Other Ways to Say This Shows That: 100+ Clear Alternatives for Better Writing

Introduction

Finding other ways to say this shows that can make your writing clearer, more precise, and less repetitive. The phrase works well in everyday and academic writing, but repeating it too often can make an essay, report, or analysis feel predictable.

The best alternative depends on what the evidence actually does. You might need a phrase that introduces evidence, explains a result, highlights a pattern, or draws a conclusion. Below, you will find natural alternatives organized by tone and purpose, with examples to help you choose the right expression.

Other Ways to Say This Shows That

These alternatives work well when you need a direct replacement for this shows that. Choose one based on the relationship between your evidence and your conclusion.

• This demonstrates that
• This indicates that
• This suggests that
• This reveals that
• This illustrates that
• This confirms that
• This establishes that
• This proves that
• This supports the idea that
• This provides evidence that
• This makes clear that
• This makes it clear that
• This highlights that
• This points to the fact that
• This implies that
• This reflects that
• This signals that
• This underscores that
• This emphasizes that
• This reinforces the idea that
• This supports the conclusion that
• This helps explain why
• This gives evidence that
• This is evidence that
• This serves as evidence that
• This can be seen as evidence that

The strongest choices depend on how certain your conclusion is. For example, demonstrates sounds more confident than suggests, while indicates sits somewhere between the two.

Formal Ways to Say This Shows That

Formal alternatives work especially well in essays, reports, research discussions, professional documents, and analytical writing.

• This demonstrates that
• This indicates that
• This establishes that
• This illustrates that
• This confirms that
• This provides evidence that
• This provides support for the view that
• This reinforces the conclusion that
• This substantiates the claim that
• This lends support to the argument that
• This highlights the fact that
• This underscores the fact that
• This makes evident that
• This makes apparent that
• This reveals that
• This suggests that
• This points toward the conclusion that
• This is consistent with the idea that
• This supports the interpretation that
• This offers evidence of
• The evidence demonstrates that
• The findings indicate that
• The results suggest that
• The data reveal that
• The evidence supports the conclusion that

Example

Instead of:

This shows that students benefit from regular feedback.

Try:

• This demonstrates that students benefit from regular feedback.
• The findings indicate that students benefit from regular feedback.
• The evidence supports the conclusion that students benefit from regular feedback.

Academic Alternatives to This Shows That

Academic writing usually benefits from precise language rather than repeating a simple phrase. The right alternative should reflect how strongly your evidence supports your claim.

• The evidence indicates that
• The evidence suggests that
• The findings demonstrate that
• The results indicate that
• The results suggest that
• The data demonstrate that
• The data indicate that
• The analysis reveals that
• The study suggests that
• The findings support the argument that
• The evidence lends support to the claim that
• The results provide evidence that
• The analysis indicates that
• The findings are consistent with the view that
• The evidence points to the conclusion that
• The results reinforce the idea that
• The findings highlight the fact that
• The evidence underscores the importance of
• The analysis provides insight into
• The findings shed light on

For academic writing, avoid automatically replacing this shows that with this proves that. Most evidence supports a conclusion without establishing absolute certainty.

Ways to Say This Shows That in an Essay

Essay writing often requires transitions between evidence and analysis. These alternatives can help you explain what a quotation, example, statistic, or observation means.

• This demonstrates that
• This suggests that
• This indicates that
• This reveals that
• This highlights the idea that
• This supports the argument that
• This reinforces the point that
• This illustrates the importance of
• This provides evidence for the idea that
• This helps explain why
• This points to the fact that
• This makes clear that
• This reflects the broader idea that
• This supports the claim that
• This strengthens the argument that
• This helps demonstrate why
• This shows the extent to which
• This provides further support for
• This can be interpreted as evidence that
• This is consistent with the argument that

Essay Example

Basic version:

The character refuses to accept the offer. This shows that he values independence.

More polished versions:

• The character refuses to accept the offer, which demonstrates his commitment to independence.
• The character refuses to accept the offer, suggesting that he values independence.
• The character’s refusal supports the interpretation that he values independence.

Ways to Say This Shows That in Research Writing

Research writing requires careful distinctions between evidence, interpretation, and certainty. Use language that accurately represents what the data can support.

• The data indicate that
• The findings suggest that
• The results demonstrate that
• The evidence supports the conclusion that
• The analysis reveals that
• The results provide evidence that
• The findings are consistent with
• The evidence points toward
• The analysis supports the view that
• The findings reinforce the argument that
• The results highlight
• The evidence underscores
• The data suggest a relationship between
• The findings provide insight into
• The analysis indicates a possible connection between

Example

Instead of:

The survey results show that employees prefer flexible schedules.

You could write:

The survey results indicate that employees prefer flexible schedules.

Or:

The survey findings suggest that employees prefer flexible schedules.

The second version is useful when the evidence points toward a conclusion but does not establish it with certainty.

Casual Ways to Say This Shows That

Casual writing does not always need formal academic language. These alternatives sound more natural in conversations, personal writing, blogs, and informal explanations.

• This means that
• This tells us that
• This makes it clear that
• This points to
• This gives us a clue that
• This makes it obvious that
• You can see that
• It looks like
• It seems that
• This is a sign that
• This is a good indication that
• This helps explain why
• This makes the point that
• This gives the impression that
• This suggests that

Example

The roads are completely empty. This shows that most people stayed home.

More conversational:

The roads are completely empty, which suggests that most people stayed home.

Professional Alternatives to This Shows That

Professional communication often needs concise wording. These options work well in business reports, emails, presentations, evaluations, and workplace documents.

• This indicates that
• This demonstrates that
• This suggests that
• This highlights that
• This confirms that
• This provides evidence that
• This reinforces the need for
• This supports the conclusion that
• This reflects
• This points to
• This makes clear that
• The results indicate that
• The data suggest that
• The results demonstrate that
• The evidence supports
• The figures highlight
• The findings reinforce

Example

This shows that the new process has improved efficiency.

Professional alternatives:

• This indicates that the new process has improved efficiency.
• The results demonstrate improved efficiency following the new process.
• These findings suggest that the new process has improved efficiency.

Stronger Alternatives When the Evidence Is Clear

Sometimes your evidence provides strong support for your conclusion. In those situations, stronger wording can make the relationship clearer.

• This demonstrates that
• This confirms that
• This establishes that
• This clearly indicates that
• This provides clear evidence that
• This strongly supports the conclusion that
• This reinforces the finding that
• This substantiates the claim that
• This makes clear that
• The evidence clearly demonstrates that
• The findings confirm that
• The results establish that
• The evidence strongly indicates that

Use strong wording only when the evidence justifies it. Choosing confirms or proves when the evidence only suggests something can make your writing sound overstated.

Softer Alternatives When You Are Not Completely Certain

If your evidence allows for interpretation rather than certainty, softer expressions are usually more accurate.

• This suggests that
• This indicates that
• This may indicate that
• This appears to show that
• This points to the possibility that
• This may suggest that
• This could indicate that
• This is consistent with the idea that
• This seems to suggest that
• This provides some evidence that
• This may reflect
• This could reflect
• This raises the possibility that
• This lends support to the idea that

Example

Avoid:

The results prove that the policy caused the change.

If the evidence does not establish causation, consider:

The results suggest that the policy may have contributed to the change.

This distinction makes analytical writing more responsible and precise.

Alternatives Based on the Type of Evidence

The best replacement for this shows that often depends on what comes before it. A statistic, quotation, example, and observation may require slightly different wording.

Type of evidence	Useful alternative	Example
Statistic	The data indicate that	The data indicate that demand has increased.
Research finding	The findings suggest that	The findings suggest that the approach is effective.
Quotation	This illustrates that	The quotation illustrates that the speaker feels conflicted.
Example	This demonstrates that	The example demonstrates that planning matters.
Observation	This suggests that	The observation suggests that conditions have changed.
Pattern	This indicates a pattern of	This indicates a pattern of repeated errors.
Result	This confirms that	The result confirms that the system is working.
Comparison	This highlights the difference between	The comparison highlights the difference between the two approaches.
Behavior	This reflects	The behavior reflects a change in priorities.
Argument	This supports the claim that	The evidence supports the claim that reform is needed.

This approach prevents repetitive wording while keeping your analysis connected to the evidence.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Not every synonym carries exactly the same meaning. Consider what you want the sentence to communicate before choosing a replacement.

1. Use demonstrates for clear evidence.
   It works when the evidence directly illustrates or supports your conclusion.
2. Use suggests for a tentative interpretation.
   It is useful when several explanations remain possible.
3. Use indicates for a reasonable inference.
   It works well in reports, essays, and analytical writing.
4. Use confirms when evidence strengthens an existing conclusion.
   Make sure the evidence genuinely supports that level of certainty.
5. Use illustrates when an example makes an idea easier to understand.
   This works particularly well after examples or quotations.
6. Use reveals when something becomes apparent through evidence.
   It can work well in literary analysis and explanatory writing.
7. Use supports when evidence backs up a claim.
   This is especially useful in argumentative and academic writing.
8. Use highlights when the purpose is to draw attention to an important point.
   It does not necessarily mean the evidence proves the point.

Common Mistakes When Replacing This Shows That

Replacing every occurrence with a synonym can create another form of repetitive writing. Focus on meaning rather than simply finding different words.

• Using proves too often: Proves suggests a very high level of certainty and may overstate your evidence.
• Using demonstrates for weak evidence: Choose suggests or indicates when the connection remains uncertain.
• Using complicated vocabulary unnecessarily: A simple phrase such as this suggests that can be stronger than an obscure alternative.
• Ignoring sentence flow: The alternative should fit naturally with the words before and after it.
• Repeating the same substitute: Replacing this shows that with this demonstrates that throughout an essay does not solve repetition.
• Changing meaning accidentally: Indicates, suggests, confirms, and proves do not have identical levels of certainty.
• Adding unnecessary transitions: If the evidence already connects naturally to the analysis, you may not need a transition phrase at all.

How to Make Your Writing Less Repetitive

You do not always need a replacement phrase. Sometimes the strongest revision removes the expression completely and connects the evidence directly to your analysis.

For example:

Basic:

The company introduced shorter delivery times. This shows that customer expectations are changing.

More concise:

The company’s shorter delivery times reflect changing customer expectations.

Another option:

The company’s decision to shorten delivery times suggests that customer expectations are changing.

You can also vary the sentence structure by placing the evidence and interpretation in the same sentence. This creates smoother prose without forcing a new transition into every paragraph.

Conclusion

There are many useful alternatives to this shows that, but the best choice depends on your evidence and intended level of certainty. Use demonstrates when the evidence is clear, suggests when you are making a cautious interpretation, indicates for a neutral analytical tone, and supports when evidence backs up a claim.

Strong writing does not simply replace repeated phrases with synonyms. It explains the relationship between evidence and meaning clearly. When you choose precise wording and vary your sentence structure, your essays, reports, professional documents, and everyday writing become easier to read and more convincing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another way to say this shows that?

Common alternatives include this demonstrates that, this indicates that, this suggests that, this reveals that, this illustrates that, and this supports the idea that. The best option depends on how strongly the evidence supports the conclusion.

What is a formal way to say this shows that?

Formal alternatives include this demonstrates that, this indicates that, this establishes that, this provides evidence that, and the findings suggest that. For academic or professional writing, choose the expression that accurately reflects the strength of your evidence.

What can I say instead of this shows that in an essay?

You can use this demonstrates that, this suggests that, this indicates that, this reveals that, this supports the argument that, or this illustrates the point that. You can also rewrite the sentence so the evidence connects directly to your analysis.

Is this demonstrates that better than this shows that?

This demonstrates that often sounds more formal and analytical than this shows that. However, it is not automatically better. Use demonstrates when the evidence clearly supports the point rather than using it simply to make the writing sound more sophisticated.

What is the best academic alternative to this shows that?

This indicates that and the findings suggest that are strong academic choices. They sound natural while avoiding an unnecessarily strong claim. The best option depends on whether your evidence establishes, supports, or merely points toward your conclusion.

Can I use this proves that instead of this shows that?

You can, but use it carefully. Proves makes a much stronger claim than shows. In academic and analytical writing, demonstrates, indicates, or suggests may be more accurate when the evidence does not establish a conclusion beyond reasonable doubt.

How do I avoid repeating this shows that in an essay?

Vary both your vocabulary and your sentence structure. Use alternatives such as indicates, suggests, demonstrates, illustrates, and supports. You can also combine evidence and analysis into one sentence instead of adding the same transition after every example.

What is a softer alternative to this shows that?

This suggests that is one of the most useful softer alternatives. You can also use this may indicate that, this appears to suggest that, this could indicate that, or this is consistent with the idea that when the evidence does not provide a definite conclusion.

What is a professional way to say this shows that?

Professional options include this indicates that, this demonstrates that, this suggests that, the results indicate that, the data suggest that, and the findings highlight that. Choose the wording according to the evidence and the level of certainty you need.

Can I remove this shows that completely?

Yes. Often, removing it creates a more concise sentence. For example, instead of saying the results show that customer demand is increasing, you can write the results indicate growing customer demand. This approach can make analytical writing more direct.