20 Other Ways to Say “This Quote Shows” (With Examples)

When we write about quotes in essays, emails, or social media posts, we often get stuck using the same phrase this quote shows over and over. Let’s explore some fresh alternatives that will make your writing more engaging and professional.

What To Say Instead of “This Quote Shows”

• This Passage Reveals
• The Quotation Illustrates
• These Words Underscore
• This Excerpt Demonstrates
• The Citation Highlights
• This Statement Evidences
• The Excerpt Exemplifies
• These Lines Indicate
• This Snippet Reflects
• The Quote Outlines
• This Text Unveils
• These Words Paint
• This Message Captures
• The Passage Spotlights
• These Lines Mirror
• The Extract Brings Out
• This Snippet Conveys
• The Quote Breaks Down
• These Words Get At
• The Excerpt Zooms In

1. This Passage Reveals

When you want to uncover deeper meaning in a text, this passage reveals works perfectly. It suggests that you’re bringing hidden insights to light. This phrase feels more sophisticated than shows while staying easy to understand.

 It’s particularly useful when discussing emotional or complex topics that aren’t immediately obvious on the surface.

Example 

(Email to Professor): 

To: Dr. Sarah Thompson Subject: Analysis of Romeo and Juliet This passage reveals Romeo’s inner conflict between family loyalty and love. When he says My only love sprung from my only hate, we see how torn he feels about falling for someone from an enemy family.

2. The Quotation Illustrates

Think of this phrase like painting a picture with words. When you say the quotation illustrates, you’re helping readers visualize your point. It’s perfect for explaining examples or describing situations. This phrase works especially well when you’re trying to explain something step by step.

Example 

(Book Club Discussion Post): 

BookLover_Jane: 

The quotation illustrates how George Orwell uses animal behavior to mirror human society in Animal Farm. Just brilliant how he does this!

3. These Words Underscore

Here’s a powerful way to emphasize important points. These words underscore suggests you’re highlighting something crucial. It’s like drawing a line under the most important part of a text. This phrase helps when you want to stress key themes or repeated ideas.

Example 

(Text Message):

Alex: These words underscore how much Sarah cares about the environment. Her graduation speech really moved me! 🌱

4. This Excerpt Demonstrates

When you need to prove a point clearly, this excerpt demonstrates fits perfectly. It’s like saying here’s the proof in a professional way. This phrase works great when you’re providing evidence for your argument or showing clear examples of something.

Example 

(LinkedIn Post): 

This excerpt demonstrates how Tesla’s innovative approach transformed the electric car industry. As stated in their 2020 report: [quote] #Innovation #Technology

5. The Citation Highlights

Use this phrase when pointing out standout moments or key points in a text. The citation highlights draws attention to specific details worth noting. It’s especially useful when you want to showcase important evidence or memorable moments.

Example 

(Student Forum Comment): 

Hi Mrs. Anderson, the citation highlights the main theme of resilience in The Alchemist. I found this part particularly meaningful for our class discussion.

6. This Statement Evidences

When you need to provide proof, this statement evidences works wonderfully. It’s a formal way to say this proves my point. The phrase helps connect evidence to arguments in a clear, professional manner.

Example 

(Research Paper Feedback): 

Dear Jennifer, this statement evidences your excellent understanding of climate change impacts. Your analysis of the data is particularly strong.

7. The Excerpt Exemplifies

“The Excerpt Exemplifies” works like a spotlight, showing a perfect example of what you’re discussing. The excerpt exemplifies helps readers understand patterns or typical characteristics. Use it when you want to show how something represents a broader idea.

Example 

(Blog Comment): 

The excerpt exemplifies why Stephen King remains the master of horror writing. The way he builds tension in this scene is just incredible! 😱

8. These Lines Indicate

When pointing out clues or suggesting meaning, these lines indicate fits naturally. It’s less forceful than proves but stronger than suggests. This phrase works well when interpreting subtle meanings or making reasonable conclusions.

Example 

(WhatsApp Group Chat): Book Club Admin: 

These lines indicate that Gatsby’s character isn’t as shallow as he first appears. What do you all think? 🤔

9. This Snippet Reflects

Use this phrase when showing how a small piece of text mirrors bigger ideas. This snippet reflects connects small details to larger themes. It’s perfect for discussing how specific moments represent broader concepts.

Example 

(Goodreads Review): 

This snippet reflects everything I love about Maya Angelou’s writing style – powerful, honest, and deeply moving. ❤️

10. The Quote Outlines

When a quote sketches out ideas or plans, the quote outlines fits perfectly. It’s useful for describing how something explains or lays out information. This phrase works especially well with quotes that describe processes or plans.

Example 

(Team Email): 

To: Marketing Team The quote outlines CEO Mark Wilson’s vision for our company’s future growth: Let’s discuss how we can align our strategies with this direction.

11. This Text Unveils

A gentle way to introduce new discoveries in a text. When you say this text unveils, you’re letting readers know they’re about to learn something new or surprising. It’s like opening a gift – you’re revealing something special that wasn’t obvious at first glance. Perfect for moments when you want to share unexpected insights or hidden meanings.

Example 

(Research Paper Email): 

To: Prof. Marcus Chen Subject: Thesis Draft Review This text unveils how children’s early reading habits shape their later academic success. The study notes: Daily bedtime stories showed a 40% increase in vocabulary by age 5.

12. These Words Paint

“These Words Paint” helps readers visualize ideas better. It’s like turning words into pictures in your reader’s mind. When you say these words paint, you’re showing how the author creates vivid images or feelings through their writing. Great for describing scenes, emotions, or detailed situations.

Example 

(Instagram Book Review): 

BookishSoul: These words paint such a beautiful picture of autumn in New England! ErinHilderbrand’s new novel got me reaching for hot cocoa 🍁☕️ 

13. This Message Captures

Perfect for showing how a quote grabs the essence of something. Think of it like taking a photo that perfectly catches a moment. Use this when the quote gets right to the heart of what you’re trying to say. It’s especially good for emotional or powerful statements.

Example 

(Slack Message): 

TeamLead: This message captures our company’s dedication to customer care. From CustomerService: Every call is a chance to make someone’s day better. 💫

14. The Passage Spotlights

Use this when you want to shine attention on specific ideas. It’s like using a flashlight to point out important details in a dark room. This phrase works great when highlighting key points or drawing attention to crucial evidence. Very useful in academic or professional writing.

Example 

(YouTube Comment): 

The passage spotlights why Harry Potter meant so much to a whole generation. BookTuber your analysis is spot-on! 🪄✨

15. These Lines Mirror

Shows how words reflect bigger truths or common experiences. Like holding up a mirror to see yourself, this phrase helps connect quote meanings to real life. 

Great for showing how literature connects to personal or universal experiences. Very effective in discussion posts or analysis.

Example 

(Twitter Thread): 

These lines mirror exactly how Gen Z feels about climate change. GretaThunberg’s speech hits different: 🌍 

16. The Extract Brings Out

Perfect for showing how a quote reveals deeper meanings or feelings. Think of it like peeling an onion – each layer shows something new. Use this when you want to explain how a quote reveals multiple levels of meaning or important details that aren’t obvious at first.

Example 

(Book Club Email): 

Dear Reading Buddies, The extract brings out the subtle humor in Jane Austen’s social commentary. When Elizabeth says: she’s actually making fun of social rules.

17. This Snippet Conveys

Great for explaining how information or ideas are delivered. It’s like describing how a message gets from point A to point B. Use this when focusing on how the author communicates ideas or feelings. Works well in both formal and casual writing.

Example 

(LinkedIn Comment): 

This snippet conveys the incredible impact of Michelle Obama’s leadership style. Her words inspire action! 💪

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18. The Quote Breaks Down

Use this when a quote explains something step by step or in detail. Like taking apart a puzzle to see how it works. Perfect for quotes that explain processes, reasons, or complex ideas in simpler terms. Very helpful in educational contexts.

Example 

(Student Forum): 

Hey StudyGroup, the quote breaks down Einstein’s theory in a way that finally makes sense! Here’s what he said: [quote] 🧮

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19. These Words Get At

A casual but effective way to show how a quote reaches the core of an idea. It’s like hitting the bullseye of a target. Use this in less formal writing when you want to show how a quote really nails the main point. Great for blog posts or social media.

Example 

(WhatsApp Group): 

BookClub: These words get at why Toni Morrison is such a powerful writer. Look at this part: 📚

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20. The Excerpt Zooms In

Perfect for when you’re focusing on specific details in a larger text. Like using a camera to get a close-up shot. Use this when you want to examine small details that have big meaning. Works great in analysis papers or detailed reviews.

Example 

(Editorial Feedback Email):

To: Sarah Writer The excerpt zooms in on the character’s internal struggle perfectly. Your description: [quote] really makes readers feel his confusion.