show
The word “show” is used when exposing or demonstrating something to other people. It’s an action that provides information, entertainment, and direction.
show / showed / shown / showing
You can use “show” as a verb or as a noun.
show
a. show = provide instruction
The verb “show” is a useful verb for talking about instruction, teaching, and giving directions.
- The teacher shows you how to pronounce words in English.
- Directions for a recipe can show you how to cook food.
- Parents show their children how to do things.
- My mother showed me how to tie my shoes.
- Guitar instructors show their students how to play the guitar.
- If you want to play the piano, a piano teacher can show you how.
- Please, show me how to play this song on the piano.
- A video can show how to fix something that’s broken.
- Show me how to create a document on Google.
- I use Google Gemini because it shows me how to do things more efficiently.
- She’s showing her son how to tie his shoes.
He’s showing his student how to hold a raquet.
b. show = provide information
- Your cell phone shows you the time.
- Your phone also shows news and information.
- A phone shows who called.
- A regular clock shows the time.
- It shows minutes and hours.
- A barometer shows air pressure.
- A thermostat shows the temperature of the air.
- A scale shows how much you weigh.
- Charts and graphs show information about how things change or how they compare to other things.
- A cell phone can show you directions when you travel.
c. You can also use "show" as a noun.
A show can be a TV show, a performance at a theater, a movie, a concert, or any other live performance.
- That’s a good TV show.
- Did you watch the show?
- How was the show?
- We’re going to a show tonight.
- After the show, we’re going out to eat.
- The show lasted two hours.
A show can also be something that person does to demonstrate intentions or feelings.
- A gift is a show of friendship.
- A military presence is a show of strength.
- Some people make a big show of how generous they are.
- They’re watching a show on TV.
- He made a show of his athletic skills.
d. Expressions and phrasal verbs that include the word "show."
- That’s all for show. (It lacks substance. It’s appearance is somewhat artificial.)
- He never showed up. (He never arrived at the location.)
- Don’t be a show off! (a show off = a person who demonstrates great skill or knowledge.)
- Let’s get this show on the road. (Let’s do this now.)
- They’re putting on a dog and pony show to sell their new software. (dog and pony show = a packaged demonstration for the purpose of promoting something or someone.)