The phrase “this shows” is a common way to indicate evidence or demonstration of a point. However, relying on it repeatedly can make your writing and speech sound monotonous.
Mastering alternative expressions will significantly enhance your ability to articulate your ideas with greater nuance and sophistication. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of various phrases and sentence structures you can use instead of “this shows,” enriching your communication skills and making your language more engaging.
Whether you are an ESL student, a professional writer, or simply someone looking to improve their English, this guide will equip you with a diverse set of tools to express evidence and indication more effectively.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Defining and Understanding “This Shows”
- Structural Breakdown of Alternative Phrases
- Types and Categories of Alternative Expressions
- Examples of Alternative Phrases
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics: Nuance and Style
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Defining and Understanding “This Shows”
The phrase “this shows” functions as a transitional phrase, connecting a piece of evidence or information to a conclusion or interpretation. It essentially means “this demonstrates,” “this indicates,” or “this proves.” It is commonly used to highlight the significance of a preceding statement or observation.
While grammatically correct, its frequent repetition can make writing seem simplistic and lack sophistication. Therefore, diversifying your vocabulary with alternative expressions is crucial for effective communication.
The core function of “this shows” is to establish a cause-and-effect relationship or to demonstrate a correlation between two elements. It serves as a bridge between data and interpretation, allowing the speaker or writer to guide the audience toward a specific understanding.
By replacing “this shows” with more precise and varied alternatives, you can better convey the specific nature of the relationship you are trying to highlight, adding depth and clarity to your message.
Structural Breakdown of Alternative Phrases
Understanding the structure of alternative phrases is essential for using them correctly and effectively. Many alternatives follow similar grammatical patterns, allowing for easy substitution.
Here’s a breakdown of common structures:
- Subject + Verb + That/How + Clause: This structure is versatile and can be used with verbs like indicates, demonstrates, suggests, highlights, illustrates, proves, and reveals. For example, “The data indicates that there is a strong correlation.”
- It + Verb + That + Clause: This structure is similar to the previous one but uses an impersonal “it” as the subject. Common verbs include appears, seems, suggests, and is evident. For example, “It appears that the project is on track.”
- Prepositional Phrase + Verb + Subject: Using prepositions like in light of, given, or considering can introduce a phrase that leads to a conclusion. For example, “In light of the evidence, we can conclude…”
- Adverbial Phrase + Clause: Adverbs like clearly, obviously, undoubtedly, and significantly can be used to strengthen the connection between evidence and conclusion. For example, “Clearly, the results support the hypothesis.”
Types and Categories of Alternative Expressions
To effectively replace “this shows,” it’s helpful to categorize alternatives based on the specific nuance you want to convey. Here are four main categories:
Demonstrating Evidence
These phrases emphasize the act of providing proof or confirmation. They are useful when you want to highlight the undeniable nature of the evidence.
Indicating Results or Consequences
These phrases focus on the outcomes or effects that stem from a particular action or situation. They are suitable when you want to emphasize the consequences of something.
Implying Suggestions or Inferences
These phrases suggest a conclusion or idea without explicitly stating it. They are useful when you want to encourage the reader to draw their own conclusions based on the evidence.
Highlighting Qualities or Characteristics
These phrases draw attention to specific attributes or features. They are appropriate when you want to emphasize the nature or characteristics of something.
Examples of Alternative Phrases
This section provides extensive examples of alternative phrases categorized by their specific function. Each table contains numerous examples to illustrate the variety of options available.
Demonstrating Evidence Examples
These examples provide direct proof or confirmation of a statement.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| This demonstrates that… | The experiment demonstrates that the new drug is effective. |
| This proves that… | The data proves that the hypothesis is correct. |
| This confirms that… | The latest survey confirms that customer satisfaction has increased. |
| This substantiates that… | The witness testimony substantiates that the defendant was at the scene. |
| This validates that… | The research validates that the theory holds true under these conditions. |
| This establishes that… | The evidence establishes that a clear motive existed. |
| This verifies that… | The audit verifies that the financial records are accurate. |
| This attests to the fact that… | His dedication attests to the fact that he is a valuable asset to the team. |
| This bears witness to… | The historical documents bear witness to the events of that era. |
| This is indicative of… | The rising sales figures are indicative of growing market demand. |
| This is evidence of… | The broken window is evidence of a forced entry. |
| The data supports the idea that… | The data supports the idea that climate change is accelerating. |
| The findings suggest that… | The findings suggest that further research is needed. |
| This highlights that… | The report highlights that resource allocation is uneven. |
| This underscores that… | The incident underscores that safety protocols need review. |
| This emphasizes that… | The manager emphasizes that teamwork is crucial. |
| This elucidates that… | The explanation elucidates that the process is more complex than initially thought. |
| This clarifies that… | The additional information clarifies that previous assumptions were incorrect. |
| This illuminates that… | The study illuminates that social factors play a significant role. |
| This reveals that… | The investigation reveals that there was a breach of security. |
| This points to the fact that… | The symptoms point to the fact that the patient may have an underlying condition. |
| This corroborates the idea that… | The new data corroborates the idea that the previous findings were accurate. |
| This authenticates that… | The expert’s testimony authenticates that the artwork is genuine. |
| This ascertains that… | The investigation ascertains that no foul play was involved. |
| This certifies that… | The quality control process certifies that the product meets all required standards. |
Indicating Results Examples
These examples highlight the outcomes or consequences of a particular action or situation.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| This results in… | The increased workload results in employee burnout. |
| This leads to… | The lack of investment leads to declining productivity. |
| This causes… | The heavy rain causes flooding in the low-lying areas. |
| This contributes to… | Pollution contributes to respiratory problems. |
| This gives rise to… | The new policy gives rise to concerns among the staff. |
| This triggers… | The alarm triggers an immediate response from security. |
| This brings about… | The reforms bring about significant improvements in efficiency. |
| This engenders… | The manager’s support engenders a sense of loyalty among the team. |
| This fosters… | Collaboration fosters innovation and creativity. |
| This generates… | The marketing campaign generates significant interest in the product. |
| This produces… | The factory produces high-quality goods. |
| This effects… | The change in strategy effects a positive shift in company culture. |
| This precipitates… | The economic downturn precipitates a wave of layoffs. |
| This spawns… | The initial success spawns a series of follow-up projects. |
| This begets… | Success begets further success. |
| As a consequence… | The company failed to adapt, as a consequence, it lost market share. |
| Consequently… | The budget was cut; consequently, many projects were delayed. |
| Therefore… | The evidence is compelling; therefore, we must take action. |
| Thus… | The experiment was successful; thus, the hypothesis is supported. |
| Accordingly… | The rules were changed; accordingly, we must update our procedures. |
| Hence… | The demand is high; hence, we need to increase production. |
| This suggests that… | The pattern suggests that a seasonal trend exists. |
| This implies that… | Her reluctance implies that she may not be fully committed. |
| This indicates that… | The meter reading indicates that energy consumption has increased. |
| This alludes to… | His comments allude to potential problems within the department. |
| This hints at… | The subtle changes hint at a larger shift in strategy. |
Implying Suggestions Examples
These examples suggest a conclusion or idea without explicitly stating it.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| This suggests that… | The data suggests that there is a correlation between exercise and mental health. |
| This implies that… | Her silence implies that she disagrees with the proposal. |
| This indicates that… | The low attendance indicates that the event was not well-promoted. |
| This alludes to… | His comments allude to potential changes in the company’s direction. |
| This hints at… | The subtle clues hint at a hidden mystery. |
| This points to… | The evidence points to the possibility of foul play. |
| This leads one to believe that… | The circumstances lead one to believe that an agreement has been reached. |
| One can infer that… | From his reaction, one can infer that he was surprised by the news. |
| It can be deduced that… | Based on the available information, it can be deduced that the project is behind schedule. |
| It would seem that… | It would seem that the negotiations are progressing smoothly. |
| It appears that… | It appears that the weather will improve tomorrow. |
| This seems to indicate… | The trend seems to indicate a shift in consumer preferences. |
| This could mean that… | The delay could mean that there are unforeseen complications. |
| This reflects… | The artwork reflects the artist’s inner turmoil. |
| This embodies… | The statue embodies the spirit of freedom. |
| This exemplifies… | Her dedication exemplifies the company’s core values. |
| This portrays… | The novel portrays the challenges of modern life. |
| This highlights the fact that… | The study highlights the fact that early intervention is crucial. |
| This underscores the importance of… | The incident underscores the importance of safety regulations. |
| This emphasizes the need for… | The report emphasizes the need for greater investment in education. |
| This showcases… | The exhibition showcases the talent of local artists. |
| This demonstrates the value of… | The project demonstrates the value of collaboration and innovation. |
| This illustrates the significance of… | The historical event illustrates the significance of diplomacy and negotiation. |
| This reflects the reality that… | The data reflects the reality that poverty remains a significant challenge. |
Highlighting Qualities Examples
These examples draw attention to specific attributes or features.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| This highlights… | The report highlights the importance of sustainable practices. |
| This emphasizes… | The speaker emphasized the need for teamwork. |
| This underscores… | The incident underscores the importance of safety protocols. |
| This reflects… | The company’s success reflects its commitment to innovation. |
| This embodies… | The statue embodies the spirit of courage and resilience. |
| This exemplifies… | Her dedication exemplifies the values of hard work and perseverance. |
| This portrays… | The painting portrays the beauty and tranquility of nature. |
| This showcases… | The exhibition showcases the talent of emerging artists. |
| This demonstrates… | The project demonstrates the feasibility of renewable energy. |
| This illustrates… | The historical event illustrates the complexities of international relations. |
| This reveals… | The investigation reveals the extent of the corruption. |
| This signifies… | The change in policy signifies a new direction for the organization. |
| This is characteristic of… | His generosity is characteristic of his kind and compassionate nature. |
| This is typical of… | The unpredictable weather is typical of the region. |
| This is indicative of… | The rising unemployment rate is indicative of a struggling economy. |
| This is representative of… | The sample is representative of the larger population. |
| This mirrors… | The film mirrors the events of the real-life story. |
| This echoes… | The sentiment echoes the feelings of many people. |
| This resonates with… | The message resonates with a wide audience. |
| In light of this… | In light of this new evidence, we must reconsider our position. |
| Considering this… | Considering this information, it seems likely that the project will succeed. |
| Given this… | Given this opportunity, we should seize it without hesitation. |
| Based on this… | Based on this analysis, we can make informed decisions. |
| From this… | From this perspective, the situation looks very different. |
General Alternative Phrases Examples
These examples are more general and can be used in various contexts.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| In light of this… | In light of this new information, we need to reassess our strategy. |
| Considering this… | Considering this evidence, it is clear that he is guilty. |
| Given this… | Given this opportunity, we should take advantage of it. |
| Based on this… | Based on this data, we can make an informed decision. |
| From this… | From this perspective, the issue seems less complicated. |
| With this in mind… | With this in mind, we should proceed cautiously. |
| Taking this into account… | Taking this into account, we can adjust our plans accordingly. |
| This being the case… | This being the case, we must take immediate action. |
| As such… | The evidence is irrefutable; as such, we must accept the verdict. |
| Accordingly… | The rules have changed; accordingly, we must update our procedures. |
| It is apparent that… | It is apparent that the project is facing significant challenges. |
| It is clear that… | It is clear that the company needs to improve its customer service. |
| It is evident that… | It is evident that the new policy has had a positive impact. |
| It is obvious that… | It is obvious that the team is working well together. |
| It is noticeable that… | It is noticeable that there has been a decline in productivity. |
| It is undeniable that… | It is undeniable that climate change is a serious threat. |
| It is irrefutable that… | It is irrefutable that the evidence supports the claim. |
| The point is… | The point is, we need to find a solution to this problem. |
| The fact of the matter is… | The fact of the matter is, we don’t have enough resources. |
| What this means is… | What this means is, we need to change our approach. |
| To put it another way… | To put it another way, we need to be more efficient. |
| In other words… | In other words, we need to work smarter, not harder. |
Usage Rules and Considerations
While the alternatives provided offer a rich vocabulary, it’s crucial to use them correctly. Here are some key usage rules and considerations:
- Context is Key: Choose the alternative that best fits the context and the specific meaning you want to convey. Consider the nuance and implication of each phrase.
- Grammatical Accuracy: Ensure that the chosen phrase fits grammatically within the sentence. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement and correct tense usage.
- Formality: Some phrases are more formal than others. Choose alternatives that are appropriate for the tone and audience of your writing or speech. For example, “This substantiates that…” is more formal than “This suggests that…”.
- Avoid Overuse: While it’s good to avoid repeating “this shows,” don’t overuse any single alternative. Variety is key to engaging and effective communication.
- Clarity: The primary goal is to communicate clearly. If an alternative obscures the meaning, it’s better to stick with a simpler phrase.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a good understanding of alternative phrases, some common mistakes can occur. Here are a few to watch out for:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The data proves to that… | The data proves that… | Avoid adding unnecessary prepositions. |
| This leads to for… | This leads to… | The phrase “leads to” does not require an additional preposition. |
| It suggests that are… | It suggests that there are… | Ensure correct grammatical structure after “that.” |
| Highlighting the importance on… | Highlighting the importance of… | The correct preposition is “of,” not “on.” |
| Considering of this… | Considering this… | Avoid adding unnecessary prepositions. |
| Given to this… | Given this… | Avoid adding unnecessary prepositions. |
| Base on this… | Based on this… | Correct the spelling to “Based”. |
Practice Exercises
These exercises will help you practice using alternative phrases effectively. Each exercise focuses on different aspects of substitution and application.
Exercise 1: Choosing the Right Alternative
Choose the best alternative phrase to replace “this shows” in each sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| The rising crime rate in the city, this shows, is a cause for concern. | a) This highlights b) This results in c) This implies | a) This highlights |
| The experiment’s success, this shows, the hypothesis was correct. | a) This proves b) This suggests c) This reflects | a) This proves |
| The company’s new policy, this shows, increased employee satisfaction. | a) This leads to b) This suggests c) This undermines | a) This leads to |
| Her consistent hard work, this shows, she is dedicated to her job. | a) This underscores b) This substantiates c) This ignores | b) This substantiates |
| The data from the survey, this shows, a growing trend towards online shopping. | a) This indicates b) This negates c) This complicates | a) This indicates |
| The lack of funding, this shows, the project will be delayed. | a) This necessitates b) This guarantees c) This ensures | a) This necessitates |
| The witness testimony, this shows, the defendant’s alibi. | a) This validates b) This invalidates c) This questions | a) This validates |
| The increasing pollution levels, this shows, the environment is at risk. | a) This emphasizes b) This trivializes c) This overlooks | a) This emphasizes |
| The company’s profits, this shows, its successful marketing strategy. | a) This showcases b) This downplays c) This denies | a) This showcases |
| The historical documents, this shows, the events of the past. | a) This bears witness to b) This challenges c) This contradicts | a) This bears witness to |
Exercise 2: Rewriting Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences, replacing “this shows” with a more appropriate alternative phrase.
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| The increase in sales, this shows, the marketing campaign was successful. | The increase in sales demonstrates that the marketing campaign was successful. |
| The experiment’s results, this shows, the new drug is effective. | The experiment’s results prove that the new drug is effective. |
| The witness’s statement, this shows, the defendant is innocent. | The witness’s statement suggests that the defendant is innocent. |
| The company’s success, this shows, its dedication to innovation. | The company’s success reflects its dedication to innovation. |
| The rising sea levels, this shows, the climate is changing. | The rising sea levels indicate that the climate is changing. |
| The decrease in unemployment, this shows, the economy is improving. | The decrease in unemployment suggests that the economy is improving. |
| The student’s high grades, this shows, her hard work and dedication. | The student’s high grades highlight her hard work and dedication. |
| The artist’s unique style, this shows, his creativity and originality. | The artist’s unique style showcases his creativity and originality. |
| The historical artifacts, this shows, the culture and traditions of the past. | The historical artifacts illustrate the culture and traditions of the past. |
| The new technology, this shows, the potential for future advancements. | The new technology demonstrates the potential for future advancements. |
Exercise 3: Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences using an appropriate alternative phrase from the list: demonstrates, implies, highlights, results in, underscores.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| The study __________ that there is a link between diet and health. | demonstrates |
| Her reluctance to answer questions __________ that she is hiding something. | implies |
| The report __________ the need for better safety regulations. | highlights |
| The lack of exercise __________ poor physical health. | results in |
| The recent incident __________ the importance of vigilance. | underscores |
| The data __________ the correlation between education and income. | demonstrates |
| His evasive behavior __________ that he may be involved. | implies |
| The presentation __________ the significance of teamwork in achieving goals. | highlights |
| Poor planning __________ project delays and cost overruns. | results in |
| The current situation __________ the urgency of addressing climate change. | underscores |
Advanced Topics: Nuance and Style
For advanced learners, mastering the alternatives to “this shows” goes beyond simple substitution. It involves understanding the subtle nuances of each phrase and using them strategically to enhance your writing style.
Consider the following:
- Figurative Language: Some alternatives can be used metaphorically to create vivid imagery. For example, “The data paints a picture of…” is more engaging than “The data shows…”.
- Emphasis: Certain phrases, like “This emphatically demonstrates…” or “This unequivocally proves…,” can be used to add extra emphasis to your point.
- Subtlety: Conversely, phrases like “This might suggest…” or “This could imply…” can be used to express uncertainty or tentativeness.
- Audience Awareness: Tailor your choice of phrase to your audience. Technical reports might benefit from more precise and formal language, while creative writing might call for more evocative and imaginative expressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common questions learners have about using alternatives to “this shows.”
- Is it always necessary to avoid using “this shows”?
Not necessarily. “This shows” is grammatically correct and perfectly acceptable in many contexts. However, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less sophisticated. The key is to vary your language and choose the most appropriate phrase for the specific meaning you want to convey.
- How do I choose the best alternative phrase?
Consider the context, the specific meaning you want to convey, and the tone of your writing or speech. Think about whether you want to emphasize evidence, results, suggestions, or qualities. Refer to the categories and examples provided in this article to guide your choice.
- Are some alternatives more formal than others?
Yes, some alternatives are more formal. For example, “This substantiates that…” is more formal than “This suggests that…”. Choose alternatives that are appropriate for your audience and the overall tone of your communication.
- Can I use multiple alternative phrases in the same piece of writing?
Absolutely! In fact, using a variety of alternative phrases is highly recommended to avoid repetition and keep your writing engaging. Just make sure each phrase is used correctly and fits the context appropriately.
- What if I’m not sure which alternative is best?
>If you’re unsure, it’s often better to opt for a clearer, simpler phrase that accurately conveys your meaning. You can also consult a dictionary or thesaurus for additional options and guidance.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “this shows” is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your communication abilities. By diversifying your vocabulary and understanding the nuances of different expressions, you can articulate your ideas with greater precision, sophistication, and impact.
This article has provided a comprehensive guide to various alternative phrases, usage rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises to help you on your journey to becoming a more effective and engaging communicator. Remember, the key is to practice consistently and pay attention to the context in which you are using these phrases.
With time and effort, you’ll be able to confidently and skillfully express your ideas in a variety of compelling ways.