Finding the right words matters, especially when you want to express something with warmth, clarity, and care. Sometimes “this shows” can feel too direct or formal, so having thoughtful alternatives helps you sound more personal, empathetic, and engaging–whether you’re communicating at work, in school, or in heartfelt conversations. These phrases help you connect with your reader or listener, and make your message feel intentional and meaningful.
What Does “This Shows” Mean?
When you say “this shows,” you are explaining that something proves or supports what you are saying. It helps connect an example to a bigger point or idea. For instance, if someone works hard and reaches their goal, you could say “this shows” they are determined and focused. The phrase is clear and direct, and it helps people understand why something matters or what it means.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “This Shows”?
Yes, it’s professional, polite, and widely accepted. However, it can sound overly formal or repetitive in emotional or conversational writing.
Using alternatives can help you express nuance, empathy, and personal insight.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Saying “This Shows”
Advantages:
- Clear and direct
- Professional and academic
- Easy for readers to understand
Disadvantages:
- Can feel stiff in personal conversations
- Lacks emotional warmth
- May sound repetitive if overused
Why You Need Alternatives to “This Shows”
Using the same phrase too often can make your writing feel flat. When you vary language strategically, your message becomes:
- Clearer
- More professional
- More persuasive
- More engaging for readers
Whether you’re writing an essay, business report, email, or presentation script, using thoughtful alternatives communicates confidence and skill.
Best Alternatives to Say “This Shows”
Below are effective substitutions with meaning and examples. Pick based on tone and clarity.
| Alternative Phrase | Meaning | Example |
| This demonstrates | Provides evidence or proof | This demonstrates our plan’s success over time. |
| This indicates | Suggests something is likely | This indicates customers prefer faster service options. |
| This suggests | Implies a conclusion | This suggests ongoing investment is needed. |
| This highlights | Draws attention to something important | This highlights the importance of staff training. |
| This proves | Confirms with strong certainty | This proves the model is efficient and scalable. |
| This illustrates | Clarifies through example | This illustrates how user behavior shifts during peak times. |
| This confirms | Shows something is correct | This confirms the accuracy of previous research. |
| This reflects | Shows behavior, idea, trend | This reflects changing industry expectations. |
| This points to | Directs attention toward conclusion | This points to an opportunity to improve retention. |
| This supports the idea | Strengthens a claim or argument | This supports the idea that communication boosts productivity. |
| This reveals | Shows something previously unclear | This reveals gaps in the current workflow. |
| This makes clear | Removes confusion or doubt | This makes clear the need for updated policies. |
| This emphasizes | Puts strong importance on | This emphasizes the value of consistent training. |
| This underlines | Reinforces an argument or finding | This underlines the importance of customer feedback. |
| This signals | Suggests an upcoming change or trend | This signals a shift in consumer priorities. |
| This depicts | Uses data or visuals to show | This depicts strong growth in Q2. |
| This confirms | Verifies or validates | This confirms the efficiency of the new process. |
| This conveys | Communicates or expresses | This conveys a strong commitment to innovation. |
Formal Alternatives to “This Shows”
Use these in academic writing, reports, research, and professional analysis:
- This demonstrates
- This indicates
- This suggests
- This supports the conclusion that…
- This confirms
- This reveals
- This makes evident
- This underscores
- This substantiates
Example in a formal sentence:
The data indicates a significant improvement in user retention following the redesign.
Informal / Conversational Alternatives
Great for emails, presentations, and simpler tone:
- This shows
- This highlights
- This goes to show
- This makes it clear
- This proves
Example in conversation:
This goes to show how much customer habits have changed.
Professional Email-Friendly Alternatives
Use when presenting results or insights at work:
- This highlights
- This demonstrates
- This points to
- This suggests
- This reinforces
Example:
This highlights the need to prioritize onboarding improvements.
Academic Writing Alternatives
Strong choices for essays, research papers, and reports:
- This suggests
- This illustrates
- This provides evidence
- This validates
- This supports the hypothesis that…
Example:
This supports the hypothesis that early exposure improves skill development.
Tips for Choosing the Right Phrase
| Writing Goal | Best Choice |
| Show certainty | Proves, confirms, demonstrates |
| Suggest possibility | Indicates, suggests, points to |
| Emphasize importance | Highlights, reinforces, underlines |
| Academic tone | Supports the hypothesis, illustrates, reveals |
| Simple tone | Shows, makes clear, proves |
👉 Always match the phrase to your level of confidence and formality.
Sentence Templates You Can Use
- This demonstrates that…
- This supports the claim that…
- This suggests there is a need for…
- This highlights how important it is to…
- This proves that the model works in practice.
Copy and paste as needed!
This Shows Synonyms
- This demonstrates
- This highlights
- This reveals
- This indicates
- This reflects
- This proves
- This suggests
- This illustrates
- This confirms
- This emphasizes
- This communicates
- This points to
- This underscores
- This makes it clear
- This brings to light
- This expresses
- This conveys
- This sheds light on
- This signals
- This affirms
- This clarifies
- This supports
- This makes evident
- This outlines
- This stresses
- This reinforces
- This makes apparent
- This gives insight into
- This demonstrates clearly
- This makes obvious
1. This demonstrates
Meaning: Shows or proves something clearly
Definition: Expresses evidence or proof through behavior, facts, or actions
Detailed Explanation: Use when you want to highlight that something is backed by observable evidence
Scenario Example:
Her consistent kindness demonstrates her genuine heart.
Best Use: Professional, academic, and personal contexts
Tone: Confident and clear
2. This highlights
Meaning: Brings attention to something important
Definition: Points out significance or value
Detailed Explanation: Great for emphasizing key takeaways
Scenario Example:
The support we received highlights how strong our community is.
Best Use: Emotional and professional messages
Tone: Warm, thoughtful
3. This reveals
Meaning: Uncovers something previously unseen or unnoticed
Definition: Shows hidden or deeper truth
Detailed Explanation: Use when pointing out insight or realization
Scenario Example:
His patience reveals his deep understanding.
Best Use: Personal conversations and reflective writing
Tone: Insightful, gentle
4. This indicates
Meaning: Suggests evidence toward a conclusion
Definition: Shows a likely truth or trend
Detailed Explanation: Often used in analysis or logical observations
Scenario Example:
The results indicate we’re moving in the right direction.
Best Use: Work and academic settings
Tone: Analytical, calm
5. This reflects
Meaning: Shows or mirrors a deeper truth
Definition: Demonstrates inner values, qualities, or meaning
Detailed Explanation: Use when something represents character or emotion
Scenario Example:
Her gratitude reflects her appreciation for everyone who helped.
Best Use: Emotional or thoughtful expression
Tone: Warm, reflective
6. This proves
Meaning: Shows something is true without doubt
Definition: Provides strong evidence
Detailed Explanation: Best when certainty is strong
Scenario Example:
His dedication proves he’s committed to the team.
Best Use: Confident statements
Tone: Assertive
7. This suggests
Meaning: Implies something without stating it outright
Definition: Points toward a likely idea or conclusion
Detailed Explanation: Softer and more open-ended than “proves”
Scenario Example:
The way they welcomed us suggests they truly value connection.
Best Use: Empathetic or thoughtful contexts
Tone: Gentle, reflective
8. This illustrates
Meaning: Clearly explains through example
Definition: Helps someone understand through clarity
Detailed Explanation: Great for explanations and teaching
Scenario Example:
His actions illustrate what real support looks like.
Best Use: Educational, supportive tone
Tone: Clear, encouraging
9. This confirms
Meaning: Proves accuracy or truth
Definition: Shows official or verified support
Detailed Explanation: Use when something validates a belief or statement
Scenario Example:
The results confirm our efforts are paying off.
Best Use: Work and goal-setting discussions
Tone: Confident, positive
10. This emphasizes
Meaning: Draws strong attention to a point
Definition: Stresses importance
Detailed Explanation: Best when you want something to really stand out
Scenario Example:
The way she stayed calm emphasizes her resilience.
Best Use: Encouraging or reflective messages
Tone: Supportive
11. This communicates
Meaning: Expresses an idea or feeling
Definition: Conveys meaning through actions or words
Detailed Explanation: Highlights expression, not proof
Scenario Example:
His thoughtful question communicates respect.
Best Use: Emotional or meaningful settings
Tone: Warm and expressive
12. This points to
Meaning: Directs attention toward something
Definition: Suggests a conclusion or truth
Detailed Explanation: Slightly softer than “confirms”
Scenario Example:
His smile points to genuine happiness.
Best Use: Casual or reflective tone
Tone: Soft, thoughtful
13. This underscores
Meaning: Reinforces importance
Definition: Emphasizes strongly
Detailed Explanation: Great for deep values or lessons
Scenario Example:
This experience underscores why kindness matters.
Best Use: Meaningful insights
Tone: Serious, reflective
14. This makes it clear
Meaning: Creates strong understanding
Definition: Removes confusion or doubt
Detailed Explanation: Direct but friendly
Scenario Example:
Her support makes it clear she cares deeply.
Best Use: Heartfelt or professional
Tone: Warm clarity
15. This brings to light
Meaning: Reveals something hidden
Definition: Helps others notice what was overlooked
Detailed Explanation: Great for emotional realizations
Scenario Example:
This moment brings to light how much we rely on each other.
Best Use: Personal growth conversations
Tone: Insightful
16. This expresses
Meaning: Shows emotion or intention
Definition: Communicates through feeling or tone
Detailed Explanation: Best for emotional moments
Scenario Example:
His gratitude expresses deep appreciation.
Best Use: Heartfelt communication
Tone: Warm, emotional
17. This conveys
Meaning: Transfers meaning or emotion
Definition: Shows something through subtle detail
Detailed Explanation: Softer than “demonstrates”
Scenario Example:
Her tone conveys sincerity.
Best Use: Emotional and thoughtful contexts
Tone: Gentle
18. This sheds light on
Meaning: Helps clarify something that wasn’t obvious before
Definition: Provides new understanding or perspective
Detailed Explanation: Use when new information helps someone see things more clearly
Scenario Example:
His honest reflection sheds light on how much he’s grown.
Best Use: Moments of discovery or deeper awareness
Tone: Thoughtful, enlightening
19. This signals
Meaning: Suggests or hints at something happening or developing
Definition: Shows a sign of a future or present truth
Detailed Explanation: Great for emotional or behavioral cues
Scenario Example:
Her excitement signals how meaningful this opportunity is for her.
Best Use: Future-focused or emotional insights
Tone: Gentle, observant
Read More: 30 Other Ways to Say “That’s Not Good” (With Examples)
20. This affirms
Meaning: Confirms confidence in something
Definition: Shows reassurance or validation
Detailed Explanation: Best for supportive, uplifting messages
Scenario Example:
The way they stood with us affirms their loyalty.
Best Use: Encouraging communication
Tone: Positive, reinforcing
21. This clarifies
Meaning: Makes something easier to understand
Definition: Removes uncertainty or confusion
Detailed Explanation: Use when new information brings understanding
Scenario Example:
Her explanation clarifies what she truly values.
Best Use: Guidance and supportive feedback
Tone: Clear, helpful
22. This supports
Meaning: Gives backing or evidence to a point
Definition: Reinforces an idea or belief
Detailed Explanation: Use in honest, clear, and grounded statements
Scenario Example:
His actions support the idea that kindness comes naturally to him.
Best Use: Professional and emotional conversations
Tone: Neutral, helpful
23. This makes evident
Meaning: Makes something obviously true
Definition: Clearly displays truth
Detailed Explanation: A more elegant way to express certainty
Scenario Example:
Her resilience makes evident her strength during difficult times.
Best Use: Serious or thoughtful tone
Tone: Strong yet warm
24. This outlines
Meaning: Provides a clear summary
Definition: Shows the structure or key points of something
Detailed Explanation: Great when organizing thoughts or reflections
Scenario Example:
His message outlines the steps we need to take moving forward.
Best Use: Explanations, planning, guidance
Tone: Clear, instructional
25. This stresses
Meaning: Emphasizes importance strongly
Definition: Highlights something with urgency or weight
Detailed Explanation: Use when importance needs to be felt, not just understood
Scenario Example:
Her determination stresses how much this goal matters to her.
Best Use: Motivational or heartfelt situations
Tone: Strong, purposeful
26. This reinforces
Meaning: Strengthens a belief or idea
Definition: Adds support or confirmation
Detailed Explanation: Use when multiple moments or actions support a message
Scenario Example:
His consistency reinforces his dedication to growth.
Best Use: Encouraging others or highlighting reliability
Tone: Stable, affirming
27. This makes apparent
Meaning: Makes something visible and obvious
Definition: Brings understanding into clear sight
Detailed Explanation: Great for emotional clarity or realization
Scenario Example:
The way they spoke makes apparent their deep care for one another.
Best Use: Emotional clarity
Tone: Soft, reflective
28. This gives insight into
Meaning: Helps someone understand something more deeply
Definition: Reveals deeper meaning or motive
Detailed Explanation: Use when something reveals understanding beneath the surface
Scenario Example:
Her calm response gives insight into her emotional maturity.
Best Use: Emotional intelligence, reflection
Tone: Warm, understanding
29. This demonstrates clearly
Meaning: Shows something with absolute clarity
Definition: Explains or proves in an obvious way
Detailed Explanation: Similar to “demonstrates,” but more expressive and warm
Scenario Example:
His actions demonstrate clearly that he values every person here.
Best Use: Professional and heartfelt situations
Tone: Strong, sincere
30. This makes obvious
Meaning: Makes the truth undeniable
Definition: Shows something so clearly that it can’t be ignored
Detailed Explanation: Direct but still kind
Scenario Example:
Her excitement makes obvious how meaningful this moment truly is.
Best Use: Emotion-driven clarity
Tone: Honest, heartfelt
Conclusion
Finding alternatives to “this shows” helps you communicate with more emotion, more presence, and more human warmth. When you choose words thoughtfully, you don’t just convey information — you connect, affirm, and honor the meaning behind your message.
Whether you’re writing to inspire, comfort, teach, or celebrate, these phrases give you space to speak with heart and clarity.
Emma Rose is a dedicated language expert at Grammar Apex, committed to making grammar simple and accessible for everyone. With a deep understanding of language rules and a passion for clear communication, she provides expert guidance on everything from punctuation to sentence structure.