a study showed that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a study showed that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce information or findings from a specific study. Example: "A recent study showed that regular exercise can improve overall mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A study showed that tight glucose control reduced infection risk in hyperglycemic neurosurgical patients [ 22].

BioMed Research International

The students were right about stress, though – a study showed that exams caused flareups of acne.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Although the accounts would pay generous returns, a study showed that the cost to the city would be modest.

The New York Times

A study showed that eating off smaller plates didn't translate into eating less.

The New York Times

The disclosure comes exactly two years after Merck announced it was withdrawing its arthritis drug, Vioxx, after a study showed that it doubled the risks of heart attacks.

The New York Times - Health

"A study showed that laser and eyedrops come out at about the same rate of effectiveness after five years," Dr. Quigley said.

The New York Times - Health

"A study showed that there are 4.2 million people emotionally connected to soccer in New York, and very few cross the river to watch us.

The New York Times - Sports

A study showed that when the number of pop-up ads was cut in half for a group of members, their satisfaction improved notably.

The New York Times

In New York, a study showed that some 85percentt of guns used in crimes came from Florida, Georgia and other states.

The New York Times

"As a child, they had us sleeping in 'croup tents,' " filled with steam, "until a study showed that this actually was contributing to lung infections".

The New York Times - Health

A study showed that it increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with cardiovascular risk.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a study showed that", clearly cite the study to enhance credibility. This can be done using footnotes, endnotes, or in-text citations.

Common error

Avoid stating that "a study showed that" something is a universal truth. Research findings are often specific to the study's parameters and population; acknowledge limitations where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a study showed that" serves as an introductory phrase used to present findings or conclusions derived from empirical research. It indicates that the subsequent statement is supported by evidence obtained through a scientific study. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a study showed that" is a grammatically correct and widely used construction for introducing findings from research. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence across various domains, particularly in science and news media. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, ensure you properly cite the source to enhance credibility. Be mindful of overgeneralizing the study's results, acknowledging any limitations. Alternatives such as "research indicated that" or "findings reveal that" can provide variety while maintaining a similar level of authority. The prevalence and clarity of its function make it a valuable tool for evidence-based communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Research indicated that

Replaces "study" with "research", offering a slightly broader term.

The evidence suggests that

Focuses on the evidence supporting a conclusion, rather than a specific study.

Findings reveal that

Highlights the results or discoveries of a study or investigation.

Data indicates that

Emphasizes the use of data to support a conclusion.

Analysis demonstrated that

Highlights the analytical process that led to a particular conclusion.

Results confirm that

Suggests a validation or verification of previous findings.

Investigations have found that

Uses a more general term for studies, referring to investigations.

Scientists discovered that

Attributes the finding to scientists specifically.

The report indicates that

Refers to a specific report as the source of the information.

It has been determined that

Uses a passive construction to emphasize the conclusion rather than the source.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a study showed that"?

You can use alternatives like "research indicated that", "the evidence suggests that", or "findings reveal that" depending on the context.

How do I properly cite a study when using the phrase "a study showed that"?

Include a citation immediately after the phrase, either parenthetically with the author and year (e.g., (Smith, 2023)) or as a footnote linking to the full reference. This ensures credibility and allows readers to verify your source.

Is it necessary to always name the specific study when using "a study showed that"?

While not always necessary, naming the study or its authors adds weight to your statement. If the study is particularly relevant or authoritative, including its name enhances the impact of your claim.

What's the difference between "a study showed that" and "it is believed that"?

"A study showed that" indicates empirical evidence supports a claim, whereas "it is believed that" suggests a general opinion or belief without concrete evidence. Using "a study showed that" implies stronger support for the statement.