When you write or speak the phrase “this shows,” you are asserting a direct connection between evidence and a conclusion. It functions as a bridge, linking raw data or observed facts to a logical inference. Mastering how to use this construction effectively allows you to build stronger arguments in professional reports, academic papers, and daily communication.
Understanding the nuances of this simple phrase helps you articulate your insights with precision rather than leaving your audience to guess your intentions. By examining how this shows something clearly to your reader, you gain the ability to steer the narrative and ensure your point is received exactly as you intended.
The Core Definition and Linguistic Function
At its most basic level, the phrase serves as a transition from a premise to a deduction. It acts as a cognitive signal to your audience that a piece of information, whether it is a statistic, a visual display, or a personal anecdote, serves as proof for the statement that follows. When you use it, you are effectively telling your listener or reader to stop and observe the significance of what has just been presented.
The word “shows” itself is a versatile verb. It suggests that something has been made visible, whether in a literal, physical sense or an abstract, logical one.
When you say, “This shows a decline in productivity,” you are using the verb to exhibit a trend that might otherwise remain hidden in a sea of raw numbers. It is an active way to frame an analysis, moving beyond mere description into the realm of interpretation.
Common Usage in Professional Writing
In a workplace setting, you often need to persuade stakeholders or colleagues to adopt a new strategy. Using this phrase helps you anchor your recommendations in reality rather than opinion. For example, if you are presenting quarterly sales figures, you might point to a specific dip in the chart and state, “This shows that our current marketing campaign is losing traction among younger demographics.”
This approach removes ambiguity. It forces you to be specific about what the evidence actually implies.
If you simply present the data without the “this shows” connection, your audience might draw their own, potentially incorrect, conclusions. Using the phrase ensures you maintain control over the interpretation of the facts you are presenting to your team.
Grammatical Structure and Variations
The phrase is grammatically straightforward, consisting of a demonstrative pronoun followed by a third-person singular verb. However, you can enhance your writing by swapping it for more descriptive alternatives when the context calls for greater precision. Depending on the strength of your evidence, you might choose a different verb entirely to better reflect the nature of your argument.
Alternatives to Consider
- Implies: Use this when the conclusion is a logical inference rather than a direct observation.
- Suggests: This is ideal when the evidence points to a likely outcome but isn’t definitive proof.
- Demonstrates: Use this when the evidence provides an undeniable, clear-cut confirmation of your point.
- Highlights: This works well when you want to draw attention to a specific, important detail within a larger dataset.
- Reflects: This is best used when discussing how one thing is a mirror or outcome of another, such as company culture.
Analyzing Data Through Evidence
When you are looking at complex datasets, identifying what the numbers actually reveal is the most important step in your analysis. You cannot simply dump a spreadsheet and hope the reader understands the takeaway. You must guide them by explicitly stating what the data represents in a real-world context.
For instance, if you are examining a survey of customer satisfaction, you might find that scores dropped after a specific software update. You would then write, “This shows a direct correlation between the recent interface changes and the decline in user engagement.” This sentence provides the evidence, the observation, and the conclusion in one tight package.
Data Interpretation Table
The table below demonstrates how to translate raw findings into actionable insights using this specific linguistic structure.
| Raw Finding | The Inference | How to Phrasing It |
|---|---|---|
| Website traffic dropped by 20% | Mobile users are struggling | This shows that our mobile site is not optimized. |
| Employee turnover increased | Low morale in the department | This shows a need for better management training. |
| Inventory levels are high | Overproduction is occurring | This shows we have a surplus in the warehouse. |
| High conversion on email ads | Audience prefers direct contact | This shows our email strategy is highly effective. |
Avoiding Overuse and Vague Conclusions
While “this shows” is a helpful tool, relying on it too heavily can make your writing feel repetitive. If every paragraph starts with the same transition, your reader may lose interest in the nuance of your argument. You should vary your sentence structure to keep the flow of information engaging.
Furthermore, ensure that what you are pointing to actually supports your claim. A common pitfall is using the phrase to jump to a conclusion that the evidence does not fully justify.
If you observe a small sample size, do not claim that it shows a universal truth. Be precise about the scope of your evidence to maintain your professional credibility.
The Role of Evidence in Academic Argumentation
In academic or technical writing, the burden of proof is much higher than in casual conversation. You must ensure that every time you use the phrase, you are backing it up with verifiable, objective facts. According to the Purdue Online Writing Lab, providing clear evidence is essential for establishing authority in formal research.
When you write, “This shows,” you are making a claim about reality. If that claim is not supported by the preceding sentences, your entire argument can crumble.
Always double-check that your evidence is robust enough to carry the weight of the conclusion you are drawing. If the link between the two is weak, consider using a softer verb like “suggests” or “indicates.”
Common Misconceptions About the Phrase
Some people mistakenly believe that the phrase is only appropriate for scientific or mathematical contexts. In reality, it is just as useful in creative writing, journalism, and personal essays. Whenever you are trying to convince someone of a specific perspective, you are essentially presenting evidence and asking them to agree with your interpretation of it.
Another misconception is that the phrase must always be followed by a long, complex explanation. Often, the best use of this construction is short and punchy.
“This shows a problem” is sometimes far more effective than a long-winded sentence that tries to over-explain the situation. Keep it simple, clear, and direct whenever possible.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What should I use instead of this shows if I want more variety?
You can use verbs like illustrates, highlights, underscores, signals, or indicates. Each of these carries a slightly different shade of meaning, allowing you to tailor your tone to the specific strength of your evidence.
Is it ever incorrect to use this shows?
It is rarely grammatically incorrect, but it can be stylistically weak if overused. The main risk is using it to draw a conclusion that isn’t supported by the facts. If your evidence is thin, avoid definitive verbs.
Can this shows be used in formal academic papers?
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in academic writing. However, ensure that the evidence you are referencing is clearly defined and that your conclusion is logically sound. Precision is the most important factor in formal contexts.
What does it mean when someone says “this shows” in a slang context?
In some slang or casual settings, it might be used sarcastically to point out something obvious. For example, if someone makes a mistake, a friend might say, “This shows how much you were paying attention,” implying the opposite.
Mastering the Art of Logical Connection
Connecting your observations to your conclusions is a fundamental skill that transforms raw data into meaningful insight. By using this shows or its variations, you provide a clear roadmap for your audience to follow, ensuring that your message is both understood and respected. You now have the tools to evaluate your evidence, choose the right verb, and structure your arguments with greater impact.
Whether you are drafting a report, giving a presentation, or writing an essay, remember that your goal is to make the connection between your evidence and your point crystal clear. Start applying these techniques to your daily work to see how much more effectively your ideas resonate with your audience. Engaging with your reader in this way is the most direct path to clear communication.
