional.
26. This Signals Clearly
Meaning: Indicates unmistakably.
Detailed Explanation: Emphasizes clarity and significance.
Scenario Example: “The results signal clearly a need for change.”
Best Use: Strategic communication, analysis, professional messaging.
Tone: Professional, confident, analytical.
27. This Underscores the Importance
Meaning: Highlights critical significance.
Detailed Explanation: Draws attention to importance beyond simple proof.
Scenario Example: “The feedback underscores the importance of customer satisfaction.”
Best Use: Professional reports, presentations, persuasive writing.
Tone: Assertive, professional, encouraging.
28. This Offers Evidence
Meaning: Provides support for a conclusion.
Detailed Explanation: Slightly more formal than “shows.”
Scenario Example: “The data offers evidence of improved engagement.”
Best Use: Academic, research, professional reports.
Tone: Analytical, professional, neutral.
29. This Suggests Clearly
Meaning: Indicates in a straightforward way.
Detailed Explanation: A softer, clear alternative to “proves.”
Scenario Example: “The survey suggests clearly that users prefer a simplified interface.”
Best Use: Research, presentations, reports.
Tone: Thoughtful, analytical, professional.
30. This Confirms Clearly
Meaning: Verifies with certainty.
Detailed Explanation: Stronger alternative to “shows,” emphasizes clarity.
Scenario Example: “The data confirms clearly that our strategy is working.”
Best Use: Professional reports, research, presentations.
Tone: Assertive, professional, confident.
31. This Establishes Clearly
Meaning: Proves without doubt.
Detailed Explanation: Formal, academic alternative to “shows.”
Scenario Example: “The experiment establishes clearly the correlation between variables.”
Best Use: Research, formal reports, professional communication.
Tone: Authoritative, professional, factual.
32. This Brings Out
Meaning: Highlights or emphasizes a point.
Detailed Explanation: Slightly informal, expressive alternative.
Scenario Example: “The story brings out the challenges the team overcame.”
Best Use: Storytelling, presentations, casual professional communication.
Tone: Engaging, reflective, empathetic.
33. This Portrays Effectively
Meaning: Represents in a convincing way.
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on impact and clarity.
Scenario Example: “The report portrays effectively the trends in sales.”
Best Use: Reports, presentations, professional communication.
Tone: Clear, professional, persuasive.
34. This Highlights Clearly
Meaning: Emphasizes visibly and unmistakably.
Detailed Explanation: Focuses on clarity and importance.
Scenario Example: “The analysis highlights clearly the areas of improvement.”
Best Use: Reports, presentations, insights.
Tone: Professional, confident, analytical.
35. This Makes Evident
Meaning: Demonstrates in a clear and unmistakable way.
Detailed Explanation: A formal, thoughtful alternative to “shows.”
Scenario Example: “The findings make evident the impact of consistent effort.”
Best Use: Academic writing, professional communication, presentations.
Tone: Formal, reflective, professional.
Conclusion
Finding the right words can make your message feel more personal, clear, and thoughtful. Instead of always saying “this shows”, you now have 35 alternatives to choose from—words that can make your emails, reports, or stories more interesting and professional.
Whether you want to emphasize a point, share evidence, or highlight something important, these phrases help your writing stand out and feel more human. Try them out, mix them into your everyday communication, and see how much more engaging and meaningful your messages can become!
