In professional writing, small phrases make a big difference.
One of the most overused expressions in reports, essays, emails, and presentations is “this shows.” While it’s clear and simple, repeating it can make your communication sound basic or repetitive.
Stronger alternatives can elevate your tone, sharpen your analysis, and make your message sound more authoritative.
Whether you’re drafting a business report, academic paper, executive summary, or formal email, upgrading “this shows” helps you sound more precise and credible.
Below, you’ll find 20 polished, professional alternatives — each with explanations, examples, and guidance on why it works.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Choosing the right alternative depends on tone, audience, and context.
🔹 Formal Situations
Use precise, analytical phrasing when writing to:
- Clients
- Executives or senior leadership
- Academic reviewers
- External stakeholders
🔹 Semi-Formal Situations
Use balanced, professional wording for:
- Colleagues
- Team reports
- Internal presentations
- Project updates
🔹 Casual or Light Professional Contexts
Use softer variations for:
- Internal discussions
- Informal memos
- Team collaboration messages
Examples of Situational Use
- Client report: “This demonstrates measurable growth in Q4.”
- Academic essay: “This illustrates the impact of policy changes.”
- Team presentation: “This indicates a shift in customer behavior.”
- Performance review: “This reflects strong leadership skills.”
- Strategy memo: “This highlights a key operational gap.”
20 Formal Synonyms for “This Shows”
Each alternative below includes meaning, five examples, and a note on why it works.
1. This demonstrates
Meaning: Indicates clear evidence or proof.
Examples:
- This demonstrates the effectiveness of the revised strategy.
- This demonstrates consistent performance improvement.
- This demonstrates strong client engagement.
- This demonstrates measurable cost reduction.
- This demonstrates alignment with company goals.
Why it works: Strong, confident, and evidence-based.
2. This illustrates
Meaning: Explains or clarifies through example.
Examples:
- This illustrates the impact of market trends.
- This illustrates the importance of planning.
- This illustrates how delays affect output.
- This illustrates customer demand patterns.
- This illustrates the value of innovation.
Why it works: Ideal for analysis and explanation.
3. This indicates
Meaning: Suggests or points toward a conclusion.
Examples:
- This indicates potential growth opportunities.
- This indicates a shift in priorities.
- This indicates operational efficiency.
- This indicates rising consumer interest.
- This indicates improved productivity.
Why it works: Professional and analytical.
4. This reflects
Meaning: Mirrors or represents a condition.
Examples:
- This reflects strong leadership.
- This reflects current market realities.
- This reflects customer satisfaction.
- This reflects improved performance metrics.
- This reflects organizational stability.
Why it works: Balanced and polished tone.
5. This highlights
Meaning: Draws attention to something important.
Examples:
- This highlights a critical issue.
- This highlights growth potential.
- This highlights areas for improvement.
- This highlights emerging risks.
- This highlights operational strengths.
Why it works: Direct and impactful.
6. This reveals
Meaning: Uncovers hidden or deeper insights.
Examples:
- This reveals underlying challenges.
- This reveals market volatility.
- This reveals performance gaps.
- This reveals consumer behavior shifts.
- This reveals long-term opportunities.
Why it works: Strong analytical tone.
7. This suggests
Meaning: Implies without absolute certainty.
Examples:
- This suggests further research is needed.
- This suggests strategic realignment.
- This suggests improving efficiency.
- This suggests a decline in demand.
- This suggests possible expansion.
Why it works: Softens conclusions professionally.
8. This confirms
Meaning: Validates prior assumptions.
Examples:
- This confirms our initial findings.
- This confirms positive market response.
- This confirms policy effectiveness.
- This confirms growth projections.
- This confirms team readiness.
Why it works: Clear and decisive.
9. This validates
Meaning: Provides supporting proof.
Examples:
- This validates the proposed model.
- This validates customer feedback.
- This validates strategic decisions.
- This validates financial forecasts.
- This validates operational improvements.
Why it works: Strong in research and business writing.
10. This underscores
Meaning: Emphasizes importance.
Examples:
- This underscores the need for change.
- This underscores market urgency.
- This underscores operational risks.
- This underscores leadership impact.
- This underscores future potential.
Why it works: Sophisticated and authoritative.
11. This signifies
Meaning: Represents a deeper meaning.
Examples:
- This signifies strategic progress.
- This signifies growth potential.
- This signifies strong engagement.
- This signifies a turning point.
- This signifies improved efficiency.
Why it works: Formal and precise.
12. This establishes
Meaning: Sets something firmly.
Examples:
- This establishes credibility.
- This establishes trust.
- This establishes a clear direction.
- This establishes performance standards.
- This establishes market authority.
Why it works: Strong executive tone.
13. This conveys
Meaning: Communicates clearly.
Examples:
- This conveys commitment.
- This conveys professionalism.
- This conveys urgency.
- This conveys clarity.
- This conveys strategic intent.
Why it works: Elegant and formal.
14. This presents
Meaning: Offers information formally.
Examples:
- This presents new opportunities.
- This presents potential challenges.
- This presents a viable solution.
- This presents measurable outcomes.
- This presents strategic advantages.
Why it works: Neutral and adaptable.
15. This exemplifies
Meaning: Serves as a strong example.
Examples:
- This exemplifies excellence.
- This exemplifies innovation.
- This exemplifies teamwork.
- This exemplifies leadership.
- This exemplifies resilience.
Why it works: High-level and academic.
16. This manifests
Meaning: Becomes visible or evident.
Examples:
- This manifests operational strength.
- This manifests customer loyalty.
- This manifests steady growth.
- This manifests efficiency gains.
- This manifests strategic focus.
Why it works: Advanced, analytical tone.
17. This clarifies
Meaning: Makes something easier to understand.
Examples:
- This clarifies our objectives.
- This clarifies performance gaps.
- This clarifies expectations.
- This clarifies reporting standards.
- This clarifies implementation steps.
Why it works: Practical and direct.
18. This communicates
Meaning: Expresses meaning clearly.
Examples:
- This communicates our priorities.
- This communicates stability.
- This communicates transparency.
- This communicates long-term vision.
- This communicates accountability.
Why it works: Ideal for leadership writing.
19. This brings to light
Meaning: Reveals new insight.
Examples:
- This brings to light hidden risks.
- This brings to light inefficiencies.
- This brings to light growth areas.
- This brings to light data trends.
- This brings to light performance gaps.
Why it works: Slightly dramatic but formal.
20. This points to
Meaning: Directs attention toward a conclusion.
Examples:
- This points to strong recovery.
- This points to emerging demand.
- This points to process weaknesses.
- This points to revenue growth.
- This points to strategic alignment.
Why it works: Analytical yet concise.
Consideration: How to Choose the Right Phrase
Selecting the correct phrase depends on:
- ✔ Tone: Formal report or internal memo?
- ✔ Audience: Executive, peer, academic reader?
- ✔ Certainty level: Are you confident or suggesting?
- ✔ Urgency: Is action required immediately?
- ✔ Purpose: Inform, persuade, analyze, or evaluate?
Mini Examples
- Strong conclusion: “This confirms the hypothesis.”
- Analytical review: “This suggests further evaluation.”
- Executive summary: “This underscores the urgency of reform.”
Quick One-Line Templates
- This demonstrates measurable progress.
- This reflects our strategic priorities.
- This highlights a critical opportunity.
- This indicates positive momentum.
- This underscores the need for action.
- This validates our approach.
- This confirms operational readiness.
- This points to long-term stability.
- This clarifies the next steps.
- This exemplifies strong performance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing the same phrase repeatedly.
- Choosing overly dramatic words in neutral contexts.
- Using “confirms” when evidence is uncertain.
- Mixing informal tone in formal documents.
- Selecting complex vocabulary that reduces clarity.
FAQ
1. What is the best formal synonym for “this shows”?
“This demonstrates” or “This indicates” are widely accepted in professional writing.
2. Which alternative works best in academic writing?
“This illustrates,” “This suggests,” and “This validates” are strong academic options.
3. Is “this highlights” formal?
Yes, it is professional and widely used in reports and presentations.
4. Can I use these in business emails?
Yes, especially “This reflects,” “This confirms,” and “This clarifies.”
5. How do I avoid repetition?
Rotate between phrases based on certainty and tone.
6. Is “this reveals” too strong?
It depends on context; use it when uncovering new insights.
Conclusion
Upgrading “this shows” may seem minor, but it significantly enhances clarity, authority, and professionalism. Precise wording strengthens arguments, sharpens analysis, and improves credibility.
Intentional language signals expertise.
If you’d like a custom professional synonym guide for another phrase, share the title — and I’ll craft it in the same structured, executive-ready format.
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