What is how to avoid saying this quote shows?

Here's information on avoiding the phrase "this quote shows" with helpful suggestions:

Instead of relying on "this quote shows," try more specific and impactful phrasing. This will strengthen your analysis and demonstrate a deeper understanding of the material.

Here are some alternatives grouped by function:

• To introduce the quote and its source:

  • "In [Author's%20Name]'s words..."
  • "[Author's%20Name] states..."
  • "As [Author's%20Name] observes..."
  • "[Character%20Name] remarks..." (if the quote is from dialogue)
  • "The text illustrates this point by..."
  • "According to [Source%20Material]..."

• To explain the quote's significance/effect:

  • "This [passage%20indicates]..."
  • "This [highlights]..."
  • "This quote [emphasizes]..."
  • "This [demonstrates]..."
  • "This [reveals]..."
  • "This [suggests]..."
  • "This [illustrates]..."
  • "This [passage%20portrays]..."
  • "The author [implies]..."

• To connect the quote to your argument:

  • "This is [relevant%20because]..."
  • "This [contributes%20to]..."
  • "This is [significant%20because]..."
  • "This supports the idea that..."
  • "This reinforces the point that..."
  • "This underscores the importance of..."
  • "This relates to [the%20idea%20of]..."

General Tips:

• Vary your language: Don't use the same replacement phrase repeatedly.
• Context matters: Choose the word or phrase that best reflects the relationship between the quote and your argument. Consider the nuance of the author's intent and the specific point you are trying to make.
• Integrate smoothly: Make sure your chosen phrase flows logically within the sentence.
• Show, Don't Tell (with context): Sometimes, you don't even need a phrase! If the connection between the quote and your argument is clear, you can simply present the quote and immediately follow with your analysis.
• Consider the [Verb%20Tense]: Make sure your tense is consistent. Use present tense when discussing literature ("The quote suggests..."), and past tense when discussing historical events ("He said...").

Example:

Instead of: "This quote shows that the character is angry: 'I hate you!'"

Try: "The character's declaration, 'I hate you!' reveals their underlying anger." Or: "This outburst highlights the character's deeply rooted resentment." Or even: "The character's explosive declaration, 'I hate you!' speaks volumes about their internal conflict."