Introduction
The phrase “this shows” is commonly used in writing and speech to indicate evidence, results, or conclusions drawn from facts or observations. While it’s clear and simple, it can sound repetitive or informal when overused especially in academic, professional, or business contexts. Using more formal alternatives not only elevates your tone but also strengthens clarity, credibility, and precision in communication. Whether you’re writing a report, research paper, business proposal, or formal email, choosing refined expressions helps convey authority and analytical depth. In this article, you’ll discover 33+ formal synonyms for “this shows,” each explained with meaning, tone, examples, and guidance on when to use them effectively. These alternatives will help you sound more polished, articulate, and professional in high-level writing.
What Does “This Shows” Mean?
“This shows” is used to indicate that evidence, data, or an example supports a particular conclusion or idea.
It signals interpretation, demonstration, or proof derived from information presented earlier.
When to Use It
You might use “this shows” or its formal alternatives when:
- Presenting evidence or findings
- Drawing conclusions from data
- Explaining implications or results
Examples:
- This shows the importance of early planning.
- This shows a clear improvement in performance.
Is It Polite or Professional?
“This shows” is neutral but informal.
In formal writing—such as academic papers, reports, or official correspondence—more sophisticated alternatives are preferred.
33+ Formal Synonyms for “This Shows”
1. This demonstrates
Meaning: Clearly proves or illustrates
Tone: Formal
Example: This demonstrates the effectiveness of the strategy.
Explanation: Strong and authoritative.
Purpose: Academic and professional writing.
2. This indicates
Meaning: Suggests or points to
Tone: Formal
Example: This indicates a positive trend in sales.
Explanation: Analytical and precise.
Purpose: Reports and data analysis.
3. This illustrates
Meaning: Makes clear through example
Tone: Formal
Example: This illustrates the impact of policy changes.
Explanation: Clear and explanatory.
Purpose: Academic writing.
4. This suggests
Meaning: Implies a conclusion
Tone: Formal
Example: This suggests a need for further review.
Explanation: Slightly tentative.
Purpose: Research and analysis.
5. This reveals
Meaning: Makes evident
Tone: Formal
Example: This reveals underlying issues in the system.
Explanation: Emphasizes discovery.
Purpose: Analytical writing.
6. This confirms
Meaning: Verifies or validates
Tone: Formal
Example: This confirms our initial assumptions.
Explanation: Strong conclusion marker.
Purpose: Reports and evaluations.
7. This highlights
Meaning: Draws attention to
Tone: Formal
Example: This highlights the importance of compliance.
Explanation: Emphasizes significance.
Purpose: Presentations and reports.
8. This reflects
Meaning: Represents or mirrors
Tone: Formal
Example: This reflects current market conditions.
Explanation: Analytical and neutral.
Purpose: Business writing.
9. This underscores
Meaning: Emphasizes strongly
Tone: Formal
Example: This underscores the urgency of action.
Explanation: Powerful emphasis.
Purpose: Persuasive writing.
10. This evidences
Meaning: Provides evidence of
Tone: Very formal
Example: This evidences a decline in productivity.
Explanation: Legal or academic tone.
Purpose: Formal documents.
11. This substantiates
Meaning: Supports with proof
Tone: Formal
Example: This substantiates the proposed theory.
Explanation: Strong validation.
Purpose: Research writing.
12. This establishes
Meaning: Sets firmly or proves
Tone: Formal
Example: This establishes a clear relationship between variables.
Explanation: Definitive tone.
Purpose: Academic papers.
13. This signifies
Meaning: Indicates importance or meaning
Tone: Formal
Example: This signifies a shift in strategy.
Explanation: Interpretive.
Purpose: Strategic communication.
14. This exemplifies
Meaning: Serves as an example
Tone: Formal
Example: This exemplifies best practices in leadership.
Explanation: Illustrative and polished.
Purpose: Professional writing.
15. This attests to
Meaning: Provides confirmation
Tone: Formal
Example: This attests to the team’s commitment.
Explanation: Affirming tone.
Purpose: Formal statements.
16. This conveys
Meaning: Communicates meaning
Tone: Formal
Example: This conveys the seriousness of the issue.
Explanation: Clear and refined.
Purpose: Reports and messaging.
17. This denotes
Meaning: Explicitly indicates
Tone: Formal
Example: This denotes a significant improvement.
Explanation: Precise and academic.
Purpose: Scholarly writing.
18. This points to
Meaning: Indicates indirectly
Tone: Formal
Example: This points to a potential risk.
Explanation: Slightly less formal but acceptable.
Purpose: Analytical contexts.
19. This reflects evidence that
Meaning: Shows through data
Tone: Formal
Example: This reflects evidence that performance has improved.
Explanation: Data-driven phrasing.
Purpose: Research and reports.
20. This implies
Meaning: Suggests indirectly
Tone: Formal
Example: This implies a need for policy revision.
Explanation: Subtle conclusion.
Purpose: Analytical writing.
21. This verifies
Meaning: Confirms accuracy
Tone: Formal
Example: This verifies the accuracy of the results.
Explanation: Strong factual tone.
Purpose: Reports.
22. This affirms
Meaning: States confidently
Tone: Formal
Example: This affirms our commitment to quality.
Explanation: Positive assertion.
Purpose: Corporate communication.
23. This validates
Meaning: Confirms legitimacy
Tone: Formal
Example: This validates the proposed approach.
Explanation: Professional and assertive.
Purpose: Business and academic use.
24. This brings to light
Meaning: Reveals clearly
Tone: Formal
Example: This brings to light key operational gaps.
Explanation: Emphasizes discovery.
Purpose: Analytical reports.
25. This makes evident
Meaning: Clearly shows
Tone: Formal
Example: This makes evident the need for reform.
Explanation: Direct but refined.
Purpose: Formal arguments.
26. This clarifies
Meaning: Makes understanding clearer
Tone: Formal
Example: This clarifies the underlying issue.
Explanation: Focuses on understanding.
Purpose: Explanatory writing.
27. This demonstrates clearly
Meaning: Strong illustration
Tone: Formal
Example: This demonstrates clearly the benefits of the policy.
Explanation: Emphasizes clarity.
Purpose: Persuasive writing.
28. This supports the conclusion that
Meaning: Evidence-based
Tone: Formal
Example: This supports the conclusion that changes are required.
Explanation: Academic phrasing.
Purpose: Research papers.
29. This serves as evidence that
Meaning: Proof-based
Tone: Formal
Example: This serves as evidence that performance has improved.
Explanation: Explicit and clear.
Purpose: Formal analysis.
30. This highlights the fact that
Meaning: Emphasizes truth
Tone: Formal
Example: This highlights the fact that resources are limited.
Explanation: Emphatic yet professional.
Purpose: Reports.
31. This indicates that
Meaning: Points to a conclusion
Tone: Formal
Example: This indicates that further investigation is required.
Explanation: Neutral and analytical.
Purpose: Professional writing.
32. This reinforces
Meaning: Strengthens an idea
Tone: Formal
Example: This reinforces the importance of transparency.
Explanation: Supportive emphasis.
Purpose: Persuasive texts.
33. This confirms that
Meaning: Validates a statement
Tone: Formal
Example: This confirms that the objectives were met.
Explanation: Definitive conclusion.
Purpose: Business and academic reports.
34. This provides evidence of
Meaning: Shows proof
Tone: Formal
Example: This provides evidence of sustained growth.
Explanation: Data-focused.
Purpose: Analytical writing.
Conclusion
While “this shows” is simple and effective, relying on it too often can weaken the sophistication of your writing. These 34 formal alternatives allow you to express evidence, interpretation, and conclusions with greater precision and authority. By selecting the right phrase for your context—academic, professional, or analytical you enhance clarity and credibility. Experimenting with these expressions will help your writing sound more polished, confident, and persuasive.
