The phrase "this shows" serves as a common, often default, connector between evidence and conclusion. While grammatically correct, its frequent use can dilute the impact of professional communication, leading to repetitive prose and a lack of precise meaning. For SEO professionals, marketers, and publishers, clarity and varied language are not just stylistic preferences; they directly influence readability, user engagement, and the perceived authority of content. Choosing the right alternative to "this shows" allows writers to convey specific relationships between data and insight, enhancing the persuasive power and overall quality of their work.
Understanding the Core Function of "This Shows"
"This shows" acts as a simple indicator, signaling that the preceding information provides evidence for the following statement. Its primary function is to draw a connection, making an observation or presenting data, then deriving a conclusion or implication from it. For instance, "The sales figures increased by 20%; this shows our new strategy is effective." The phrase is neutral and broadly applicable, which contributes to its overuse across various contexts.
The neutrality of "this shows" is both its strength and its weakness. It avoids strong claims, which can be useful in preliminary analyses or when presenting information without definitive conclusions. However, this same neutrality can also mask stronger, more precise relationships, leading to missed opportunities for impactful communication. When a specific type of evidence is presented, a more tailored verb can articulate the connection with greater accuracy and authority.
Strategic Reasons to Diversify Your Language
Relying heavily on "this shows" can undermine content effectiveness in several ways, particularly for audiences accustomed to sophisticated, data-driven narratives. Varying your vocabulary is not merely about avoiding repetition; it's about enhancing clarity, precision, and the overall persuasive power of your writing.
- Enhanced Precision: Different verbs convey different nuances. "Demonstrates" implies proof, while "suggests" indicates an inference. Choosing accurately reflects the strength of your claim.
- Improved Readability: Repetitive phrasing creates a monotonous reading experience, which can disengage readers. Varied language maintains interest and flow.
- Increased Authority: Precise word choice signals a deeper understanding of the subject matter and a commitment to clear communication, bolstering your credibility as a source.
- SEO Benefits: While not a direct ranking factor, strong readability and user engagement (time on page, lower bounce rate) are positive signals. Unique, well-crafted language can also increase the likelihood of ranking for long-tail, nuanced queries.
- Persuasive Impact: Stronger verbs can make arguments more compelling. Instead of passively showing, content can actively prove, reveal, or establish.
Alternatives for Demonstrating and Indicating
When the intent is to present clear evidence or point to a direct outcome, several verbs offer more specificity than "this shows."
For Direct Evidence or Proof:
These alternatives are suitable when data or facts unequivocally support a conclusion.
- Illustrates: Use when data provides a clear example or visual representation of a concept.
Example: "The case study illustrates the practical application of agile methodologies in large-scale projects."
- Demonstrates: Employ when evidence provides concrete proof or a clear exhibition of something.
Example: "Our quarter-over-quarter growth demonstrates the effectiveness of the revised marketing strategy."
- Evidences: A more formal term, used when something serves as direct proof or a manifestation of a fact.
Example: "The consistent positive feedback evidences a high level of customer satisfaction."
- Confirms: Appropriate when new information corroborates or verifies an existing belief or hypothesis.
Example: "The recent market research confirms our initial assumptions about consumer demand."
For Highlighting or Bringing Attention To:
These options are effective when the goal is to emphasize a particular aspect or finding.
- Highlights: Use to draw attention to a significant point or finding.
Example: "The user analytics report highlights a significant drop-off rate on the checkout page."
- Underscores: Similar to highlights, but often implies reinforcing an existing point or making it more prominent.
Example: "The competitive analysis underscores the need for a differentiated product offering."
- Reveals: Suitable when information uncovers something previously unknown or not fully understood.
Example: "The A/B test results reveals a clear preference for the darker color scheme."
Alternatives for Implying and Concluding
When the connection between evidence and outcome is more inferential, or when you are drawing a conclusion, these alternatives offer greater nuance.
For Inferences or Suggestions:
These verbs are useful when the evidence points towards a conclusion but does not definitively prove it.
- Suggests: Use when evidence leads to a probable conclusion or indicates a trend without being absolute proof.
Example: "The declining engagement metrics suggests a need to refresh our content strategy."
- Implies: Similar to suggests, but often indicates an unstated or indirect conclusion.
Example: "The low conversion rate for new visitors implies that our onboarding process needs refinement."
- Indicates: A neutral option for pointing out a sign or symptom of something.
Example: "The increased search volume for our brand name indicates growing brand awareness."
For Establishing or Concluding:
These terms are stronger, used when the evidence firmly establishes a point or leads to a definitive conclusion.
- Establishes: Employ when evidence firmly sets a fact, principle, or conclusion.
Example: "The long-term tracking data establishes a direct correlation between content quality and organic traffic."
- Concludes: Use when evidence leads to a final judgment or decision.
Example: "Based on user feedback, the development team concludes that a mobile-first design is paramount."
- Verifies: Suitable when evidence confirms the truth or accuracy of something.
Example: "Independent audits verifies the integrity of our financial reporting."
Pro Tip: Always match the strength of your verb to the strength of your evidence. Using "proves" when the evidence only "suggests" can undermine credibility. Conversely, using "suggests" when the evidence "demonstrates" can weaken an otherwise strong argument. Precision builds trust and authority.
Integrating Varied Language for Impact
Consciously choosing alternatives to "this shows" requires a deliberate approach to writing and editing. It involves more than just swapping words; it means understanding the precise relationship between your data and your insights.
Contextual Application
Consider the specific message you want to convey. If presenting analytical findings, verbs like "reveals" or "highlights" are effective. For strategic recommendations, "establishes" or "confirms" can lend more weight. In persuasive copy, stronger verbs can drive home a point more effectively than passive alternatives.
Sentence Structure and Flow
Varying verbs also encourages diverse sentence structures. Instead of always starting with "This shows that...", you might rephrase: "The data reveals a clear trend..." or "A key finding highlights the importance of..." This improves overall textual flow and keeps the reader engaged.
Audience Awareness
Tailor your language to your audience. While "evidences" might be appropriate in a formal report for executives, "highlights" could be more suitable for a blog post aimed at a broader marketing audience. The goal is always clarity and impact, not simply using the most complex word.
Refining Your Professional Communication
Moving beyond generic phrasing like "this shows" is a fundamental step in elevating professional communication. It transforms data presentation into insightful analysis and builds stronger arguments. By deliberately selecting verbs that accurately reflect the relationship between evidence and conclusion, you enhance clarity, bolster authority, and improve the overall persuasive power of your content. This attention to linguistic detail directly supports commercial objectives by making content more engaging, trustworthy, and ultimately, more effective in achieving its purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to avoid overusing "this shows" in professional writing?
Overuse of "this shows" leads to repetitive, monotonous writing, which can disengage readers and reduce the perceived authority of the content. It also often replaces more precise verbs that could convey the exact nature of the relationship between evidence and conclusion.
How do I choose the best alternative to "this shows"?
Select an alternative based on the specific relationship between your evidence and your conclusion. If you are proving something, use "demonstrates" or "confirms." If you are suggesting an inference, use "suggests" or "implies." Match the verb's strength to the evidence's certainty.
Can varying my vocabulary improve my content's SEO?
While not a direct ranking factor, varied and precise language improves readability, user engagement (e.g., time on page), and the overall quality of your content. These are positive signals to search engines and contribute to a better user experience, indirectly benefiting SEO performance.
Are there any situations where "this shows" is acceptable?
"This shows" is acceptable when a neutral, straightforward connection is sufficient, or when the evidence is observational rather than conclusive. However, even in these cases, a more specific verb often exists that could enhance clarity without adding unnecessary complexity.
