it shows synonym essay

15 Other Words for “This Shows” in an Essay

Are you worried about including “this shows” again and again in an essay?

After all, the last thing you want to do is sound repetitive and boring.

Fret not! You have found yourself in the right place.

This article will explore other ways to say “this shows” in an essay.

Other Ways to Say “This Shows”

• This demonstrates
• This indicates
• This implies
• This portrays
• This illustrates
• This establishes
• This proves
• This points to
• This highlights

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• “This shows” is a common phrase used in essays to demonstrate how one thing leads to another.
• “This demonstrates” is a great formal synonym that’ll help to spice up your academic writing.
• Try “suggesting” as an alternative that shows how one thing could have created another.

Keep reading to learn different ways to say “this shows.” We’ve covered the two best phrases to help you understand more about how you can improve your essays.

Alternatively, you can read the final section to learn whether it’s correct to write “this shows.” It’s appropriate to check this out before continuing to include it in your essay!

This Demonstrates

If you’re looking for words to use instead of “this shows” in an essay, try “this demonstrates.” It’s a great formal synonym that’ll help to spice things up.

It also comes with two options. You can use it at the start of a sentence as written:

 This is option one. This demonstrates how to continue a thought from the previous sentence.

Or, you can include it as part of the same sentence. To do this, you should switch “this demonstrates” to “demonstrating.” For example:

This is option two, demonstrating that it’s part of the same sentence.

Either way, both are correct. The same applies to “this shows,” where you can use “showing” to include it in the same sentence.

It’s a great way to help the reader follow your process . This should make your essay much easier to read, even if the reader isn’t all that familiar with the topic.

You can also refer to these essay samples:

As you can see, we have also gathered all the necessary data. This demonstrates that we were correct about our original hypothesis.

They have created different rules for what we know. This demonstrates that they’re worried someone might try to interfere with them.

Also, you can write “suggesting” instead of “this shows.” It’s another great professional synonym that’ll help you to keep your writing interesting.

As we’ve already stated, you can use “suggesting” as part of the same sentence:

This is how it works, suggesting you can keep it to one sentence.

Or, you can switch it to “this suggests” to start a new sentence. For instance:

This is how it works. This suggests that you can create two sentences.

Both are correct. They also allow you to switch between them, giving you two options to help mix up your writing and keep the reader engaged .

Here are some essay examples if you still need help:

We have many new ideas ready to go, suggesting that we’re on the road to success. We just need more time.

This is the only way to complete the task, suggesting that things aren’t going to be as easy as we first thought.

Is It Correct to Say “This Shows”?

It is correct to say “this shows.” It’s a great word to use in an essay, and we highly recommend it when you’d like to show how one thing leads to another.

It’s a formal option, which is why it works so well in academic writing.

Also, it allows the reader to follow your thought process, which helps keep things streamlined and clear.

For instance:

Here is an example of how we can achieve this. This shows that we have considered every option so far.

“This shows” always starts a new sentence . You can use it whenever you’d like to connect back to the former sentence directly.

Also, makes sure you use “shows” as the verb form. It comes after “this,” so the only correct form is “shows.” To remind you, you can refer to these examples:

• Correct: This shows that things are supposed to work this way.
• Incorrect: This show that we know what we’re doing.

It’s worth using some extensions if you’re still looking to mix things up as well. Try any of the following:

• This evidence shows
• This picture shows
• This data shows
• This graph shows
• This study shows

Including something between “this” and “shows” allows you to be more specific . It helps direct the reader’s attention to something from the previous sentence.

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10 Other Words for “This Shows” in an Essay

Showing how one thing affects another is great in academic writing. It shows that you’ve connected two points with each other, making sure the reader follows along.

However, is “this shows” the only appropriate choice when linking two ideas?

We have gathered some helpful synonyms teaching you other ways to say “this shows” in an essay.

• Demonstrating
• This implies
• This allows
• This displays

Keep reading to learn more words to replace “this shows” in an essay. You can also review the examples we provide under each heading.

Removing “this” from “this shows” creates a simple formal synonym to mix up your writing. You can instead write “showing” in academic writing to demonstrate an effect .

Typically, this is a great way to limit your word count . Sure, you’re only removing one word from your essay, but if you can find other areas to do something similar, you’ll be more efficient .

Efficient essays often make for the most interesting ones. They also make it much easier for the reader to follow, and the reviewer will usually be able to give you a more appropriate grade.

Check out these examples if you still need help:

• The facts state most of the information here, showing that we still have a lot of work to do before moving forward.
• This is the only way to complete the project, showing that things aren’t quite ready to progress.

2. Demonstrating

Following a similar idea to using “showing,” you can also use “demonstrating.” This comes from the idea that “this demonstrates” is a bit redundant. So, you can remove “this.”

Again, demonstrating ideas is a great way to engage the reader . You can use it in the middle of a sentence to explain how two things affect each other.

You can also review the following examples:

• These are the leading causes, demonstrating the fundamental ways to get through it. Which do you think is worth pursuing?
• I would like to direct your attention to this poll, demonstrating the do’s and don’ts for tasks like this one.

3. Leading To

There are plenty of ways to talk about different causes and effects in your writing. A good choice to include in the middle of a sentence is “leading to.”

When something “leads to” something else, it is a direct cause . Therefore, it’s worth including “leading to” in an essay when making relevant connections in your text.

Here are some examples to help you understand it:

• This is what we are looking to achieve, leading to huge capital gains for everyone associated with it.
• I would like to direct your attention to this assignment, leading to what could be huge changes in the status quo.

4. Creating

Often, you can create cause-and-effect relationships in your writing by including two similar ideas. Therefore, it’s worth including “creating” to demonstrate a connection to the reader.

Including “creating” in the middle of a sentence allows you to clarify certain causes . This helps to streamline your academic writing and ensures the reader knows what you’re talking about.

Perhaps these essay samples will also help you:

• We could not complete the task quickly, creating a problem when it came to the next part of the movement.
• I thought about the ideas, creating the process that we know today. I’m glad I took the time to work through it.

5. This Implies

For a more formal way to say “this shows,” try “this implies.” Of course, it doesn’t change much from the original phrase, but that doesn’t mean it’s ineffective.

In fact, using “this implies” (or “implying” for streamlining) allows you to discuss implications and facts from the previous sentence.

You will often start a sentence with “this implies.” It shows you have relevant and useful information to discuss with the reader.

However, it only works when starting a sentence. You cannot use it to start a new paragraph as it does not relate to anything. “This implies” must always relate to something mentioned before.

You can also review these examples:

• I appreciate everything that they did for us. This implies they’re willing to work together on other projects.
• You can’t always get these things right. This implies we still have a lot of work to do before we can finalize anything.

“Proving” is a word you can use instead of “this shows” in an essay. It comes from “this proves,” showing how something creates another situation .

Proof is often the most important in scientific studies and arguments. Therefore, it’s very common to use “proving” instead of “this shows” in scientific essays and writing.

We recommend using this when discussing your experiments and explaining how it might cause something specific to happen. It helps the reader follow your ideas on the page.

Perhaps the following examples will also help you:

• They provided us with multiple variables, proving that we weren’t the only ones working on the experiment.
• I could not figure out the way forward, proving that it came down to a choice. I didn’t know the best course of action.

7. This Allows

Often, when you talk about a cause in your essays, it allows an effect to take place. You can talk more about this relationship with a phrase like “this allows.”

At the start of a sentence , “this allows” is a great way to describe a cause-and-effect relationship . It keeps the reader engaged and ensures they know what you’re talking about.

Also, using “this allows” directly after expressing your views explains the purpose of your writing. This could show a reader why you’ve even decided to write the essay in the first place.

• Many scenarios work here. This allows us to explore different situations to see which works best.
• I found the best way to address the situation. This allows me to provide more ideas to upper management.

8. This Displays

It might not be as common, but “this displays” is still a great choice in academic writing. You can use it when discussing how one thing leads to another .

Usually, “this displays” works best when discussing data points or figures . It’s a great way to show how you can display your information within your writing to make things easy for the reader .

You can refer to these examples if you’re still unsure:

• We have not considered every outcome. This displays a lack of planning and poor judgment regarding the team.
• I’m afraid this is the only way we can continue it. This displays a problem for most of the senior shareholders.

9. Indicating

Indicating how things connect to each other helps readers to pay attention. The clearer your connections, the better your essay will be.

Therefore, it’s worth including “indicating” in the middle of a sentence . It shows you two points relate to each other .

Often, this allows you to talk about specific effects. It’s a great way to explain the purpose of a paragraph (or the essay as a whole, depending on the context).

If you’re still stuck, review these examples:

• There are plenty of great alternatives to use, indicating that you don’t have to be so close-minded about the process.
• I have compiled a list of information to help you, indicating the plethora of ways you can complete it.

10. Suggesting

Finally, “suggesting” is a word you can use instead of “this shows” in an essay. It’s quite formal and works well in academic writing.

We highly recommend using it when creating a suggestion from a previous sentence . It allows the reader to follow along and see how one thing affects another.

Also, it’s not particularly common in essays. Therefore, it’s a great choice to mix things up and keep things a little more interesting.

Here are a few essay samples to help you with it:

• You could have done it in many other ways, suggesting that there was always a better outcome than the one you got.
• I didn’t know what to think of it, suggesting that I was tempted by the offer. I’m still weighing up the options.

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

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10 Other Ways to Say “This Shows” in an Essay

When writing essays, using the phrase “this shows” can get repetitive. It’s important to mix up your language to keep your reader engaged.

This article lists ten different ways to express the same idea, making your writing more interesting and varied. Each alternative is followed by explanations and examples to help you understand when and how to use them effectively.

Is “This Shows” a Good Phrase to Use in an Essay?

Using “this shows” in an essay can be beneficial, but it depends on the context. It’s a straightforward way to indicate that the information you are presenting supports your argument or helps explain your point. However, using this phrase repeatedly might make your writing seem less polished.

Here’s an example of how to use it:

Let’s weigh the pros and cons of using “this shows” in your writing.

• Clear and directly points out the significance of the evidence.
• Helps connect the evidence to your argument or thesis statement.
• Easy to understand and use.
• Can become repetitive if overused.
• Might seem too simple or lack sophistication in formal essays.
• Doesn’t offer variety in sentence structures.

While “this shows” is handy, you might want to consider alternatives, especially if you’re aiming for a more polished and varied writing style. Using synonyms or different phrases can add depth to your essay and keep your readers engaged.

Finding the right words to connect your ideas can make your essay shine. Here are ten alternatives to “this shows” that can help:

• This demonstrates
• This indicates
• This suggests
• This reveals
• This proves
• This establishes
• This confirms
• This supports
• This underscores
• This exemplifies

1. This demonstrates

This alternative is somewhat more formal than “This shows”, making it a good fit for academic essays. It implies a stronger link between evidence and assertion, suggesting a more thoughtful analysis. When comparing, “this demonstrates” carries an air of scientific precision or academic rigor, emphasizing the process of showing.

We recommend using “this demonstrates” when your evidence strongly supports your argument. It’s especially useful in contexts where you want to highlight thorough research or definitive proof. Think of situations where the connection between your examples and your main point needs to be unmistakable and grounded in professional analysis.

Here are a couple of examples:

2. This indicates

“This indicates” is a neutral phrase that fits well in both formal and informal essays. It’s less forceful than “this proves” but still shows a clear connection between evidence and conclusion. It’s like pointing something out rather than making an outright declaration.

Use “this indicates” when you want to suggest a conclusion rather than assert it definitively. It works well when you’re drawing inferences from data or observations, particularly in situations where there might be multiple interpretations.

3. This suggests

“This suggests” is an ideal choice for making gentle or speculative connections in your writing. It’s even less forceful than “this indicates”, perfect for when you’re presenting hypotheses or possibilities. It’s a polite way to introduce an idea that’s inferred rather than directly supported by the evidence.

This phrase is better suited for essays where you’re exploring potential outcomes or reasons, especially when direct evidence is not available. It’s also appropriate in informal contexts where maintaining a conversational tone is important.

4. This reveals

“This reveals” is powerful because it suggests uncovering or discovering something previously hidden. It’s perfect for when you want to highlight insights or findings that are unexpected or particularly enlightening. The phrase holds a bit of drama, making it great for engaging readers.

When your evidence uncovers new information or contradicts common assumptions, “this reveals” is an excellent choice. It’s well-suited for research papers or analytical essays where the goal is to bring new truths to light.

5. This proves

Among our list of synonyms, “this proves” is among the most assertive. It’s used to claim that the evidence conclusively supports your argument. Because of its strong implication, it’s best reserved for formal contexts where you have robust data or clear examples to back up your point.

This phrase is particularly effective in argumentative essays or research papers where establishing factual correctness is essential. It’s about as close as you can get to saying “this is irrefutable.”

6. This establishes

“This establishes” is similar in weight to “this proves” but with a slightly less aggressive tone. It suggests setting up a firm foundation for your argument or theory. This wording is especially useful in formal essays and academic writing where clarity and precision are paramount.

We recommend “this establishes” when you’re building up an argument step by step, and your evidence serves as a crucial piece of the puzzle. It shines in contexts where demonstrating the credibility or reliability of your claim is key.

7. This confirms

“This confirms” signals that your evidence directly supports or validates an existing theory or hypothesis. It’s less about revelation and more about verification, making it a professional choice for reinforcing your points in a formal essay.

It’s best suited for situations where you’re addressing anticipated outcomes or established theories. This alternative brings an air of finality and affirmation, particularly in scientific or analytical papers.

8. This supports

“This supports” is flexible, fitting nicely into both formal and informal contexts. It indicates that your evidence upholds your argument but does so in a way that’s less definitive than “this proves.” It’s akin to providing backup rather than claiming outright victory.

Use “this supports” when your evidence adds weight to your claim but might not be conclusive on its own. It’s particularly useful in essays where you’re piecing together support from various sources to form a cohesive argument.

See these examples:

9. This underscores

“This underscores” emphasizes the importance of a particular piece of evidence or point in your argument. It’s a way to highlight significance without asserting direct causation. This term is ideal for formal writing when you want to stress the weight of your findings.

This alternative is better suited when you need to draw attention to how crucial your evidence is to understanding your overall point. It’s like saying, “pay attention here, this is important.”

10. This exemplifies

“This exemplifies” is a sophisticated way to demonstrate how your evidence serves as a perfect example of your claim. It brings a touch of elegance to your writing, suitable for formal essays where showcasing examples is key to illustrating broader points.

Opt for “this exemplifies” when you have a clear, representative example that neatly encapsulates your argument or theory. It effectively tells your reader, “If you understand this example, you’ll grasp my larger point.”

Final Thoughts

Switching up the way you say “this shows” in your essays can make your writing stronger and more engaging. By using the ten alternatives we’ve discussed, you can clearly express your ideas and keep your reader’s attention. These phrases help you communicate more precisely and make your arguments more compelling.

Slava Velikiy, CEO of Rontar and GainRep, has over 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, project management, and software development. Passionate about innovation and solving real-world problems, he shares his insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and technology.

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9 Formal Synonyms for “This Shows”

Do you want to discuss how one sentence confirms a thought or idea in another sentence?

Perhaps you’re worried that “this shows” doesn’t work too well in an essay because it’s informal or rude.

Well, you’re in luck!

This article will teach you other ways to say “this shows” to keep your writing interesting.

Is It Formal to Say “This Shows”?

It is formal to say “this shows.” You can use it in academic writing because it helps you to confirm how one sentence relates to another.

It’s also professional . Therefore, it’s always a good choice in essays.

However, you should be careful using it too much. Oversaturating your essays with “this shows” can take away from their impact and cause your essay to sound repetitive and boring.

Feel free to review this example to learn a bit more about it:

It’s clear that this is the best way forward. This shows that no other solution was reasonable to consider.

• It’s formal and direct.
• Readers will understand that you’re relating your sentence back to a previous one.
• It can very quickly become repetitive and boring.
• It’s not the most imaginative phrase to use to link sentences.

So, it’s clear that “this shows” works well in your writing. But that doesn’t mean you should limit yourself to using it as your only option.

Keep reading to learn other words for “this shows” in an essay. We’ve touched on some of the best synonyms to give you a better idea of what will work.

What to Say Instead of “This Shows”

• This demonstrates
• This illustrates
• This signifies
• This indicates
• This confirms
• This conveys

1. This Demonstrates

We recommend starting with “this demonstrates” to show you’re talking about something from the previous sentence.

It’s a great way to keep things formal and informative . Therefore, you can use it when filling out an essay or completing a passage of text that might benefit from linked sentences.

For the most part, if you can demonstrate how one thing leads to another, it’s good writing. After all, it’ll help readers to understand what you’re saying and how to make connections in your work.

You can refer to these essay samples to learn a bit more about it:

It’s clear what needs to be done. This demonstrates the resolve required to complete a task like this one.

We only had one option. This demonstrates that every other possible outcome has been expended and made impossible to continue.

2. This Illustrates

Next, we recommend writing “this illustrates.” It’s another way to say “this shows” that helps you to mix things up and sound less repetitive when you want to.

Generally, it’s a good formal synonym that shows why your previous sentence links to a new one.

It’s an effective way to engage a reader . It’s also professional and direct , so it’ll keep readers involved when they’re going through your essay.

Also, it’s worth reviewing these examples to learn more:

I’ve included all the findings to show you what I mean. This illustrates that there are still a few ways for me to continue with this.

This illustrates how simple it is to make it work. However, it’s going to take a few extra pairs of hands before we can start doing anything more.

Next, we want to mix things up a little bit. Rather than only focusing on academic writing, we also recommend using some of these synonyms in an email.

For instance, “showing” can work really well to link your email to itself.

But how does that work?

Well, you can use “showing” in the middle of a sentence to professionally explain why you’re writing about something.

It’s good to use when contacting a coworker . After all, you can explain your thought process and let them know more about what you’re thinking and what it “shows.”

Also, “this shows” and “showing” are nearly identical in usage. However, you must never forget you can’t start a sentence with “showing.” It must be placed in the middle of a sentence.

If you’re still unsure, perhaps this email sample will help you:

Dear Michael, I’m going to do it like this, showing that it’s still possible to complete the tasks without them. Please advise me on what you think is the best way to move forward. Yours, Brian Renshaw

4. This Signifies

Back to essays, we recommend writing “this signifies” as well. It teaches you how to say “this shows” in an essay when you’re trying to mix things up.

For the most part, this keeps things professional and clear . Therefore, it’s a great way to explain how things work or connect with each other.

Readers and reviewers will certainly appreciate including phrases like this.

That’s why we recommend using it in academic writing, as it’s bound to impress your professor if you want to.

After all, if they’re grading your work, it’s good to show that you know what you’re talking about.

As always, try not to repeat it too much! It can very easily make your essay sound repetitive if you’re not careful, which is never a good idea.

Also, you can check out these examples to learn a bit more:

As you can see, there are a few errors to discuss. This signifies that things still need to change before we can keep moving forward.

This signifies what could happen if things are left unattended. That’s why it’s important for us to break through quickly.

5. This Indicates

If you’re still unsure how to say “this shows” in an essay, try using “this indicates.”

It’s a great synonym that teaches you more about the things that work well in your writing.

After all, the more you explore your alternatives, the better your work will look. The last thing you want to do with your essays is make them repetitive and samey.

Readers will engage more when using phrases like this.

Here are some examples to also help you with it:

This indicates everything I’m trying to discuss with you. I think it’s important for you to pay attention to what’s to come.

It’s clear what I have to do. This indicates that only one option is going to work in our favor, so we must be prepared.

6. Implying

Next, we recommend writing “implying” instead of “this shows.” Again, this is a good one to use in the middle of a sentence .

So, we recommend writing it when explaining how one situation leads to another in the same string of text.

It’s good in academic writing as it’s quite professional and clear .

You can review these examples to see more about how to use it:

The statistics have made the situation more clear, implying that we need to make drastic changes quickly.

This is how it will work, implying that someone is going to need to step up to ensure things go that way.

7. Suggesting

Another good choice in academic essays is “suggesting.” This works in the middle of a sentence by showing how one idea suggests that another can happen.

You can use it to keep the reader informed as you go through an essay.

The more links you make within your sentences, the more your essay will make sense to the people reading or grading it.

That’s why we like this as an option in most graded essays. However, you should still try to limit how often you use something like this.

Check out these examples to find out more about how it works:

I have looked into it and found nothing important, suggesting that this isn’t the right place to go.

It’s clear what we need to do next, suggesting that there are some options we have yet to explore.

8. This Confirms

Going back to an email alternative, we recommend trying “this confirms.”

It’s a great way to confirm or suggest information to the recipient. It also creates a clear and direct link between the two things you’ve mentioned in an email.

So, you can use it when writing to coworkers . It shows you’ve looked into a collaborative effort and noticed that one thing confirms another.

Here’s a helpful sample email to show you more about how to use it:

Dear Steven, I looked into the project we’ve got so far, but we need to make some changes. This confirms that Alice did not look at the notes properly. Best regards, Sean Bryce

10 Other Ways to Say “This Shows”

When writing or speaking, there are times when you want to emphasize something or draw attention to evidence . The phrase “this shows” is commonly used in such contexts. However, just as we have many ways to convey good wishes, there are other ways to say “it shows” in English. Varying your vocabulary can make your arguments more persuasive and your writing more engaging.

Table of Contents

Other Ways to Say “This Shows”

By expanding your vocabulary, you can articulate your thoughts more precisely and convincingly. Instead of using “this shows” repeatedly, consider the following alternatives:

• This Indicates

Example: “The rising temperatures indicate a change in the climate.”

Meaning: “Indicate” is a formal way of suggesting that something serves as a sign or a clear pointer to a certain fact or situation. It’s like a beacon highlighting specific information.

Usage: When presenting research findings, the term “indicate” can be used to point out correlations or trends observed in the data.

• This Demonstrates

Example: “The consistently high grades of the student demonstrate his dedication to his studies.”

Meaning: “Demonstrate” conveys the idea that something stands as tangible proof or clear evidence of a particular fact or quality, showcasing it in action.

Usage: In academic discussions, “demonstrate” is often used to present findings or theories that are supported by concrete evidence.

• This Reveals

Example: “The diary entries reveal the author’s innermost thoughts and fears.”

Meaning: “Reveal” is akin to pulling back a curtain on something, making known or uncovering details, facts, or sentiments that were previously concealed or not immediately apparent.

Usage: Mystery writers often use “reveal” when unveiling a critical plot twist or a character’s secret.

• This Suggests

Example: “The presence of ancient artifacts in this area suggests that a civilization once thrived here.”

Meaning: “Suggest” is a subtle way of hinting at something, implying or hinting at a fact or idea without making a direct or overt statement.

Usage: In speculative discussions or when making educated guesses, “suggest” is a preferred term to indicate possible scenarios.

• This Highlights

Example: “The documentary highlights the challenges faced by refugees.”

Meaning: “Highlight” is like shining a spotlight on something, drawing special attention to or emphasizing a particular point, detail, or aspect, making it stand out.

Usage: Journalists and documentarians use “highlight” when they want to focus on specific issues or stories that need more public attention.

• This Reflects

Example: “The company’s values reflect its commitment to sustainability.”

Meaning: “Reflect” conveys the idea that something serves as a mirror image or a clear representation of a particular quality, sentiment, or fact, showcasing its essence.

Usage: In discussions about values, principles, or culture, “reflect” is used to show alignment or representation.

• This Illustrates

Example: “Her story illustrates the hardships faced by many immigrants.”

Meaning: “Illustrate” is akin to painting a picture with words, serving as a vivid example or clarification of a point, making abstract ideas more tangible.

Usage: Educators and trainers often use “illustrate” when providing examples to explain complex concepts.

• This Confirms

Example: “The DNA test confirms the suspect’s presence at the crime scene.”

Meaning: “Confirm” is a stamp of validation, establishing the truth, accuracy, or correctness of something without a shadow of a doubt.

Usage: In legal or scientific contexts, “confirm” is used when evidence solidly supports a claim or hypothesis.

• This Points To

Example: “The data points to a significant increase in sales next quarter.”

Meaning: “Points to” is like a compass directing attention or focus towards a particular conclusion, fact, or outcome, guiding the narrative.

Usage: Analysts and forecasters use “points to” when discussing trends or predictions based on current data.

• This Underscores

Example: “The recent events underscore the importance of preparedness.”

Meaning: “Underscore” is like underlining a written word, emphasizing or giving added force to a point, ensuring it’s not overlooked.

Usage: Speakers and writers use “underscore” when they want to stress the significance or urgency of a particular point or issue.

Choosing the Right Expression for the Context

The context in which you speak or write plays a key role in choosing an expression. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. The right choice of words can improve the impact of your message by making it more resonant and memorable for your audience.

Formal Writing :

In environments that demand precision and clarity, such as research papers, official documents, or business communications, it’s crucial to use terms that convey authority and specificity. Expressions like “validates,” “corroborates,” and “signifies” not only sound professional but also add weight to the statements, ensuring that the audience understands the gravity of the information being presented.

Casual Conversations :

When you’re engaged in daily dialogues, be it with friends, family, or acquaintances, the tone is often more relaxed and personal. In such settings, it’s more about connection than precision. Using expressions like “depicts” or “conveys” can make the conversation flow more naturally, allowing for a more genuine exchange of thoughts and feelings.

Artistic Endeavors :

The realm of art and creativity thrives on emotion, imagination, and nuance. Whether you’re penning a poem, crafting a story, or delivering a theatrical performance, the words you choose can paint vivid images in the minds of your audience. Expressions like “exemplifies” or “accentuates” can add layers of depth and texture to your narrative, allowing your audience to delve deeper into the world you’re creating.

In conclusion, the power of language lies not only in the words we choose but also in the context in which we use them. By considering our audience and setting, we can choose expressions that resonate more deeply, amplifying the impact of our message. Whether in formal discourse, casual chats, or artistic creations, adapting our language elevates our communication.

As we continue to explore and expand our language repertoire, we enrich not only our own expression but also the experience of those we interact with. For those who want to dive deeper into the nuances of language and its impact, the Oxford English Dictionary offers a treasure trove of insights. Remember, it’s not just about saying something, it’s about making it really meaningful.

1. Why is “this shows” such a commonly used expression in English?

“This shows” is a straightforward and clear way to introduce evidence or illustrate a point. Its simplicity makes it a popular choice in both spoken and written English to connect an observation with its implication.

2. In what contexts is “this shows” most appropriately used?

While versatile, “this shows” is most commonly found in analytical writing , such as essays, reports, and research papers . It’s used to introduce evidence or examples that support a preceding statement or argument.

3. Can “this shows” be overused in writing or speech?

Yes, like any phrase, over-reliance on “this shows” can make writing sound repetitive. It’s beneficial to diversify expressions to maintain reader engagement and convey depth of thought.

4. Are there situations where “this shows” might not be the best choice? In very formal or technical writing, more specific phrases might be preferred to convey precise relationships between data or observations. Additionally, in casual conversations, more relaxed expressions might be more fitting.

5. Is “this shows” understood universally in English-speaking cultures? Generally, yes. “This shows” is a standard expression in English and is widely understood across English-speaking cultures. However, the nuances of what follows might vary based on cultural contexts.

6. Can the overuse of “this shows” impact the quality of my writing?

While the expression itself is neutral, overusing any phrase can make writing seem monotonous. For quality writing, it’s essential to have a mix of expressions that fit the context and effectively convey the intended message.

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• 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument . Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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Other Words for “This Shows” – This Shows Synonyms

When you use the phrase, “this shows,” you are making a demonstration for proof or evidence of something. There are many ways to say this phrase, which helps to reduce redundancy in writing or speaking English. Some of the most common are “illustrates,” “demonstrates” and “proves,” among a host of others.

Opting to apply synonym phrases for “this shows” will convey nuance and refinement with a command of language. In some cases, you may end up using the wrong synonym when you mean to intend “this shows.”

The Meaning; Grammar of “This Shows”

“This shows” combines the demonstrative pronoun “this” with the present tense conjugation of the verb, “to show.” You use it in situations where you are providing proof or evidence as a result of something. Consider the examples below to understand the use of “this shows” in greater detail.

If Janet is over at Mary’s, then this shows she never went to the bank.

This shows you registered to vote, complete with your ID and address.

Other Synonym Phrases

While “this shows” is a solid and succinct way to indicate proof or evidence of something, there are other means by which to convey the same thing. What you are going to change is the verb “shows” with one of the following words:

• Authenticates
• Demonstrates
• Establishes
• Illustrates
• Testifies to

Examples of Synonym Phrases

While all of these are acceptable synonyms for “this shows,” not all of them will be appropriate in every circumstance or situation. For instance, in the “awkward” synonym exchange below, “testifies to” and “expose” don’t quite characterize the sentiment of the statements.

• Original: If Janet is over at Mary’s, then this shows she never went to the bank.
• Awkward: If Janet is over at Mary’s, then this testifies to she never went to the bank.
• Acceptable: If Janet is over at Mary’s, then this proves she never went to the bank.
• Original: This shows you registered to vote, complete with ID and address.
• Awkward: This exposes you registered to vote, complete with ID and address.
• Acceptable: This validates you registered to vote, complete with ID and address.

As you can see, there are many different ways to say “this shows.” But, you want to be careful with which verb you use, otherwise, it may sound awkward or strange.

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Synonyms of 'show' in American English

Synonyms of 'show' in british english, phrasal verbs:  , additional synonyms, video: pronunciation of show.

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Synonyms of essay

• as in article
• as in attempt
• as in to attempt
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Thesaurus Definition of essay

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dissertation
• composition
• prolegomenon
• undertaking
• trial and error
• experimentation

Thesaurus Definition of essay  (Entry 2 of 2)

• have a go at
• try one's hand (at)

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How does the verb essay differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of essay are attempt , endeavor , strive , and try . While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

When might attempt be a better fit than essay ?

While the synonyms attempt and essay are close in meaning, attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

Where would endeavor be a reasonable alternative to essay ?

Although the words endeavor and essay have much in common, endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

When is strive a more appropriate choice than essay ?

While in some cases nearly identical to essay , strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

How do try and attempt relate to one another, in the sense of essay ?

Try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

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verb as in actively exhibit something

Strongest matches

• demonstrate

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verb as in passively exhibit something

• materialize
• make the scene
• put in appearance
• show one's face

verb as in grant

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verb as in accompany

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Example sentences.

Barry showed me his room—a one bedroom with a killer view of Riverbank State Park and the Hudson.

Everyone showed lots of skin and courtship perfumed the air.

When the police showed up, it was the property owners who were arrested.

Another picture showed him surrounded by a dozen or so fighters—some masked and others laughing.

And Asians also showed a shift toward the GOP in the mid-terms.

Vain also was the valour and ability he showed in the campaign against the Royalists in La Vende.

Charred beams and blackened walls showed stark and gaunt in the glow of a smoldering mass of wreckage.

At Felipe's cry, the women waiting in the hall hurried in, wailing aloud as their first glance showed them all was over.

And sure enough when Sunday came, and the pencil was restored to him, he promptly showed nurse his picture.

The little boy of two, often quoted here, showed a punctilious feeling for order in the placing of things.

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On this page you'll find 160 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to showed, such as: exhibit, reveal, sell, offer, air, and produce.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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Amanda Hoover

Students Are Likely Writing Millions of Papers With AI

Students have submitted more than 22 million papers that may have used generative AI in the past year, new data released by plagiarism detection company Turnitin shows.

A year ago, Turnitin rolled out an AI writing detection tool that was trained on its trove of papers written by students as well as other AI-generated texts. Since then, more than 200 million papers have been reviewed by the detector, predominantly written by high school and college students. Turnitin found that 11 percent may contain AI-written language in 20 percent of its content, with 3 percent of the total papers reviewed getting flagged for having 80 percent or more AI writing. (Turnitin is owned by Advance, which also owns Condé Nast, publisher of WIRED.) Turnitin says its detector has a false positive rate of less than 1 percent when analyzing full documents.

ChatGPT’s launch was met with knee-jerk fears that the English class essay would die . The chatbot can synthesize information and distill it near-instantly—but that doesn’t mean it always gets it right. Generative AI has been known to hallucinate , creating its own facts and citing academic references that don’t actually exist. Generative AI chatbots have also been caught spitting out biased text on gender and race . Despite those flaws, students have used chatbots for research, organizing ideas, and as a ghostwriter . Traces of chatbots have even been found in peer-reviewed, published academic writing .

Teachers understandably want to hold students accountable for using generative AI without permission or disclosure. But that requires a reliable way to prove AI was used in a given assignment. Instructors have tried at times to find their own solutions to detecting AI in writing, using messy, untested methods to enforce rules , and distressing students. Further complicating the issue, some teachers are even using generative AI in their grading processes.

Detecting the use of gen AI is tricky. It’s not as easy as flagging plagiarism, because generated text is still original text. Plus, there’s nuance to how students use gen AI; some may ask chatbots to write their papers for them in large chunks or in full, while others may use the tools as an aid or a brainstorm partner.

Students also aren't tempted by only ChatGPT and similar large language models. So-called word spinners are another type of AI software that rewrites text, and may make it less obvious to a teacher that work was plagiarized or generated by AI. Turnitin’s AI detector has also been updated to detect word spinners, says Annie Chechitelli, the company’s chief product officer. It can also flag work that was rewritten by services like spell checker Grammarly, which now has its own generative AI tool . As familiar software increasingly adds generative AI components, what students can and can’t use becomes more muddled.

Detection tools themselves have a risk of bias. English language learners may be more likely to set them off; a 2023 study found a 61.3 percent false positive rate when evaluating Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exams with seven different AI detectors. The study did not examine Turnitin’s version. The company says it has trained its detector on writing from English language learners as well as native English speakers. A study published in October found that Turnitin was among the most accurate of 16 AI language detectors in a test that had the tool examine undergraduate papers and AI-generated papers.

Julian Chokkattu

Eric Geller

Caroline Haskins

Schools that use Turnitin had access to the AI detection software for a free pilot period, which ended at the start of this year. Chechitelli says a majority of the service’s clients have opted to purchase the AI detection. But the risks of false positives and bias against English learners have led some universities to ditch the tools for now. Montclair State University in New Jersey announced in November that it would pause use of Turnitin’s AI detector. Vanderbilt University and Northwestern University did the same last summer.

“This is hard. I understand why people want a tool,” says Emily Isaacs, executive director of the Office of Faculty Excellence at Montclair State. But Isaacs says the university is concerned about potentially biased results from AI detectors, as well as the fact that the tools can’t provide confirmation the way they can with plagiarism. Plus, Montclair State doesn’t want to put a blanket ban on AI, which will have some place in academia. With time and more trust in the tools, the policies could change. “It’s not a forever decision, it’s a now decision,” Isaacs says.

Chechitelli says the Turnitin tool shouldn’t be the only consideration in passing or failing a student. Instead, it’s a chance for teachers to start conversations with students that touch on all of the nuance in using generative AI. “People don’t really know where that line should be,” she says.

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