Beyond “This Shows”: Expanding Your Expressive English
The phrase “this shows” is a common way to introduce evidence or demonstrate a point. However, relying on it too frequently can make your writing and speech sound repetitive and less engaging.
This article explores a wide range of alternative phrases that convey similar meanings with greater nuance and sophistication. Mastering these alternatives will enhance your ability to express yourself clearly and effectively, making your communication more compelling and persuasive.
This comprehensive guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, as well as native English speakers looking to refine their expressive skills.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “This Shows” and Its Alternatives
- Structural Breakdown of Alternative Phrases
- Types and Categories of Alternatives
- Examples of Alternative Phrases
- Usage Rules and Considerations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of “This Shows” and Its Alternatives
The phrase “this shows” is used to indicate that something proves or demonstrates a particular point. It acts as a transitional phrase, linking evidence or information to a conclusion or interpretation.
Its function is to provide a clear connection between the presented data and the resulting understanding. While grammatically correct, its simplicity can sometimes weaken the impact of your argument.
Therefore, exploring alternatives allows for more precise and impactful communication.
Alternatives to “this shows” encompass a broad range of phrases and expressions that serve the same core function: establishing a logical connection between evidence and conclusion. These alternatives can vary in formality, intensity, and specific nuance, allowing you to tailor your language to the context and audience.
Choosing the right alternative can significantly enhance the clarity, persuasiveness, and overall quality of your communication.
Structural Breakdown of Alternative Phrases
The structure of alternative phrases to “this shows” typically involves a linking verb (e.g., *demonstrates, indicates, suggests, proves*) followed by a noun clause introduced by “that.” The basic structure is: Evidence/Information + Linking Verb + that + Conclusion/Interpretation. However, variations exist, including the use of adverbs to modify the linking verb or the inclusion of prepositional phrases to add further context.
Understanding the structural components of these phrases allows you to construct them accurately and effectively. For instance, using a stronger verb like “proves” conveys a higher degree of certainty than using a weaker verb like “suggests.” Similarly, adding an adverb like “clearly” (e.g., “This clearly demonstrates that…”) can emphasize the strength of the evidence.
Types and Categories of Alternatives
Phrases Demonstrating Evidence
These phrases emphasize the act of providing proof or supporting information. They are useful when you want to highlight the factual basis of your argument.
Phrases Indicating Results
These phrases focus on the outcome or consequence of a particular action or situation. They are helpful when you want to emphasize the effects of something.
Phrases Revealing Information
These phrases highlight the disclosure or uncovering of new or previously unknown details. They are appropriate when you want to emphasize the unveiling of something significant.
Phrases Highlighting Implications
These phrases emphasize the potential consequences or ramifications of a particular situation. They are useful when you want to draw attention to the broader significance of something.
Phrases Affirming Statements
These phrases reinforce or confirm a previous statement or belief. They are helpful when you want to emphasize the validity or truthfulness of something.
Examples of Alternative Phrases
The following sections provide extensive examples of phrases that can be used instead of “this shows,” categorized by their specific function. Each example is designed to illustrate the nuanced meaning and appropriate context for each phrase.
Examples: Demonstrating Evidence
This table provides examples of phrases that emphasize the act of providing proof or supporting information.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| This demonstrates that… | The study demonstrates that regular exercise improves cognitive function. |
| This proves that… | The experiment proves that the new drug is effective in treating the disease. |
| This confirms that… | The witness testimony confirms that the suspect was at the scene of the crime. |
| This substantiates that… | The data substantiates that climate change is occurring at an alarming rate. |
| This validates that… | The research validates that the proposed theory is accurate. |
| This bears out that… | The subsequent events bear out that his initial prediction was correct. |
| This corroborates that… | The second witness’s statement corroborates that the defendant acted in self-defense. |
| This bolsters the idea that… | The new evidence bolsters the idea that the company was involved in illegal activities. |
| This lends credence to the belief that… | The expert’s analysis lends credence to the belief that the painting is a genuine masterpiece. |
| This provides evidence that… | The DNA sample provides evidence that he was present at the location. |
| This offers proof that… | The signed contract offers proof that the agreement was legally binding. |
| This establishes that… | The documentation establishes that the company is the rightful owner of the property. |
| This documents that… | The historical records document that the city was founded in the 18th century. |
| This illustrates that… | The graph illustrates that the company’s profits have increased significantly. |
| This exemplifies that… | Her dedication exemplifies that she is a valuable asset to the team. |
| This underscores that… | The incident underscores that safety regulations need to be strictly enforced. |
| This highlights that… | The report highlights that there is a significant disparity in income levels. |
| This emphasizes that… | The speaker emphasized that education is the key to success. |
| This underlines that… | The investigation underlines that corruption was widespread within the organization. |
| This clarifies that… | The additional information clarifies that the initial reports were inaccurate. |
| This details that… | The report details that the project exceeded budget by 20%. |
| This specifies that… | The contract specifies that all payments must be made within 30 days. |
| This indicates that… | The rising unemployment rate indicates that the economy is slowing down. |
| This suggests that… | The preliminary findings suggest that further research is needed. |
| This implies that… | His reluctance to answer questions implies that he is hiding something. |
| This hints that… | The subtle clues in the novel hint that the protagonist is not who he appears to be. |
Examples: Indicating Results
This table provides examples of phrases that focus on the outcome or consequence of a particular action or situation.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| This results in… | The lack of funding results in project delays. |
| This leads to… | The increase in pollution leads to respiratory problems. |
| This causes… | The heavy rain causes flooding in the low-lying areas. |
| This produces… | The new manufacturing process produces higher quality products. |
| This generates… | The marketing campaign generates significant interest in the product. |
| This creates… | The new policy creates opportunities for small businesses. |
| This fosters… | The collaborative environment fosters innovation and creativity. |
| This promotes… | The educational program promotes literacy and critical thinking. |
| This contributes to… | The volunteer work contributes to the betterment of the community. |
| This has the effect of… | The new law has the effect of reducing crime rates. |
| This gives rise to… | The economic crisis gives rise to social unrest. |
| This precipitates… | The sudden change in leadership precipitates a period of uncertainty. |
| This triggers… | The alarm system triggers an immediate response from the security team. |
| This brings about… | The negotiations brought about a peaceful resolution to the conflict. |
| This engenders… | The inspiring speech engenders a sense of hope and optimism. |
| Consequently,… | The company invested heavily in research and development; consequently, they introduced several innovative products. |
| As a result,… | The team worked tirelessly to meet the deadline; as a result, they successfully completed the project. |
| Therefore,… | The evidence clearly supports the defendant’s alibi; therefore, he should be acquitted. |
| Thus,… | The experiment confirmed the hypothesis; thus, the theory is now widely accepted. |
| Hence,… | The company faced significant financial challenges; hence, they had to implement cost-cutting measures. |
| Accordingly,… | The new regulations were implemented; accordingly, all employees must undergo mandatory training. |
| In consequence,… | The negligence of the company led to a major accident; in consequence, they faced severe legal penalties. |
| For this reason,… | The product failed to meet the required safety standards; for this reason, it was recalled from the market. |
| This stems from… | The current economic problems stem from poor financial management. |
| This originates from… | The conflict originates from a long-standing territorial dispute. |
Examples: Revealing Information
This table provides examples of phrases that highlight the disclosure or uncovering of new or previously unknown details.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| This reveals that… | The investigation reveals that the company was involved in fraudulent activities. |
| This exposes that… | The leaked documents expose that the government was secretly monitoring citizens. |
| This uncovers that… | The archaeological dig uncovers that the ancient civilization was more advanced than previously thought. |
| This discloses that… | The audit discloses that there were significant discrepancies in the financial records. |
| This brings to light that… | The whistleblower brought to light that the company was polluting the environment. |
| This demonstrates that… | The analysis demonstrates that the problem is more complex than originally believed. |
| This elucidates that… | The professor’s lecture elucidates that the theory is based on solid scientific principles. |
| This clarifies that… | The new regulations clarify that all employees must undergo mandatory training. |
| This makes clear that… | The CEO made clear that the company’s priority is customer satisfaction. |
| This highlights that… | The report highlights that there is a significant shortage of skilled workers in the industry. |
| This underscores that… | The accident underscores that safety regulations need to be strictly enforced. |
| This emphasizes that… | The speaker emphasized that education is the key to success. |
| This pinpoints that… | The investigation pinpoints that the error originated in the accounting department. |
| This identifies that… | The research identifies that the key factors contributing to the problem. |
| This determines that… | The study determines that the new treatment is effective in treating the disease. |
| This ascertains that… | The investigation ascertains that the fire was caused by arson. |
| This establishes that… | The evidence establishes that the defendant was present at the scene of the crime. |
| This confirms that… | The witness testimony confirms that the suspect was at the location. |
| This verifies that… | The audit verifies that the financial statements are accurate. |
| This validates that… | The experiment validates that the proposed theory is correct. |
| This substantiates that… | The data substantiates that climate change is occurring at an alarming rate. |
| This corroborates that… | The second witness’s statement corroborates that the defendant acted in self-defense. |
| This reinforces that… | The latest findings reinforce that the previous assumptions were correct. |
| This supports that… | The expert’s analysis supports that the painting is a genuine masterpiece. |
Examples: Highlighting Implications
This table provides examples of phrases that emphasize the potential consequences or ramifications of a particular situation.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| This implies that… | The company’s declining sales imply that they need to re-evaluate their marketing strategy. |
| This suggests that… | The rising unemployment rate suggests that the economy is slowing down. |
| This indicates that… | The increase in pollution indicates that stricter environmental regulations are needed. |
| This points to the fact that… | The evidence points to the fact that the suspect acted alone. |
| This alludes to the possibility that… | The cryptic message alludes to the possibility that there is a hidden treasure. |
| This hints at the idea that… | The subtle clues in the novel hint at the idea that the protagonist is not who he appears to be. |
| This foreshadows that… | The early scenes in the film foreshadow that a tragedy is about to occur. |
| This raises the question of whether… | The new policy raises the question of whether it will be effective in achieving its goals. |
| This begs the question of whether… | The company’s decision to lay off employees begs the question of whether they are committed to their workforce. |
| This has implications for… | The study has significant implications for the treatment of this disease. |
| This carries the risk of… | The investment carries the risk of losing a significant amount of money. |
| This could potentially lead to… | The failure to address the issue could potentially lead to a crisis. |
| This may result in… | The changes in the regulations may result in increased costs for businesses. |
| This can have an impact on… | The new technology can have a significant impact on the efficiency of the operations. |
| This might affect… | The economic downturn might affect the company’s profitability. |
| This could influence… | The new marketing campaign could influence consumer behavior. |
| This might determine… | The outcome of the election might determine the future of the country. |
Examples: Affirming Statements
This table provides examples of phrases that reinforce or confirm a previous statement or belief.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| This confirms that… | The new study confirms that the previous findings were accurate. |
| This reinforces that… | The expert’s opinion reinforces that the company is on the right track. |
| This validates that… | The successful implementation of the project validates that the initial plan was sound. |
| This corroborates that… | The witness’s statement corroborates that the defendant was acting in self-defense. |
| This substantiates that… | The evidence substantiates that the company’s claims are true. |
| This attests to the fact that… | His long and successful career attests to the fact that he is a highly skilled professional. |
| This bears witness to the fact that… | The historical records bear witness to the fact that the city was founded centuries ago. |
| This is proof that… | The signed contract is proof that the agreement was legally binding. |
| This is evidence that… | The DNA sample is evidence that he was present at the scene of the crime. |
| This demonstrates that… | The company’s financial performance demonstrates that they are a well-managed organization. |
| This proves that… | The experiment proves that the new drug is effective in treating the disease. |
| This establishes that… | The documentation establishes that the company is the rightful owner of the property. |
Usage Rules and Considerations
When choosing an alternative to “this shows,” consider the following:
* Formality: Some phrases (e.g., “This elucidates that…”) are more formal than others (e.g., “This suggests that…”). Select a phrase that is appropriate for your audience and the overall tone of your writing or speech.
* Strength of Evidence: Use stronger verbs (e.g., “proves,” “establishes”) when the evidence is conclusive. Use weaker verbs (e.g., “suggests,” “implies”) when the evidence is less definitive.
* Context: The specific context of your statement should guide your choice. For example, if you are revealing new information, phrases like “This reveals that…” or “This brings to light that…” would be suitable.
* Clarity: Ensure that the chosen phrase clearly and logically connects the evidence to the conclusion. Avoid using phrases that are ambiguous or confusing.
* Variety: While it’s beneficial to have a range of options, avoid using too many different phrases in a short span, which can also lead to confusion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “this shows”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| This proves the fact that… | This proves that… | The phrase “the fact that” is often redundant after verbs like “prove,” “confirm,” and “demonstrate.” |
| This suggests to that… | This suggests that… | The preposition “to” is unnecessary after the verb “suggest.” |
| This demonstrates of… | This demonstrates that… | The correct preposition to use after “demonstrates” in this context is “that.” |
| This implies on… | This implies that… | The correct preposition to use after “implies” in this context is “that.” |
| Using “show” as a noun instead of a verb. | This is a clear demonstration that… | Avoid using “show” as a noun in formal writing when you intend to use it as a verb. |
| Incorrect: The increased sales proves of the product’s success. | Correct: The increased sales proves the product’s success. | The preposition “of” is not needed after “proves” in this context. |
| Incorrect: This results to project delays. | Correct: This results in project delays. | The correct preposition is “in,” not “to,” when indicating a consequence. |
| Incorrect: The study implies on the need for further research. | Correct: The study implies the need for further research. | The preposition “on” is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect after “implies” in this context. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with the following exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate alternative to “this shows” from the following list: *demonstrates, suggests, confirms, reveals, implies*.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The data ______ that there is a correlation between exercise and mental health. | demonstrates |
| 2. The witness testimony ______ that the suspect was at the scene of the crime. | confirms |
| 3. The investigation ______ that the company was involved in fraudulent activities. | reveals |
| 4. The rising unemployment rate ______ that the economy is slowing down. | suggests |
| 5. His reluctance to answer questions ______ that he is hiding something. | implies |
| 6. The new research _______ that early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism. | demonstrates |
| 7. The leaked documents _______ a pattern of unethical behavior within the organization. | reveal |
| 8. The declining test scores _______ a need for improvements in the education system. | suggest |
| 9. The doctor’s examination _______ that the patient’s symptoms are consistent with the diagnosis. | confirms |
| 10. The lawyer’s questioning _______ that the witness may be withholding information. | implies |
Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite the following sentences using a more sophisticated alternative to “this shows.”
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| This shows that the company is committed to sustainability. | This demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability. |
| This shows that the new policy is effective. | This confirms the effectiveness of the new policy. |
| This shows that there is a problem with the system. | This indicates a problem with the system. |
| This shows that the project was successful. | This proves that the project was successful. |
| This shows that further research is needed. | This suggests that further research is needed. |
| This shows the importance of education. | This underscores the importance of education. |
| This shows the company’s strong financial performance. | This illustrates the company’s strong financial performance. |
| This shows the need for better safety measures. | This highlights the need for better safety measures. |
| This shows the effectiveness of the new treatment. | This validates the effectiveness of the new treatment. |
| This shows that the problem is more complex than we thought. | This reveals that the problem is more complex than we thought. |
Exercise 3: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Incorrect Sentence | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|
| This proves the fact that the earth is round. | This proves that the earth is round. |
| This suggests to that we need to change our strategy. | This suggests that we need to change our strategy. |
| This demonstrates of the importance of teamwork. | This demonstrates the importance of teamwork. |
| This implies on that he was involved in the scandal. | This implies that he was involved in the scandal. |
| The data shows of a clear upward trend. | The data shows a clear upward trend. |
| The research demonstrates from the benefits of exercise. | The research demonstrates the benefits of exercise. |
| This evidences to the fact that he was present. | This is evidence that he was present. |
| The results highlights on the need for improvement. | The results highlight the need for improvement. |
| The findings confirms of the earlier hypothesis. | The findings confirm the earlier hypothesis. |
| This shows to be a good solution. | This appears to be a good solution. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider exploring the nuances of formal vs. informal language in different contexts. Also, explore how cultural differences can influence the interpretation and use of these phrases.
For instance, some cultures may prefer more direct and assertive language, while others may favor more subtle and indirect expressions. Understanding these cultural nuances can enhance your ability to communicate effectively across different cultural backgrounds.
Another advanced topic is the use of rhetorical devices to enhance the impact of these phrases. For example, using parallelism or repetition can emphasize the connection between the evidence and the conclusion.
Similarly, using metaphors or analogies can make your argument more engaging and persuasive. Mastering these rhetorical techniques can elevate your communication skills to a higher level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about using alternatives to “this shows”:
- Q: Is it always better to use an alternative to “this shows”?
A: Not necessarily. “This shows” is a perfectly acceptable phrase, especially in informal contexts. However, using a variety of alternatives can make your writing and speech more engaging and sophisticated. It’s about choosing the most appropriate phrase for the specific context and audience.
- Q: How do I choose the right alternative phrase?
A: Consider the formality of the situation, the strength of the evidence, and the specific nuance you want to convey. Use a stronger verb when the evidence is conclusive and a weaker verb when the evidence is less definitive. Also, choose a phrase that is appropriate for your audience and the overall tone of your communication.
- Q: Can I use these alternatives in formal writing?
A: Yes, many of these alternatives are suitable for formal writing. In fact, using a more sophisticated phrase can enhance the credibility and impact of your writing. However, be sure to choose a phrase that is appropriate for the specific context and audience.
- Q: Are there any phrases I should avoid?
A: Avoid using phrases that are overly formal or archaic, as they may sound unnatural or pretentious. Also, avoid using phrases that are ambiguous or confusing. The goal is to communicate clearly and effectively, so choose phrases that are easy to understand and that accurately convey your intended meaning.
- Q: How can I improve my vocabulary of alternative phrases?
A: Read widely and pay attention to how different authors and speakers use language. Make a note of phrases that you find effective and try to incorporate them into your own writing and speech. Also, use a thesaurus to explore different options and expand your vocabulary.
- Q: What’s the difference between “imply” and “infer”?
A: “Imply” means to suggest something indirectly, while “infer” means to draw a conclusion based on evidence. The speaker or writer *implies*, while the listener or reader *infers*. For example, “His silence implied that he disagreed,” and “I inferred from his silence that he disagreed.”
- Q: Is it grammatically correct to say “This shows of…”?
A: No, the correct usage is “This shows that…” The preposition “of” is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context. Always use “that” to introduce the clause that explains what is being shown.
- Q: Can I use these phrases interchangeably, or do they have subtle differences?
A: While many of these phrases share a similar core meaning, they often have subtle differences in nuance and emphasis. For example, “This proves that…” conveys a stronger sense of certainty than “This suggests that…” Pay attention to these subtle differences and choose the phrase that best conveys your intended meaning.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “this shows” is a valuable skill for anyone looking to improve their English communication. By expanding your vocabulary and understanding the nuances of different phrases, you can express yourself more clearly, effectively, and persuasively.
Remember to consider the context, audience, and strength of evidence when choosing an alternative. Practice using these phrases in your writing and speech to become more confident and proficient in your language skills.
With consistent effort, you can elevate your communication to a higher level and achieve your goals more effectively.
The journey to mastering English grammar is ongoing. Continue to read, listen, and practice using these alternative phrases in various contexts.
Seek feedback from native speakers or language partners to refine your usage and identify areas for improvement. Embrace the challenge and enjoy the process of expanding your expressive abilities in English.
With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve fluency and communicate with confidence and clarity.