This Shows in an Essay – Definition and Synonyms
Definition and Part of Speech
The phrase “this shows in an essay” implies that a particular point or idea becomes evident within an essay through demonstration, analysis, or evidence. It suggests how conclusions are drawn from the content presented. In terms of part of speech, this phrase functions as a verb clause, indicating action (showing) and context (in an essay).
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demonstrates | Clearly indicates or makes evident | “This statistic demonstrates a significant trend.” | Formal/Academic |
| Illustrates | Depicts with clarity and detail | “The author illustrates her point with an engaging story.” | Academic/Creative |
| Highlights | Emphasizes for attention | “Her research highlights the importance of early education.” | Business/Formal |
| Evidences | Provides proof or substantiates | “The data evidences a correlation between diet and health.” | Formal/Technical |
| Reveals | Makes known something previously hidden | “This finding reveals new insights into climate change.” | Informal/Academic |
Usage Notes
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Demonstrates: Best used in formal or academic writing where precision is needed. It implies a logical progression from evidence to conclusion, suitable for scientific and technical papers.
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Illustrates: Suitable for contexts requiring vivid or engaging explanations. It’s often used in essays that include examples, stories, or anecdotes to clarify points, making it ideal for creative and narrative writing.
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Highlights: This synonym is effective when you need to draw attention to a particular aspect among others. Commonly found in business reports and formal presentations where focus on key findings is critical.
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Evidences: Used predominantly in contexts that require empirical support or validation, such as legal documents, scientific studies, and technical analyses.
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Reveals: Versatile for both informal and academic writing; it conveys the uncovering of new information or insights. Often used when discussing research findings or personal observations.
Common Pitfalls
One common mistake is using “shows” interchangeably with less precise synonyms like “indicates,” which might not convey the strength of evidence needed in certain contexts. Additionally, “evidences” can be confused for an incorrect form, but it is perfectly valid to use as a verb meaning ‘to provide proof or substantiate.’
Final Recap
The phrase “this shows in an essay” serves as a versatile verb clause indicating demonstration or revelation within written work. Its synonyms—demonstrates, illustrates, highlights, evidences, and reveals—each carry nuanced meanings that cater to different writing styles and contexts. By understanding these nuances, writers can choose the most appropriate synonym for their needs, ensuring clarity and precision in communication.
To enhance your vocabulary effectively, practice using each of these synonyms in sentences relevant to your field of study or area of interest. Try crafting essays, reports, or even creative stories, experimenting with these different expressions to see how they impact the clarity and style of your writing.