Ever caught yourself using “this shows” over and over in your writing? We’ve all been there – staring at our essay, report, or email, realizing we’ve used the same phrase three times in one paragraph. It’s that moment when you know your writing could use a little more spark, but your brain just keeps circling back to those same two reliable words.

I remember grading papers as a teaching assistant and seeing “this shows” so many times that the phrase started to lose all meaning. But here’s the thing – finding alternatives isn’t just about avoiding repetition. Each different phrase carries its own subtle nuance that can actually strengthen your point in different ways.

1. “This illustrates”

When you want to paint a picture with your evidence, “illustrates” brings a visual quality to your writing. It suggests that your example doesn’t just prove your point it makes it visible and clear.

Dr. Maya Collins, a writing instructor at Berkeley, explains why she loves this alternative: “When students shift from ‘shows’ to ‘illustrates,’ their thinking often becomes more concrete. They start looking for examples that truly visualize their ideas, not just assert them.”

Real-world example:
In academic writing: “The rising temperature data from Antarctica illustrates the accelerating impact of climate change on polar regions.”

Rather than simply stating evidence exists, “illustrates” suggests the evidence makes something clearer to see or understand.

2. “This reveals”

There’s something almost dramatic about “reveals”—like pulling back a curtain to expose what was previously hidden. When your evidence uncovers something surprising or not immediately obvious, “reveals” captures that moment of discovery.

“This reveals” works particularly well in analytical contexts where you’re digging beneath surface meanings:

Real-world example:
In literary analysis: “The author’s repeated use of water imagery reveals her underlying theme of psychological rebirth.”

This phrase is especially popular in investigative journalism and research papers where uncovering hidden patterns or meanings is the core objective.

3. “This demonstrates”

When you need to convey authority and certainty, “demonstrates” delivers. It carries a sense of proof and conclusiveness that “shows” lacks.

I worked with a legal writing consultant who insisted briefs should use “demonstrates” instead of “shows” because it sounds more definitive. “In court filings,” she explained, “you want language that leaves little room for doubt.”

Real-world example:
In a business proposal: “Our three consecutive quarters of growth demonstrates our ability to perform even in challenging market conditions.”

The corporate world embraces this alternative because it projects confidence and evidence-based decision making.

4. “This highlights”

When you want to draw attention to a particularly important aspect of your evidence, “highlights” does exactly that—it puts a spotlight on what matters most.

Real-world example:
In a performance review: “Your management of the Wilson project highlights your exceptional ability to coordinate cross-functional teams.”

Marketing professionals tend to favor this phrase because it helps emphasize key selling points without seeming overly promotional.

5. “This suggests”

Sometimes your evidence doesn’t definitively prove your point but indicates a likely conclusion. That’s where “suggests” comes in it acknowledges the interpretive nature of your analysis while still moving your argument forward.

This more cautious alternative is particularly valued in scientific writing, where researchers often avoid overstating their findings.

Real-world example:
In scientific research: “The correlation between these two variables suggests a potential causal relationship, though further research is needed.”

Dr. James Lin, a research methodologist, notes: “In science, ‘suggests’ reflects intellectual honesty. It acknowledges the limitations of our evidence while still advancing our understanding.”

6. “This reflects”

When you want to indicate that your evidence mirrors or represents something larger, “reflects” creates that connection beautifully.

Real-world example:
In social commentary: “The changing language in advertising reflects broader shifts in societal attitudes toward gender.”

Sociologists and cultural critics particularly appreciate this term for its ability to connect specific examples to larger patterns or trends.

7. “This indicates”

More subtle than “shows” but clearer than “suggests,” “indicates” points toward a conclusion without overstating the case. It’s the perfect middle ground when your evidence is strong but not absolute.

Real-world example:
In medical contexts: “The patient’s elevated white blood cell count indicates an infection, though additional tests will determine the specific cause.”

Healthcare professionals often use this language because it conveys professional judgment while acknowledging that medicine requires careful interpretation of multiple factors.

10 More Ways to Say “This Shows”

8. “This underscores”

There’s something powerful about the word “underscores” – it doesn’t just point to evidence; it emphasizes it with a confident stroke. When you want to draw attention to how your example reinforces a crucial point, this phrase adds weight and significance.

Professor Daniel Whitman, who teaches rhetoric at Northwestern, told me he encourages this phrase specifically for conclusion paragraphs: “When students use ‘underscores,’ they’re signaling to readers that this particular piece of evidence doesn’t just support their argument it’s foundational to it.”

Real-world example:
In policy analysis: “The disproportionate impact of flooding on low-income neighborhoods underscores the urgent need for equity-focused climate adaptation strategies.”

Environmental justice advocates frequently employ this phrase when connecting data points to larger systemic issues, giving their evidence an additional layer of moral urgency.

9. “This exemplifies”

When your example isn’t just supporting evidence but a perfect representation of your point, “exemplifies” captures that ideal relationship. It elevates a single example as the embodiment of a broader principle.

Real-world example:
In architectural criticism: “The Guggenheim Bilbao exemplifies how contemporary architecture can transform not just skylines but entire urban economies.”

I spoke with design professor Amara Chen, who explained: “In creative fields, we’re constantly searching for that perfect exemplar the case study that captures everything we’re trying to teach. When something truly exemplifies a principle, it becomes an invaluable teaching tool.”

This phrase appears frequently in case studies and best practice guides where the writer wants to showcase model examples.

10. “This substantiates”

When you need language that conveys solid proof and verification, “substantiates” delivers that sense of confirmation. It suggests that your evidence provides concrete support for your claims—moving them from theory into established fact.

Real-world example:
In forensic reporting: “The DNA evidence substantiates the timeline proposed by the defense team, placing the suspect miles from the crime scene.”

Legal professionals value this term particularly in evidential writing, as former prosecutor Miranda Jenkins explains: “In court, we need language that conveys certainty without overstatement. ‘Substantiates’ threads that needle perfectly.”

11. “This conveys”

When your evidence communicates or transmits an idea rather than simply proving it, “conveys” captures that act of transmission beautifully. It’s especially useful when discussing how something expresses emotion, atmosphere, or abstract concepts.

Real-world example:
In film criticism: “The director’s use of shadow and silence conveys the protagonist’s growing sense of isolation more effectively than any dialogue could.”

“This is my go-to phrase when teaching narrative techniques,” says creative writing instructor Paolo Merino. “It reminds writers that evidence doesn’t just prove—it communicates.”

Arts and media analysts frequently reach for this alternative when discussing how creative choices communicate meaning to audiences.

12. “This signifies”

When your evidence points to something symbolic or represents meaning beyond its literal interpretation, “signifies” acknowledges that deeper significance. It suggests your example carries weight as a sign or symbol of something larger.

Real-world example:
In market analysis: “The recent surge in cryptocurrency adoption among institutional investors signifies a fundamental shift in traditional banking’s attitude toward digital assets.”

Financial writers and cultural commentators often employ this term when they want to connect concrete developments to broader shifts in perception or behavior.

13. “This confirms”

When your goal is to validate or verify something already suspected or proposed, “confirms” directly addresses that reinforcement. It suggests your evidence removes doubt and establishes certainty.

Real-world example:
In medical research: “The results of this double-blind study confirm the efficacy of the treatment protocol across diverse patient populations.”

Dr. Leila Hamad, research methodologist at Mayo Clinic, notes: “In medicine, we’re cautious with language like ‘confirms’ because it carries such definitive weight. We reserve it for findings that meet the highest evidential standards.”

14. “This attests to”

With its slightly formal tone, “attests to” brings a sense of testimony or witness to your evidence. It suggests your example is actively vouching for or certifying your claim.

Real-world example:
In a recommendation letter: “Her successful management of our database migration project attests to her exceptional technical leadership abilities.”

“I specifically recommend this phrase for reference letters,” explains career counselor Jamal Washington. “It carries a personal endorsement quality that other phrases lack—as if the evidence itself is providing testimony.”

15. “This articulates”

When your evidence expresses or states something clearly that might otherwise remain obscure or poorly defined, “articulates” captures that clarifying function. It suggests your example gives voice or form to something previously unexpressed.

Real-world example:
In psychological analysis: “This pattern of behavior articulates the underlying anxiety that traditional diagnostic frameworks often miss.”

Mental health professionals find this phrase valuable when discussing how symptoms express underlying conditions, as therapist Dr. Elena Rodriguez explains: “Sometimes our observations don’t just show or indicate they give voice to something the patient themselves hasn’t been able to put into words.”

16. “This epitomizes”

When your evidence represents the perfect or typical example of something, “epitomizes” elevates it to the status of defining exemplar. It’s stronger than “exemplifies,” suggesting your example is the quintessential representation of your point.

Real-world example:
In sports commentary: “James’ performance in Game 7 epitomizes the mental toughness that separates champions from merely talented athletes.”

Sports writers and leadership consultants frequently use this term to highlight iconic examples that define excellence in their fields.

17. “This illuminates”

Like shining a light into darkness, “illuminates” suggests your evidence brings clarity and understanding to something previously obscure or confusing. It carries connotations of insight and revelation.

Real-world example:
In historical analysis: “This newly discovered correspondence between the general and his advisors illuminates the strategic thinking behind what previously appeared to be a military blunder.”

“When teaching research methods,” history professor Dr. Marcus Chen told me, “I encourage students to look for evidence that doesn’t just support their thesis but genuinely illuminates their subject bringing something new to light that changes our understanding.”

Finding Your Voice

The beauty of these alternatives is that they do more than just replace a repetitive phrase they bring precision to your thinking. When you choose between “reveals” and “suggests,” you’re actually clarifying how strongly your evidence supports your claim.

Creative writing instructor Elena Rodríguez puts it this way: “The words we choose don’t just express our thoughts they shape them. When I encourage students to replace generic verbs with more specific ones, their thinking becomes sharper too.”