the graph shows

USAGE SUMMARY

"the graph shows" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used in academic or technical writing, especially when discussing data or statistics shown in a graph or chart. Example: "The graph shows a significant increase in temperature over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The graph shows three major features.

The New York Times

This is exactly what the graph shows.

The New York Times

(The graph shows peaks and troughs; throughout 2012 and 2013, it flatlines on zero).

The New Yorker

In absolute terms the graph shows that an iTunes account generates about $3.2/month in transactions.

The Guardian

As the thick black line on the graph shows, numbers have fluctuated over this period, but have not moved dramatically.

The Guardian

The graph shows an example of such a three-dimensional plot.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The graph shows prices for round-trip fares on different days.

The New York Times

As the graph shows, they tend to fall in the middle of the spectrum.

The New York Times

The graph shows the relationship of British house prices to the FTSE 100 index.

The Economist

The graph shows real household incomes in a variety of different countries between 2008 and 2012.

Independent

Second, the graph shows that Republicans don't trust government less than Democrats do, historically.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the graph shows", ensure that the graph is clearly labeled and easily understandable to your audience. Reference specific data points within the graph to support your claims.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "the graph shows" without providing any interpretation or context. Explain the significance of the data and its implications, rather than just describing what is visually apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the graph shows" functions as an indicative statement, introducing information derived directly from visual data. Ludwig AI confirms this is a common and accepted usage. It serves to present factual observations in a clear and concise manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the graph shows" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase in English for presenting information extracted from graphs, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's most prevalent in scientific and news-related contexts, serving to inform and support claims with visual evidence. While versatile, remember to provide context and interpretation alongside simply stating what the graph displays. Consider alternatives such as "the graph illustrates" or "the data suggests" for nuanced communication. Avoiding mere repetition of the phrase enhances clarity and analytical depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the graph illustrates

Replaces "shows" with "illustrates", emphasizing the visual representation of data.

the graph depicts

Uses "depicts" instead of "shows", highlighting the graphical portrayal of information.

the graph presents

Substitutes "shows" with "presents", focusing on the act of displaying the data.

the graph indicates

Replaces "shows" with "indicates", suggesting that the graph points to certain conclusions.

the graph reveals

Uses "reveals" instead of "shows", implying the graph uncovers something previously unseen.

the data in the graph suggests

Rephrases to emphasize the data's implication rather than the graph's direct action.

as can be seen in the graph

Adds a passive construction to highlight the visual aspect and invitation to observe.

the analysis of the graph demonstrates

Focuses on analytical interpretation, replacing direct showing with demonstration through analysis.

according to the graph

Shifts focus to attribution, specifying that the following information comes from the graph.

the trend in the graph highlights

Emphasizes a specific aspect (trend) within the graph, changing the action to "highlights".

FAQs

What does "the graph shows" mean?

The phrase "the graph shows" is used to introduce information that is visually represented in a graph. It indicates that the following statement is supported by the data presented in the graph.

How can I use "the graph shows" in a sentence?

You can use "the graph shows" to highlight trends, comparisons, or relationships evident in a graph. For example, "The graph shows a significant increase in sales during the holiday season."

What are some alternatives to "the graph shows"?

Alternatives include "the graph illustrates", "the graph depicts", or "the data suggests", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "the graph shows" or "the data indicates"?

Both phrases are correct, but "the graph shows" emphasizes the visual representation, while "the data indicates" focuses on the underlying data's implications. Choose the phrase that best aligns with the specific point you want to make.