show
/ʃəʊ/ (bre, ipa) · /ʃəʊ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈshō/ (ame, mw) · /ʃoʊ/ (ame, ipa)
show — verb
- showpresent simple I / you / we / they
- showshe / she / it
- showedpast simple
- shownpast participle
- showing-ing form
1. to put something in a place where people can see it, or to let another person lo
to put something in a place where people can see it, or to let another person look at something you have.
Nila showed the security guard her pass before entering the building.
show + someone + something (double object structure)
Harper opened the box carefully to show the birthday cake to her friends.
The doctor showed the X-ray to the patient and pointed at the broken bone.
Putri held up her painting to show it to the art teacher for feedback.
The tour guide showed the group an old photograph of the town from 1920.
- hide
to put something where it cannot be seen
文法句型
show + noun phrase
show + someone + something
show + something + to + someone
用法筆記
Commonly used with two objects: you show someone something, or you show something to someone. Both patterns are natural in everyday English.
常見錯誤
2. when a piece of equipment such as a clock or a gauge displays a particular readi
when a piece of equipment such as a clock or a gauge displays a particular reading, quantity, or other piece of information.
The kitchen scale showed exactly five hundred grams of rice.
subject = measuring device; object = measurement
The clock on the wall showed a quarter past three in the afternoon.
The speedometer in Reuben's car showed one hundred and twenty kilometres per hour.
The thermometer showed thirty-nine degrees, so the baby had caught a fever.
The petrol gauge at the side of the road showed that the tank was almost empty.
文法句型
show + noun phrase (measurement)
用法筆記
Subject is always a device or instrument. The object is a number, measurement, or that-clause describing the reading. Not used for people.
常見錯誤
3. to teach someone how something is done by carrying out the steps yourself while
to teach someone how something is done by carrying out the steps yourself while they watch, or by giving clear instructions to follow.
The swimming coach showed the children how to float on their backs.
show + someone + how to + infinitive
Putri showed her younger brother how to tie his shoelaces into a double knot.
The instructor showed the class the proper way to hold a pair of chopsticks.
Can you show me how this new coffee machine works before the guests arrive?
Femi showed the new student where the library and the science lab were located.
- demonstrate
more formal; common in educational and professional settings
- teach
broader; can mean giving systematic instruction over time
文法句型
show + someone + how to + infinitive
show + someone + noun phrase
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: sense 3 focuses on teaching a process or skill, not just letting someone see an object. Often followed by how + to-infinitive or a wh-clause.
常見錯誤
4. to provide facts, reasons, or evidence that make something clearly true or real.
to provide facts, reasons, or evidence that make something clearly true or real.
The study showed that eating breakfast helps children concentrate better at school.
show + that-clause for evidence
Femi showed that his method was faster by finishing the test in half the time.
The sales report showed a clear increase in profits during the summer months.
The test results showed that the medicine worked for more than ninety percent of patients.
Research has shown a strong connection between exercise and good mental health.
- prove
stronger and more conclusive; suggests no remaining doubt
- demonstrate
formal; common in academic writing
- establish
formal; implies creating a solid foundation of evidence
- disprove
to show that something is false
文法句型
show + that-clause
show + noun phrase
用法筆記
Subject is usually a study, report, test, or research. This sense is more formal than sense 1 and is common in academic and professional writing.
常見錯誤
5. to let other people know what you feel, think, or what kind of person you are, t
to let other people know what you feel, think, or what kind of person you are, through your behaviour, words, or appearance.
The children showed great excitement when they saw the pile of presents under the tree.
show + emotion noun
The nurse showed great patience while teaching the old man to use his walking stick.
Salma showed no interest in the football match and kept looking at her phone instead.
Mauricio showed great courage when he gave a speech in front of the whole school.
The way Ilan helped the lost child showed that he cared about other people.
文法句型
show + noun phrase (emotion / quality)
用法筆記
Object is an emotion (excitement, fear, anger), a quality (patience, courage, kindness), or lack of interest (no interest / no sign). Distinguish from sense 4: here you show your own feelings or qualities, not prove an external fact.
常見錯誤
6. to be visible or easy to detect, especially when referring to a feeling, mark, o
to be visible or easy to detect, especially when referring to a feeling, mark, or result that appears on a surface or in someone's manner.
The stain on the white shirt showed clearly under the bright kitchen lights.
intransitive: stain shows (mark becomes visible)
Olivia tried to stay calm, but her worry showed on her face during the exam.
intransitive: emotion shows on face
The crack in the vase did not show until light hit it from the right angle.
Christopher had not slept well, and it showed in how slowly he moved that morning.
Sumin's hard work showed in the high marks she received on her final exam.
- appear
neutral; can mean becoming visible or coming into view
- be visible
more literal; used when something can be seen with the eyes
- disappear
to stop being visible
文法句型
show on/in + noun phrase
show through + noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense is intransitive — there is no object. What follows is a prepositional phrase (on / in / through) describing where or how the thing appears. Very common with feelings, flaws, and results of effort.
常見錯誤
7. During pregnancy, a woman begins to show when her belly grows large enough for o
During pregnancy, a woman begins to show when her belly grows large enough for other people to notice that she is expecting a baby.
Jisoo did not really start to show until she was about five months along.
intransitive: start to show + time phrase
By the sixth month, Mayumi was clearly showing and had to buy looser clothes.
Shirin was already showing when she told her colleagues the news.
Some women start to show much earlier with their second baby.
文法句型
show (of a pregnant woman)
用法筆記
Only used of pregnant women. Always intransitive — you cannot say 'she shows her pregnancy' to mean this.
常見錯誤
8. If a person shows their age, their appearance makes it clear how old they are, e
If a person shows their age, their appearance makes it clear how old they are, especially when they look older than usual because of tiredness or stress.
At fifty-five, Ignacio still ran every morning, but the wrinkles on his face showed his age.
collocation: show one's age (physical signs of aging)
Obi's grey hair made him show his age more than he used to.
Christopher looked young for fifty, but the long walk home made him show his age.
Camille's hands showed her age more than her face did.
- look one's age
more neutral, simply means appearing as old as one is
- look young
opposite effect; appear younger than one's actual age
文法句型
show (of age, fatigue, wear)
用法筆記
Often used with a possessive determiner (show one's age). The subject can be a person or a specific body part.
9. To place paintings, sculptures, or other creative works where members of the pub
To place paintings, sculptures, or other creative works where members of the public can come and see them, especially in a gallery or museum.
The gallery is showing a collection of paintings by young African artists.
transitive: show + artwork + by [artist]
Devika will show her ceramic work at the community art fair next month.
This museum has never shown modern sculpture in its main hall before.
Adisa decided to show his photographs at a small café downtown.
文法句型
show + noun phrase (artwork)
show (intransitive, of artwork)
用法筆記
Commonly used for galleries, museums, and art fairs. Can be transitive (the artist shows work) or intransitive (the work is showing at a venue).
10. Movies, documentaries, and other programmes become available to the public when
Movies, documentaries, and other programmes become available to the public when a theatre puts them on its screen or a channel broadcasts them to viewers at home.
The cinema is showing three new films this weekend.
transitive: venue + show + film + time phrase
This channel shows the news every evening at eight o'clock.
The documentary is showing at the festival next Tuesday night.
What time does the station show the basketball game?
Yael's short film will show at the independent theatre for one week only.
文法句型
show + noun phrase (film/programme)
be showing (intransitive)
用法筆記
Very common in the continuous form (is showing). The intransitive use ('the film is showing at...') is especially frequent in British English.
常見錯誤
11. To arrive at a place where you have agreed to meet someone or to take part in an
To arrive at a place where you have agreed to meet someone or to take part in an event, especially when your coming is expected or hoped for.
Felipe showed up late for the meeting because the train was delayed.
phrasal verb: show up + late + for [event]
Over thirty people showed up at the park for the community clean-up.
Christopher showed up at the restaurant with a bottle of wine.
Devika said she would show up around seven, but nobody saw her.
文法句型
show up + adverb/prepositional phrase
用法筆記
Informal phrasal verb. Often implies arriving despite obstacles, or arriving at a socially expected occasion. Do not confuse with 'show up' meaning 'to embarrass someone' (a different sense).
常見錯誤
12. To walk with someone to a particular place, especially a seat, room, or building
To walk with someone to a particular place, especially a seat, room, or building, in order to help them find their way.
The nurse showed the patient to the examination room on the second floor.
pattern: show + someone + to [place]
Michael showed the visitors to their seats before the ceremony began.
A guide showed us around the old castle during our visit.
Felix showed the guests to the door after the party ended.
文法句型
show + someone + to/around/into + place
用法筆記
The past tense is 'showed', not 'shown', for this sense. The object is always a person, followed by a prepositional phrase indicating the destination.
常見錯誤
13. to make a feeling, quality, or secret visible or known, even when you are trying
to make a feeling, quality, or secret visible or known, even when you are trying to keep it hidden — for example, when your expression reveals your worry despite your calm words.
Walid tried to stay calm, but his voice showed how nervous he was.
show + how-clause for unintended reveal
The old photograph showed hints of paint beneath that someone tried to cover up.
inanimate subject: photograph showed hidden object
Putri's red eyes showed that she had been crying, though she would not admit it.
Even with thick makeup, the dark circles under Tendai's eyes still showed his exhaustion.
The crack in the wall showed where the earthquake had damaged the foundation.
- reveal
more deliberate than 'show'; 'reveal' often implies uncovering something hidden on purpose, while 'show' can be accidental
- betray
stronger and more negative; 'betray' suggests the person is actively letting something unwanted be seen
- give away
more informal; 'his expression gave away his worry' is everyday speech while 'showed' is neutral
文法句型
show + noun phrase (transitive)
show + that-clause
noun phrase + shows (intransitive)
用法筆記
Can be used transitively (showing something) or intransitively (something shows). The intransitive use often involves body language or physical evidence that reveals an underlying state.
14. to help someone notice or grasp something by pointing, demonstrating, or explain
to help someone notice or grasp something by pointing, demonstrating, or explaining it — for example, showing a visitor where the exit is, or showing a colleague how to use a software tool.
The tour guide showed the visitors where the old castle gates used to stand.
show + someone + where-clause
Talia showed her colleague which paragraph contained the error in the financial report.
show + someone + which-clause (pointing out a specific detail)
The map on the wall showed us the shortest hiking route through the forest.
Can you show me which file contains the budget figures for last quarter?
The mechanic showed Hari exactly where the rust had eaten through the car's frame.
- point out
more specific — drawing attention to something that is already there; less about demonstration
- demonstrate
more formal and implies a step-by-step explanation rather than a quick indication
- indicate
more formal; often used for signs, instruments, or abstract reference
文法句型
show + someone + something
show + someone + how/where/what clause
show + someone + that-clause
用法筆記
Frequently used with a direct object (the person) and a question-word clause: show someone where/how/what/which. Unlike 'teach', this sense does not require skill transfer over time — it can be a one-time act of pointing something out.
常見錯誤
15. of a horse, to finish in first, second, or third place in a race — meaning the h
of a horse, to finish in first, second, or third place in a race — meaning the horse finishes among the top positions that qualify for prize money.
Thunderbolt showed in the Kentucky Derby, finishing second by just half a length.
horse shows in [major race]
Only three horses showed in that race; the rest trailed far behind the leaders.
intransitive: only X horses showed
The trainer was thrilled when her young horse showed in its first professional race.
If a horse shows in three races, its value for breeding can rise dramatically.
- place
in US racing 'place' means finish second, while 'show' means finish third; in UK racing 'place' can mean top three — check regional usage
文法句型
horse + shows (in/at race)
用法筆記
Primarily used in North American horse racing. 'To show' specifically means finishing third or better. The related terms 'to win' (first), 'to place' (second) have different meanings, so this sense is not interchangeable with general 'finish well'.
常見錯誤
show — noun
- showsingular
- showsplural
1. a performance in a theatre, or a programme on television or radio that is intend
a performance in a theatre, or a programme on television or radio that is intended to amuse or interest people.
The whole family went to see a show at the city theatre last Saturday.
collocation: see a show / go to a show
Liang watches his favourite TV show every evening after dinner.
modifier: TV show / radio show
The comedy show had the audience laughing from start to finish.
Ada's first dance show was a big success with the parents.
Ramón is looking for a new television show to watch on weekends.
- performance
focuses on the live event, not the broadcast
- programme
more neutral, can include serious content; synonym in British English
- broadcast
emphasises the technical transmission rather than the content
用法筆記
Always refers to entertaining content. Sports broadcasts or serious news programmes are not called shows.
常見錯誤
2. a public event where a collection of related items, such as flowers, cars, or ar
a public event where a collection of related items, such as flowers, cars, or artworks, is presented for people to look at.
The flower show in the city park attracted thousands of visitors this year.
compound noun: flower show / car show / art show
Rohan visited a car show where the latest electric models were on display.
The school held a science show for students to present their projects.
Indra bought tickets for the annual boat show at the convention centre.
Thousands of people walked through the art show in the museum halls.
- exhibition
more formal; can be used for any type of display, not just events
- display
emphasises the act of showing, can be smaller or less organised than a show
- fair
often includes entertainment or trade; more informal than show
用法筆記
Frequently used as part of a compound: flower show, car show, trade show. The items are usually for viewing rather than for sale.
3. placed or presented in a public space where people can look at it; used especial
placed or presented in a public space where people can look at it; used especially for exhibits in museums, galleries, or other display areas.
The museum has a collection of ancient pottery on show until September.
fixed phrase: be on show
The winning paintings were put on show in the main hall of the gallery.
collocation: put [object] on show
Rachel was proud to see her photographs on show at the local library.
The new furniture designs will go on show for buyers next Monday.
- on display
more common for commercial settings like shop windows; slightly more formal
- exhibited
more formal; often used in written descriptions
- stored away
not available for the public to view
- hidden
kept out of sight
用法筆記
This is a fixed phrase, not a free combination. The phrase is always 'on show' — 'on display' is a near synonym but more formal. Never used as an attributive before a noun: 'on-show items' is incorrect.
常見錯誤
4. the top tier of professional baseball competition in the United States, made up
the top tier of professional baseball competition in the United States, made up of the American League and the National League.
The young pitcher dreamed of one day playing in the show.
fixed phrase with definite article: the show
After three years in the minor leagues, Jabari finally made the show.
collocation: make the show
Only the best players get a chance to compete in the show.
Christopher watched every game of the show on television last season.
- big leagues
more general term for top-level competition in any sport
- majors
informal; common in sports journalism
- minor leagues
lower-level professional baseball leagues where players develop before reaching the show
用法筆記
Always used with the definite article: 'the show'. This sense is specific to American baseball culture. In other sports, the equivalent term would be 'the majors' or 'the big leagues'.
常見錯誤
5. an action or gesture by which a person makes their feelings, beliefs, or persona
an action or gesture by which a person makes their feelings, beliefs, or personal qualities known to other people.
Tamar's gift was a kind show of gratitude for all the help she received.
pattern: a show of + abstract noun (gratitude, support, anger)
The protesters made a public show of their anger outside the government building.
Her show of support meant a great deal to the team before the final match.
Ramón's tears were a genuine show of sadness at his grandfather's funeral.
The general ordered a show of military strength along the border.
- display
very similar; can be slightly more dramatic or deliberate than show
- demonstration
more formal; suggests a planned or public action
- expression
more personal and internal; less about outward performance
- concealment
the act of hiding one's feelings
- restraint
keeping feelings controlled rather than displaying them
用法筆記
The object of the preposition 'of' is an abstract noun naming the feeling or quality (anger, support, gratitude, strength). This sense is neutral — the show can be either sincere or insincere, depending on context.
常見錯誤
6. the impression that a task or a piece of writing gives about how much time, care
the impression that a task or a piece of writing gives about how much time, care, or speed was put into it — for example, whether it looks done with great attention or with hardly any effort.
Darius cleaned his room with a great show of effort for his mother.
pattern: a [adjective] show of [noun]
The report was written with little show of care and contained many spelling mistakes.
Élise finished the race with an impressive show of strength in the final metres.
Jenna packed her suitcase with a show of speed, throwing things in without folding them.
- display
similar but slightly broader; can also be used for feelings (sense 5)
- appearance
focuses on how something looks rather than the actual effort involved
用法筆記
Describes the appearance of effort, not necessarily the reality. The phrase 'a show of [adjective] effort/care/speed' evaluates the visible result. Differs from sense 5 (DISPLAY OF FEELING) because it describes the quality of work rather than an emotional message.
常見錯誤
7. an outward display of something that hides the true situation — for example, pre
an outward display of something that hides the true situation — for example, pretending to be confident when you are actually feeling nervous.
Adisa put on a brave show of confidence, though his hands were shaking.
a show of + abstract noun (bravery, confidence, etc.)
The politician's apology was little more than a show for the cameras.
show for the cameras (insincere public performance)
Despite their friendly words, Yumi could sense a hollow show of politeness between the two rivals.
Underneath her confident show, Élise felt very unsure of herself.
Making a dramatic show of grief at the funeral did not fool Nora for a second.
- sincerity
the quality of being genuine and honest in feelings
文法句型
a show of [abstract noun]
用法筆記
Frequently followed by an abstract noun such as 'bravery', 'confidence', or 'sorrow', describing an emotion that is displayed but may not be genuinely felt.
常見錯誤
8. describes something that has no real function and exists only to look attractive
describes something that has no real function and exists only to look attractive or impressive — for example, decorative objects that serve no practical purpose.
The old hardback books on the shelves were just for show — nobody had ever opened them.
for show (fixed phrase meaning decorative only)
The fireplace in Beatriz's apartment is only for show; it does not actually produce any heat.
Quinn bought a top-of-the-line espresso machine, but it is mostly for show since he only drinks tea.
The security guard at the museum stood there purely for show, without any real authority to act.
Adisa suspected the fancy decorations in the office were entirely for show and served no useful purpose.
- decorative
more neutral; does not necessarily imply uselessness
- ornamental
formal; focuses on beauty rather than function
- functional
designed to be useful rather than attractive
文法句型
be for show
用法筆記
Used only in the fixed phrase 'for show', often after 'be' or 'stand'. Cannot be used as an adjective before a noun (✗ 'a for-show item').
常見錯誤
9. a business, project, or situation viewed in terms of the person who manages or c
a business, project, or situation viewed in terms of the person who manages or controls it.
Yumi has been running the show at the local bookstore for over twelve years now.
run the show (idiom meaning to be in charge)
Who is in charge of this show now that the previous manager has retired?
After building the company from nothing, Omar sold his entire show to a larger competitor.
The charity fundraiser was entirely Lucas's show, from planning to clean-up.
It is Mathieu's show, so he makes the final call on every major decision.
- operation
more formal; broader scope than 'show'
- enterprise
more formal; implies a serious business venture
- affair
slightly dated; neutral in formality
文法句型
someone's show
run the show
用法筆記
Nearly always appears with a possessive (someone's show) or in the fixed phrase 'run the show'. Rarely used in formal writing.
常見錯誤
10. a discharge of blood-streaked mucus from the vagina that can indicate the onset
a discharge of blood-streaked mucus from the vagina that can indicate the onset of labour.
The midwife told Charlotte that losing a show is a normal sign that labour may begin soon.
a show (medical term for the discharge)
Nila noticed a show early in the morning and decided to call the maternity ward for advice.
Having a show does not always mean that active labour has started straight away.
The doctor explained that a show is one of the earliest signs that the body is preparing for birth.
- bloody show
a more descriptive but less preferred alternative term
文法句型
have a show
a show (medical)
用法筆記
Primarily used by medical professionals and in pregnancy literature. The patient is usually the subject of 'have' or 'notice'. Not used in everyday conversation outside of childbirth contexts.