Effective communication is key to getting your point across in any conversation, whether it’s casual, professional, or academic. Sometimes, we find ourselves overusing phrases like “This shows” or “This indicates” without realizing that there are many other ways to express similar ideas.
Using a variety of expressions can help make your writing or speaking more engaging and nuanced. In this article, we’ll explore what to say instead of “This shows” and how you can diversify your vocabulary to improve your communication skills.
1. What Does “This Shows” Really Mean?
Before we explore alternatives, it’s important to understand the meaning behind the phrase “this shows.” In most contexts, “This shows” is used to point out a fact, idea, or conclusion that is clearly evident from the situation or evidence. For example, you might say, “This shows that she is very dedicated.”
While this is perfectly fine in many situations, overusing it can make your writing or speech sound repetitive. Let’s explore other options to express the same meaning with more variety.
2. Instead of ‘This Shows,’ Try ‘This Demonstrates’
One of the most common alternatives to “This shows” is “This demonstrates.” It gives your statement a more formal tone and emphasizes how something clearly illustrates or proves a point.
Example:
- Instead of: “This shows the effectiveness of the new policy.”
- Try: “This demonstrates the effectiveness of the new policy.”
By using “demonstrates”, you’re subtly highlighting that the evidence is making something clear.
3. Use ‘This Reveals’ for Emphasis
If you’re looking to emphasize the clarity of the information or the unexpected nature of what has been uncovered, “This reveals” can be a great choice. It adds depth to your statement and is often used when something important or surprising has come to light.
Example:
- Instead of: “This shows how much effort he’s put in.”
- Try: “This reveals how much effort he’s put in.”
The word “reveals” adds a sense of discovery, which can be impactful when discussing findings or insights.
4. Consider ‘This Suggests’ for Tentative Conclusions
When you’re not fully certain of a conclusion but still want to hint at it, “This suggests” can be a great alternative to “This shows.” It’s more tentative and implies that the evidence points toward a possible outcome without making an absolute statement.
Example:
- Instead of: “This shows that the team will succeed.”
- Try: “This suggests that the team will succeed.”
This phrase is useful when presenting theories or drawing conclusions based on indirect evidence.
5. Swap for ‘This Indicates’ in Analytical Writing
For a more analytical or objective tone, “This indicates” works well. It’s commonly used in both academic and professional contexts to point out something that can be inferred from the data or evidence.
Example:
- Instead of: “This shows an increase in sales.”
- Try: “This indicates an increase in sales.”
“Indicates” implies that the evidence points to a specific conclusion, making it an excellent choice for formal writing.
6. Use ‘This Confirms’ for Strong Evidence
When you have strong evidence to back up your statement, “This confirms” is an ideal substitute. It suggests that the facts or information you’ve presented provide clear proof of a particular conclusion.
Example:
- Instead of: “This shows the validity of the research.”
- Try: “This confirms the validity of the research.”
Using “confirms” gives a sense of certainty and reliability to your point.
Final Thoughts: Expanding Your Vocabulary for Clearer Communication
Knowing what to say instead of “This shows” can significantly improve your communication by making your writing or speech more varied and precise. Whether you choose “demonstrates,” “reveals,” “suggests,” “indicates,” or “confirms,” each of these alternatives brings a unique tone and nuance to your message.
So, the next time you find yourself reaching for “this shows,” try out one of these options to make your point even clearer and more engaging