Beyond “This Shows”: Elevating Your Essay’s Argumentation
In academic writing, the phrase “this shows” often serves as a rudimentary link between evidence and claim. While functional, its overuse weakens the analytical rigor and sophistication of your essay. This article explores a rich vocabulary of alternatives that articulate the connection between evidence and argument more effectively, adding nuance and depth to your writing. Replacing “this shows” with stronger verbs and more precise phrasing elevates your essay from simply presenting information to constructing a compelling and persuasive argument.
The Problem with “This Shows”
The phrase “this shows” suffers from several weaknesses:
Lack of Specificity: It’s a generic statement that doesn’t reveal how the evidence supports the claim. The reader is left to infer the connection, which can lead to ambiguity and a weaker argument.
Passive Voice: The passive construction (“this shows”) obscures agency and weakens the assertive tone of your writing. Strong academic writing favors active voice.
Repetitive and Monotonous: Repeating “this shows” throughout an essay creates a monotonous rhythm, detracting from the overall flow and readability.
Crafting Stronger Connections: Verbs and Phrases
Instead of relying on the weak “this shows,” consider employing a more nuanced vocabulary that precisely reflects the relationship between your evidence and your argument. The best alternative will depend on the specific nature of that relationship.
Demonstrating Causation
When your evidence demonstrates a cause-and-effect relationship, avoid vague phrasing. Instead, use verbs that explicitly highlight causality:
Indicates: Suggests a less direct causal link. “This indicates a potential shift in public opinion.”
Suggests: Similar to “indicates,” implying a possibility rather than a certainty. “The data suggests a correlation between X and Y.”
Demonstrates: Shows a clear and direct relationship. “The experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of the new treatment.”
Reveals: Uncovers previously unknown information. “The study reveals a previously overlooked factor.”
Implies: Hints at a conclusion, requiring further interpretation. “These findings imply the need for further research.”
Proves: Use cautiously, only when the evidence irrefutably supports the claim. “The statistical analysis proves the hypothesis.”
Highlighting Correlation and Evidence
If your evidence shows a correlation or provides supporting evidence, select verbs that accurately reflect this relationship:
Supports: Provides evidence in favor of a claim. “This evidence supports the hypothesis that…”
Illustrates: Provides a concrete example to clarify a point. “This case illustrates the complexities of the issue.”
Highlights: Emphasizes a key aspect of the evidence. “This data highlights the disparity between…”
Underscores: Reinforces the importance of a point. “The results underscore the significance of…”
Confirms: Provides additional evidence that strengthens a pre-existing claim. “These findings confirm earlier research on…”
Reinforces: Strengthens a previously made point. “The historical evidence reinforces this interpretation.”
Expressing Contrast and Nuance
Your evidence might challenge existing assumptions or present contrasting viewpoints. In these cases, use verbs that reflect this nuanced relationship:
Contrasts with: Shows a difference or opposition between ideas. “This finding contrasts with previous research on…”
Challenges: Questions or refutes a pre-existing assumption. “This data challenges the conventional wisdom on…”
Complicates: Introduces complexity or ambiguity. “This evidence complicates our understanding of…”
Qualifies: Modifies or limits a previous statement. “This research qualifies the earlier conclusions by…”
Undermines: Weakens or disproves a claim. “These results undermine the credibility of the theory.”
Beyond Single Verbs: Sophisticated Phrasing
Instead of a single verb, consider using more complex phrases to articulate the relationship between evidence and argument. This approach allows for greater precision and avoids the monotony of repetitive verb usage.
“This evidence strongly suggests…”
“The data presented here clearly indicates…”
“As illustrated by this example,…”
“In light of this evidence, it is reasonable to conclude…”
“The findings corroborate the hypothesis that…”
“These results, taken together, point towards…”
Using Transition Words Effectively
Transition words further enhance the clarity and flow of your argument by explicitly linking evidence and conclusions. They signal the logical relationship between sentences and paragraphs. Examples include:
Therefore: Indicates a logical consequence.
Consequently: Similar to “therefore.”
Thus: A concise way to express a conclusion.
Hence: Similar to “thus.”
Accordingly: Indicates action taken in response to evidence.
Furthermore: Adds additional supporting evidence.
Moreover: Similar to “furthermore.”
In addition: Introduces supplementary information.
Comparison Table: Alternatives to “This Shows”
| Situation | Weak Phrase | Strong Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Cause and Effect | This shows… | This indicates/demonstrates/reveals/implies… |
| Supporting Evidence | This shows… | This supports/illustrates/highlights/confirms… |
| Contrasting Evidence | This shows… | This contrasts with/challenges/complicates… |
| Conclusion | This shows… | Therefore, consequently, thus, hence, accordingly |
FAQ
Q: Is it ever okay to use “this shows”?
A: While not ideal, using “this shows” occasionally in a very informal context might be acceptable. However, in formal academic writing, consistently strive for more precise and sophisticated phrasing.
Q: How do I choose the best alternative?
A: The best alternative depends on the specific relationship between your evidence and your claim. Carefully consider the nuance of the connection you’re trying to make.
Q: Will using more sophisticated language make my essay sound pretentious?
A: No. Using precise language enhances the clarity and persuasiveness of your argument. Avoid overly complex or obscure words, but strive for accuracy and specificity.
Conclusion
Replacing the ubiquitous “this shows” with a more diverse and nuanced vocabulary significantly enhances the quality of your academic writing. By carefully selecting verbs and phrases that accurately reflect the relationship between evidence and argument, you create a more compelling, persuasive, and sophisticated essay. This attention to detail demonstrates your analytical skills and strengthens the overall impact of your work. Remember to practice choosing the most appropriate wording and actively replace “this shows” in your writing to improve its impact and your academic voice.