In academic and analytical writing, the phrase “this shows” is commonly used to explain evidence, examples, or quotes that support an argument. However, using it repeatedly can make your essay sound repetitive or simplistic.
To make your writing more polished and sophisticated, you can replace “this shows” with a range of alternatives that better reflect analysis, interpretation, or cause-effect reasoning — depending on your context.
Below are 25+ strong alternatives to “this shows”, each with its meaning, example, best use, and tone to help you elevate your essay writing.
1. This Demonstrates
Meaning: Clearly reveals or proves something through evidence.
Example: This demonstrates the author’s ability to create empathy through detailed characterization.
Best Use: When explaining how evidence supports your point.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
2. This Suggests
Meaning: Indicates or implies a certain interpretation or idea.
Example: This suggests that the character’s actions are driven by internal conflict rather than circumstance.
Best Use: When making an inference or interpretation.
Tone: Thoughtful, interpretive.
3. This Illustrates
Meaning: Provides an example that clarifies or strengthens a point.
Example: This illustrates the growing tension between social classes in the novel.
Best Use: When connecting evidence to a broader idea.
Tone: Clear, academic.
4. This Reveals
Meaning: Uncovers or exposes an important truth or insight.
Example: This reveals the protagonist’s fear of vulnerability.
Best Use: When discussing character motives or hidden meanings.
Tone: Analytical, precise.
5. This Highlights
Meaning: Draws attention to a significant feature or idea.
Example: This highlights the author’s critique of materialism.
Best Use: When emphasizing a key point or theme.
Tone: Emphatic, academic.
6. This Emphasizes
Meaning: Stresses or reinforces an important aspect of the text.
Example: This emphasizes the importance of community and shared struggle.
Best Use: When reinforcing a central argument or message.
Tone: Strong, assertive.
7. This Implies
Meaning: Suggests a meaning that is not stated directly.
Example: This implies that power dynamics play a crucial role in their relationship.
Best Use: When analyzing subtle or indirect meaning.
Tone: Interpretive, nuanced.
8. This Indicates
Meaning: Points out or provides evidence of a fact or trend.
Example: This indicates a shift in the character’s moral perspective.
Best Use: When showing evidence of change or development.
Tone: Objective, formal.
9. This Exemplifies
Meaning: Serves as a perfect example of something.
Example: This exemplifies the author’s use of irony to critique social norms.
Best Use: When identifying a clear instance of a literary or rhetorical device.
Tone: Scholarly, precise.
10. This Conveys
Meaning: Communicates or expresses a particular feeling, idea, or message.
Example: This conveys a deep sense of loss and nostalgia.
Best Use: When discussing tone, emotion, or mood.
Tone: Expressive, academic.
11. This Underscores
Meaning: Reinforces or brings special attention to a point.
Example: This underscores the importance of moral integrity in the narrative.
Best Use: When emphasizing central themes or lessons.
Tone: Formal, persuasive.
12. This Reflects
Meaning: Shows a connection between the text and broader ideas or values.
Example: This reflects the author’s belief in personal accountability.
Best Use: When linking evidence to philosophy or worldview.
Tone: Analytical, reflective.
13. This Represents
Meaning: Symbolizes or stands for a larger concept.
Example: This represents the struggle between tradition and progress.
Best Use: When discussing symbolism or imagery.
Tone: Academic, interpretive.
14. This Portrays
Meaning: Depicts or presents an idea through imagery or description.
Example: This portrays the harsh reality of industrial life.
Best Use: When analyzing descriptive or narrative elements.
Tone: Descriptive, analytical.
15. This Exemplifies How
Meaning: Serves as an illustration of a specific process or effect.
Example: This exemplifies how greed can lead to moral decay.
Best Use: When linking cause and effect in analysis.
Tone: Academic, explanatory.
16. This Clarifies
Meaning: Makes a complex idea more understandable.
Example: This clarifies the author’s stance on human nature.
Best Use: When explaining abstract concepts or arguments.
Tone: Objective, precise.
17. This Depicts
Meaning: Visually or narratively shows an event, emotion, or concept.
Example: This depicts the emotional distance between the characters.
Best Use: When analyzing imagery or visual description.
Tone: Analytical, descriptive.
18. This Reinforces
Meaning: Strengthens an argument, idea, or impression.
Example: This reinforces the theme of perseverance throughout the story.
Best Use: When showing consistency or repetition of an idea.
Tone: Assertive, academic.
19. This Symbolizes
Meaning: Represents a deeper meaning through symbols or motifs.
Example: This symbolizes the loss of innocence experienced by the protagonist.
Best Use: When discussing literary symbolism or metaphor.
Tone: Interpretive, literary.
20. This Exemplifies the Idea That
Meaning: Clearly supports a specific point or argument.
Example: This exemplifies the idea that power often corrupts those who hold it.
Best Use: When tying evidence directly to a thesis statement.
Tone: Analytical, formal.
21. This Proves
Meaning: Offers strong evidence supporting an argument.
Example: This proves the effectiveness of the author’s persuasive techniques.
Best Use: When presenting clear, factual support.
Tone: Confident, assertive.
22. This Establishes
Meaning: Firmly sets or confirms an idea or principle.
Example: This establishes the foundation for the author’s later argument.
Best Use: When showing how early evidence supports a larger point.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
23. This Affirms
Meaning: Confirms or validates a statement or belief.
Example: This affirms the central claim that compassion drives human behavior.
Best Use: When reinforcing a previously stated idea.
Tone: Confident, academic.
24. This Echoes
Meaning: Reflects or repeats a theme or message found elsewhere in the text.
Example: This echoes the recurring motif of freedom and identity.
Best Use: When identifying repetition or consistency.
Tone: Literary, analytical.
25. This Reinforces the Notion That
Meaning: Strengthens an existing interpretation or perspective.
Example: This reinforces the notion that true leadership requires empathy.
Best Use: When connecting evidence to a broader argument.
Tone: Formal, persuasive.
Conclusion
Instead of repeating “this shows” throughout your essay, using more precise alternatives like “this demonstrates,” “this highlights,” or “this reveals” can make your analysis sound more professional and insightful.
- For formal academic writing, use: demonstrates, indicates, exemplifies, underscores.
- For literary analysis, use: reveals, symbolizes, portrays, reflects.
- For interpretive essays, use: suggests, implies, conveys.
Choosing the right alternative strengthens your argument and helps your writing sound more sophisticated, varied, and analytical — essential for essays that stand out.
