Comprehensive Guide: Synonyms for “This Quote Shows”
Definition and Part of Speech
“This quote shows” refers to a statement or citation that demonstrates or reveals information, opinions, or evidence about a specific subject. This phrase is typically used in contexts such as academic writing, analysis, commentary, or discussion where the purpose is to highlight a particular point made by someone else.
The phrase operates primarily as part of a sentence structure rather than standing alone with a distinct grammatical identity (i.e., it functions more like an idiomatic expression). It does not have multiple forms, but its utility is in indicating causality, support, or clarification.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table presenting the main synonyms for “this quote shows,” along with brief definitions, example sentences, and style registers:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illustrates | Demonstrates or exemplifies a point. | “This quote illustrates the author’s belief in perseverance.” | Academic/Formal |
| Highlights | Emphasizes or draws attention to specific details. | “The statement highlights the importance of teamwork in achieving goals.” | Business/Informal |
| Indicates | Points out or signals evidence or inference. | “This quote indicates a change in societal attitudes over time.” | Academic/Formal |
| Demonstrates | Provides clear proof or support for an assertion. | “The excerpt demonstrates the effectiveness of the new strategy.” | Academic/Formal |
| Supports | Offers evidence to back up a claim. | “This quote supports the argument that technology is essential in modern education.” | Academic/Informal |
Usage Notes
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Illustrates: Often used in academic writing or presentations, this synonym emphasizes how a point is exemplified by concrete examples or specific details within a quote.
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Highlights: Suitable for both business settings and casual discussions where drawing attention to particular elements of the quote is necessary. It suggests bringing key points into focus.
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Indicates: Commonly used in formal writing such as research papers, this term implies pointing out subtle clues or evidence without explicit confirmation.
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Demonstrates: Used when a strong, clear connection between the quote and an assertion needs to be shown, often involving logical reasoning or empirical evidence.
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Supports: This synonym is versatile, appearing in academic contexts where quotes are used to substantiate arguments, as well as in persuasive writing across various forms.
Common Pitfalls
One common pitfall is using these synonyms interchangeably without considering the nuances. For example:
- “Illustrates” suggests a detailed explanation or example, which might not fit if you’re only signaling general evidence (“indicates”).
- “Highlights” focuses on drawing attention rather than providing proof; it should not replace terms like “demonstrates” when concrete evidence is required.
Ensuring the appropriate synonym matches the intent and context can prevent misunderstandings in conveying analysis or argument strength.
Final Recap
To summarize, while all these synonyms convey a sense of showing or revealing through quotes, each has unique nuances:
- Illustrates provides examples or clarity.
- Highlights draws attention to specific parts.
- Indicates suggests evidence or signs.
- Demonstrates offers proof or clear support.
- Supports backs up claims with evidence.
By understanding these differences, you can enrich your writing and communication skills by choosing the most fitting synonym for each context. Practice using them in sentences relevant to their suggested registers to become more comfortable with their applications in various scenarios.