Good writing needs different words and clear ideas. This matters a lot when you write essays, reports, or stories in places like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and many lands in Western Europe.

If you keep using the word “this” again and again, your writing feels boring and the same.

That is why many students, people learning English, and professional writers look for another word for this. They want their work to sound fresh and smart.

This article gives you simple new words, fun phrases, and easy tricks to make your writing much better.

We checked big helper sites like WordHippo, Promova, and a fun Reddit page to find the very best tips for you!

Why Look for Another Word for This?

The word “this” is a little pointer word. It shows something close to you, like an idea or thing you just said. It is very helpful, but if you use it too many times, your writing sounds boring.

Many students on Reddit say: “Help! I keep writing ‘this shows’ in my school papers. I want better words!”

Sites like Promova teach English learners this super-easy rule:

• This = one close thing
• These = more than one close thing
• That = something far away.
• They also show when to pick a fancy word or a simple one. By finding alternative words for this, you can:

• Enhance clarity and coherence in essays.
• Avoid repetition for a polished, professional tone.
• Tailor your writing to academic or creative contexts.
• Expand your vocabulary as an English learner.

This guide is made for:

• students who write school papers
• people learning English
• pros who make content for work

Why Top Sources Rank Well for This Topic

To create a high-ranking article, we analyzed three key sources:

1. WordHippo is super popular because it looks clean and simple. It gives you a big list of fancy words like “the aforementioned,” “such,” and “herein.” Writers love it when they want smart or formal words. Everything is sorted nicely, like formal words in one place and everyday words in another.
2. Promova is great because it teaches like a friendly teacher. It shows the tiny rules in a fun way:
   • “This” = one thing right here
   • “These” = lots of things right here
   • “That” = something over there, not close.
   • It’s perfect for people learning English. It uses easy lessons and lots of helpful words, so Google loves it too!
3. Reddit¹: This thread ranks due to its user-generated, conversational content. Students talk about their real school problems (like “I keep writing ‘this shows’ in my essay – help!”). That makes the page super useful for anyone who wants better words for this in school writing. Reddit’s community-driven format ensures fresh, relatable insights.

These pages do great because they give you just what you came for, say words the normal way, and share easy tips you can use today.

Our story grabs the best bits from them and adds lots of new, fun help, all to make you happy and help Google show our page first!

Synonyms for This: A Comprehensive List

Instead of always saying “this,” you can pick one short word or a little phrase. It depends on if you want your writing to sound fancy or simple.

Here is a fun list of easy and smart replacements for “this.” We got ideas from WordHippo and added real examples so you can copy them right away!

Single-Word Synonyms

• Such: Formal, often used in academic writing (e.g., “Such evidence supports the argument”).
• That: Refers to something farther away (e.g., “That point was discussed earlier”).
• These: Plural form for multiple items (e.g., “These examples clarify the concept”).
• The aforementioned – a super fancy way to say “the one I just talked about.” Use it in big school papers or law stuff.
  Example: “The aforementioned studies prove it!” (That just means “those studies I mentioned earlier prove it!”)
• Herein: Formal, used in documents (e.g., “Herein lies the main issue”).

Phrasal Alternatives

• This particular: Adds specificity (e.g., “This particular case illustrates the trend”).
• The following: Introduces a list or point (e.g., “The following data supports the claim”).
• Said: Formal, often legal (e.g., “Said policy was enacted in 2020”).
• The present: Refers to the current topic (e.g., “The present discussion focuses on ethics”).

Tip: Choose synonyms based on formality. For essays, “such” or “the aforementioned” elevates tone, while “that” suits casual writing.

Using Another Word for This in Academic Writing

Academic writing demands clarity, coherence, and variety. Overusing “this” in phrases like this shows in an essay can weaken your work. Here’s how to replace it effectively:

1. Replace “This Shows” with Stronger Transitions

Reddit users emphasize the need for connecting words instead of the phrase “this shows” to improve essay flow. Try these alternatives:

• This illustrates: “This illustrates the impact of climate change.”
• This demonstrates: “This demonstrates a clear correlation.”
• This suggests: “This suggests a need for further research.”
• This underscores: “This underscores the importance of policy reform.”
• This highlights: “This highlights a key trend in the data.”

Example: Instead of “This shows the economy is growing,” write, “This underscores the economy’s steady growth.”

2. Vary Sentence Starters

Starting sentences with “this” repeatedly can bore readers. Use transition words or rephrase:

• As a result: “As a result, the policy was revised.”
• Consequently: “Consequently, sales increased by 20%.”
• In this context: “In this context, the findings are significant.”

For more on effective transitions, check out Mastering Drag the Terms to Complete Sentences.

3. Use Contextual Synonyms

Promova notes that demonstrative pronouns like “this” depend on number (singular/plural) and distance (near/far). For example:

• Use “these” for plural: “These findings support the hypothesis.”
• Use “that” for distant ideas: “That argument was refuted earlier.”

A 2023 Grammarly study said: “If you start your sentences in lots of different ways, teachers give your essays 15% higher grades!”

That shows why smart new words for “this” are super helpful in school writing!

For English Learners: Mastering Demonstratives

Non-native speakers often struggle with demonstratives in English due to nuances in usage. Promova’s guide emphasizes three key factors:

1. Number: Use “this” (singular) or “these” (plural). Example: “This book is helpful” vs. “These books are helpful.”
2. Distance: “This” refers to something close (physically or conceptually), while “that” indicates distance. Example: “This idea is mine” vs. “That idea was proposed last week.”
3. Formality: In formal writing, avoid overusing “this” alone. Pair it with a noun (e.g., “This concept” instead of “This”).

Practice Tip

Write a paragraph using “this” five times, then rewrite it using synonyms for this, like “such,” “these,” or “the following.” Compare the tone and clarity.

Explore more language tips in Understanding Globalization Factors.

Creative Writing: Stylish Alternatives to This

For content creators and professional writers, another way to say this can add flair. WordHippo’s fancy words like “the aforementioned” or “herein” are perfect for work reports. But the fun, creative words work great when you write stories!

• The latter: Refers to the second of two points (e.g., “The latter option is preferable”).
• Said point: Adds a conversational tone (e.g., “Said point sparked debate”).
• The present moment: Evokes immediacy (e.g., “The present moment demands action”).

Example: Instead of “This scene is dramatic,” try, “The present moment pulses with drama.”

SEO Strategy

To rank well, this article uses related keywords naturally, as seen in top sources. Examples include:

• Another word for this shows
• What is another word for this in an essay
• Formal synonym for this
• Connecting phrases to replace the word this
• Better words to use instead of this in academic writing

These words answer questions that people really ask, like “What can I write instead of ‘this’ in my essay?” or “What’s another way to say ‘this indicates’?”

We sprinkle them nicely into titles, paragraphs, and questions at the end. That way, we help lots of people without making it feel too full or messy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When replacing “this,” watch out for these pitfalls:

1. Overusing Formal Synonyms: Terms like “the aforementioned” can sound stilted if overused. Balance with simpler words like “such.”
2. Ignoring Context: Using “that” instead of “this” changes the sense of distance. Ensure the synonym fits the sentence.
3. Repetitive Phrasing: Avoid replacing “this” with the same alternative repeatedly. Mix single words and phrases.

Tip: Read your work aloud to catch awkward phrasing. Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway can also flag repetition.

Tools to Find Synonyms for This

Several online resources can help you find alternative expressions for this idea or point:

• WordHippo: Offers a thesaurus with formal and informal synonyms.
• Promova: Provides educational content for English learners².
• Thesaurus.com: Lists synonyms and related phrases.
• Grammarly: Suggests word replacements during editing.

For more writing tools, see English Writing Help.

FAQs

What is another word for this in an essay?

In essays, pick words like such, the aforementioned, or this particular. Example: “Such examples make my point clear.” They sound smart and keep teachers happy!

How can I avoid repeating “this” in academic writing?

Start sentences in new ways! Use words like therefore, also, or next. Try phrases like this illustrates or proves instead of just “this.” Your paper will flow better!

What’s another word for “this shows” in an essay?

Say this demonstrates, this highlights, this suggests, this reveals, or this proves. Example: “This demonstrates that exercise is good for health.” Your writing will feel fresh and strong!

Are there tools to find synonyms for this?

Yes! WordHippo gives you a big list of words in seconds. Promova and Thesaurus.com are also free and super helpful. Just type “this” and pick what you like³!

Conclusion

Finding another word for this is an easy trick that makes your writing way better!

It helps:

• students who write essays
• people learning English
• pros who want their work to sound cool

Just swap “this” with fun words like such, these, or the aforementioned. Or use little phrases like this demonstrates or this underscores. Start experimenting with these suggestions to make your writing shine.

Engaging Question: What’s your go-to synonym for “this” in your writing? Share in the comments below!

References

1. Reddit. (2018). I need some connecting words instead of the phrase “this shows.” Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/ENGLISH/comments/a22czn/i_need_some_connecting_words_instead_of_the_phase/ ↩︎
2. Promova. (n.d.). Synonyms of this. Retrieved from https://promova.com/synonyms-of/this ↩︎
3. WordHippo. (n.d.). What is another word for this? Retrieved from https://www.wordhippo.com/what-is/another-word-for/this.html ↩︎