Guide 04 / 200 6 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “show”
Evidence-flavoured verbs for when "show" is too soft.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
In reports and papers, "show" often sounds tentative — as if the evidence might not. Prefer verbs that state what the evidence does: demonstrates, indicates, reveals.
ii · The swaps6 ways
- 01Demonstrate formal
establish by evidence or reasoning
The data demonstrates a 12% lift.
- 02Illustrate formal
give a clear example of something
The chart illustrates the decline.
- 03Indicate formal
suggest without claiming proof
Early returns indicate parity.
- 04Reveal neutral
uncover something previously hidden
The audit revealed three gaps.
- 05Exhibit formal
display a characteristic or pattern
The sample exhibits low variance.
- 06Evidence formal
serve as proof of — as a verb
The decline is evidenced by the chart.
Watch out Using "evidence" as a verb is formal-register only; avoid in general prose.