The phrase "this shows" often functions as a placeholder, a verbal shrug that introduces an observation without fully committing to its implications. While grammatically correct, its frequent use can dilute the impact of your message, particularly in professional contexts where precision, authority, and clarity are paramount. For SEO professionals, marketers, site owners, and publishers, every word choice influences how content is perceived, indexed, and ultimately, how it performs.
Relying on "this shows" misses an opportunity to convey specific meaning, strengthen an argument, or guide a reader toward a particular conclusion. It's a neutral, often passive construction that can leave readers guessing at the exact relationship between your data, evidence, or statement and the point you're trying to make. Elevating your vocabulary beyond this generic phrase allows for more persuasive writing, clearer communication of insights, and a stronger authorial voice.
The Impact of Imprecise Language in Commercial Content
In commercial and analytical writing, the words chosen to connect evidence with conclusions directly influence reader trust and action. A vague phrase like "this shows" can:
- Undermine Authority: It suggests a lack of confidence in the presented data or the interpretation of that data.
- Obscure Nuance: It fails to differentiate between a strong causal link, a mere correlation, a suggestion, or a clear demonstration.
- Reduce Engagement: Repetitive or bland phrasing can make content less compelling, leading to higher bounce rates and lower time on page.
- Hinder SEO Performance: While not a direct ranking factor, clear, authoritative language improves user experience, which Google values. Moreover, precise language can naturally incorporate more specific keywords related to the nuances of your findings.
Replacing "this shows" is not merely about finding a synonym; it's about selecting the word that most accurately reflects the nature of the relationship being described. Consider whether you are demonstrating, indicating, proving, suggesting, or merely observing.
Alternatives for Demonstrating and Illustrating
When the intent is to present clear evidence or an example that makes a point obvious, stronger verbs convey this directly.
- Demonstrates: Use when concrete evidence or a clear process makes a point undeniable.
Example: "The case study demonstrates a 15% increase in conversion rates following the UX redesign."
- Illustrates: Best for providing examples, analogies, or data visualizations that clarify a concept.
Example: "The latest market report illustrates the shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable products."
- Exemplifies: Ideal for highlighting a specific instance that serves as a perfect example of a broader trend or principle.
Example: "The company's rapid growth exemplifies the effectiveness of its agile development methodology."
- Highlights: Use to draw attention to a particularly important or salient feature or finding.
Example: "The Q3 earnings report highlights strong performance in emerging markets."
Alternatives for Indicating and Suggesting
When the evidence points towards a conclusion but does not definitively prove it, or when presenting a hypothesis or trend, these words offer appropriate caution and precision.
- Indicates: Suitable for presenting data or observations that point towards a particular outcome or state, without being conclusive.
Example: "Early survey results indicate a preference for subscription-based services among younger demographics."
- Suggests: Use when observations or data lead to a probable conclusion or theory, inviting further investigation.
Example: "The correlation between page load speed and bounce rate suggests a need for technical SEO optimization."
- Implies: For when a statement or fact indirectly communicates something without stating it explicitly.
Example: "The absence of negative customer reviews implies a high level of product satisfaction."
- Points to: A slightly more informal but effective way to indicate that evidence leads towards a conclusion.
Example: "The declining organic traffic for specific keywords points to increased competition in the sector."
Alternatives for Proving and Confirming
When the evidence is irrefutable and establishes a fact or validates a hypothesis, these terms convey certainty and authority.
- Proves: Use when there is definitive, verifiable evidence to establish the truth of a statement.
Example: "The A/B test results prove that the new call-to-action button significantly boosts click-through rates."
- Confirms: Ideal for verifying something previously suspected, hypothesized, or partially evidenced.
Example: "Independent third-party audits confirm the accuracy of our environmental impact claims."
- Validates: Best when demonstrating that a theory, assumption, or approach is sound and effective.
Example: "Customer testimonials validate our product's ability to solve complex business challenges."
- Establishes: Use for setting a fact or principle firmly in place through evidence or argument.
Example: "Years of market research establishes our brand as a leader in innovation."
Pro Tip: Always align your chosen verb with the strength of your evidence. Overstating a conclusion with a word like "proves" when the data only "suggests" can damage credibility. Conversely, using "suggests" when you have definitive proof can weaken a strong argument. Accuracy in word choice builds trust.
Alternatives for Reflecting and Signifying
When the intent is to interpret or explain the deeper meaning or consequence of something, these verbs are more appropriate.
- Reflects: Use when something mirrors or is a consequence of an underlying condition or trend.
Example: "The increase in online sales reflects a broader shift in consumer shopping habits."
- Signifies: Best for indicating the meaning or importance of a particular event, data point, or development.
Example: "The acquisition of the startup signifies our expansion into the AI-driven analytics market."
- Connotes: For when a word or phrase implies an additional meaning or association beyond its literal sense.
Example: "The brand's minimalist design connotes sophistication and exclusivity."
Refining Your Message for Impact
Moving beyond "this shows" requires a conscious effort to evaluate the precise relationship between your statements and the evidence supporting them. This linguistic precision directly translates to more compelling and effective communication across all digital channels. For content creators and strategists, this means crafting messages that are not just understood, but believed and acted upon. By selecting verbs that accurately convey demonstration, indication, proof, or implication, you enhance the clarity, authority, and persuasive power of your writing, ultimately improving the overall quality and commercial effectiveness of your content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is "this shows" considered weak in professional writing?
It's often vague, passive, and lacks specific meaning, failing to convey the exact relationship between evidence and conclusion. This can undermine authority and reduce the impact of your message.
How do I choose the best alternative word?
Consider the strength and nature of your evidence. Are you proving something definitively, merely suggesting a trend, or illustrating a concept? Match the verb to the certainty and type of relationship you're describing.
Can using precise language affect SEO?
While not a direct ranking factor, precise language improves readability, user engagement, and content authority. These factors contribute to a better user experience, which Google values, potentially leading to higher rankings and better organic performance.
Is it always wrong to use "this shows"?
No, in informal contexts or when the meaning is genuinely neutral and unambiguous, "this shows" can be acceptable. However, in formal, commercial, or analytical writing, more precise alternatives almost always lead to stronger communication.
