In an essay, stronger alternatives to “this shows” include demonstrates, indicates, illustrates, suggests, and reveals. The best verb depends on how strong the evidence is and exactly what the example, quotation, or result is doing.
Choose the Verb by Strength of Evidence
- Demonstrates
- Indicates
- Illustrates
- Suggests
- Reveals
- Highlights
- Signifies
- Reflects
- Exemplifies
- Supports
- Confirms
- Establishes
- Implies
- Conveys
- Points to
Demonstrates
A strong academic verb when the evidence clearly supports or makes a point visible. Avoid it if the evidence only weakly suggests the conclusion.
Example: This demonstrates the importance of social support in the participants’ accounts.
Indicates
A cautious, flexible choice for evidence that points toward a finding or interpretation without proving it conclusively.
Example: This indicates that the intervention may have had a modest effect.
Illustrates
Best when an example, quotation, case, or detail helps make an idea easier to see or understand.
Example: This illustrates how the policy affected smaller organizations.
Suggests
A suitably cautious verb when the evidence supports a possible interpretation but does not establish it firmly.
Example: This suggests that participants valued flexibility more than speed.
Reveals
Use when the evidence uncovers, exposes, or makes something previously less obvious apparent.
Example: The interview reveals a tension between independence and support.
Highlights
Good when the evidence draws attention to an important feature, contrast, problem, or pattern.
Example: This highlights the gap between policy and practice.
Signifies
Use when something represents or signals a broader meaning or importance. It is more interpretive than “indicates.”
Example: The repeated image signifies the character’s growing isolation.
Reflects
Useful when a detail mirrors, expresses, or is consistent with a broader condition, attitude, or pattern.
Example: This reflects wider concerns about access to care.
Exemplifies
Best when a specific example is a clear instance of a general idea, pattern, or category.
Example: This exemplifies the author’s use of irony.
Supports
Use when the evidence adds weight to a claim, argument, interpretation, or hypothesis.
Example: This supports the argument that early intervention is beneficial.
Confirms
A strong verb that should be reserved for evidence that genuinely verifies an earlier finding, expectation, or fact.
Example: The follow-up analysis confirms the original pattern.
Establishes
Another strong verb for evidence that firmly sets out or demonstrates a fact, relationship, or point. Use it cautiously in argumentative writing.
Example: The archival record establishes that the policy predated the crisis.
Implies
Use when the meaning is indirect rather than explicitly stated. It is especially useful in literary or interpretive analysis.
Example: This implies that the narrator does not fully trust his own account.
Conveys
Best for language, imagery, tone, or communication that expresses a feeling, idea, or impression.
Example: The final paragraph conveys a sense of unresolved grief.
Points to
A natural, slightly less formal phrase for evidence that directs the reader toward a conclusion or explanation.
Example: This points to a need for further research in younger groups.
Avoid Making the Evidence Sound Stronger Than It Is
Suggests and indicates are usually safer when evidence is partial or interpretive. Confirms, establishes, and sometimes demonstrates make stronger claims and should match the actual evidence.
Do Not Replace “This Shows” Mechanically
The best academic writing often names the evidence directly: “The findings indicate…”, “The quotation illustrates…”, or “This pattern suggests…”. That is usually clearer than repeatedly beginning sentences with “This…”.