Language Research

show · verb

/ʃoʊ/Full view

show (MAKE SEEN)

A1 T to let someone look at something

Dictionary examples:

I want to show you this new book I just bought.

He’s starting to show his age.

You should show that rash to your doctor.

Why won't you show me what you have in your hand?

These trees show the effects of acid rain.

He began to show signs of recovery.

Learner example:

I don't like showing my I.D. card every morning. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Turkish)

show (GIVE INFORMATION)

B1 T to give information in a book, on a website, on a piece of equipment, etc.

Dictionary examples:

The pictures show two different sports. Talk to your partner about which you would prefer and why.

The display shows the temperature on the right; air pressure is shown on the left.

Urban areas are shown in gray on the map.

The latest figures show a rise in home sales.

Learner example:

So it would be very kind of you to send me an information sheet or a brochure [about] your club and a timetable which shows the courses and the meetings. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

show sb what to do/how to do sth

B1 T to teach someone how to do something by explaining it or by doing it yourself while they watch

Dictionary examples:

She showed me how to use the new bookkeeping program.

Have you shown him what to do?

Learner example:

Before the performance I [brought] the spectators to their seats and then a[n] instructor showed me how to [operate] the spotlights. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

show (PROVE)

B2 T If numbers, results, facts, etc. show something, they prove that it is true.

Dictionary examples:

Research shows that 40 percent of the program's viewers are aged over 55.

Sales figures showed a significant increase last month.

Your writing shows you can be a good writer.

She has shown herself (to be) a highly competent manager.

The diaries show (that) he was very insecure.

Our research has shown (us) how little we know about this disease.

Learner example:

Experiments have even shown some astonishing results, that apes for example have the same abilities as humans. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

show (EXPRESS)

B2 T to express a feeling so that other people are able to notice it

Dictionary examples:

He finds it difficult to show affection.

She showed enormous courage when she rescued him from the fire.

I do not know how to show my thanks for all your help.

You should show your parents more respect/show more respect to your parents.

Learner example:

I think a face can show so much and some day I [hope] I could be[come] a photographer. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

show (EASY TO SEE)

C1 I or T to be easy or possible to see, or to make something easy or possible to see

Dictionary examples:

The sadness really shows on her face.

Light-colored carpets show the dirt.

Learner example:

Their hair was turning gr[a]y and their faces showed [the] first wrinkles. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

show sb around

B1 to go with someone and show them a place

Dictionary example:

Alejandro offered to show her around Mexico City.

Learner example:

I can take a few day[s] off work and show you around the city. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

show off

B2 to try to make people admire your abilities or achievements in a way which other people find annoying

Dictionary examples:

She only bought that sports car to show off and prove she could afford one.

He's always showing off to his classmates.

Learner example:

You can even show off a bit to your relatives and friends. (First Certificate in English; B2; Russian)

show up

B1 to arrive somewhere

Dictionary examples:

I invited him for eight o'clock, but he didn't show up until nine-thirty.

We were expecting thirty people to come, but half of them never showed up.

Learner example:

I took him to his father and then my friend, Maria, showed up. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Serbian)

show · noun C

/ʃoʊ/

show (ENTERTAINMENT)

A2 a television or radio program or a theater performance

Dictionary examples:

a TV show

a talk show

a variety/comedy show

I'd like to see a show while we're in London.

Learner example:

You can see lots of traditional shows there, it will be very interesting for you. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Chinese)

show (PUBLIC EVENT)

B2 an event at which a group of similar things are brought together for the public to see

Dictionary examples:

a fashion/flower show

We're going to the car/auto show on Saturday.

They put on a show of his work at the Museum of Modern Art.

Learner example:

I do not know if it is possible to make any change[s], but we saw an ad in "Time Out" magazine last week about a fashion show which we would like to see. (First Certificate in English; B2; Turkish)

on show

C1 being shown to the public

Dictionary example:

Her designs are currently on show at the Museum of Modern Art.

Learner example:

One of the facilit[ies] that really make[s] a difference is the Art Gallery, with its great exhibition on show, as well as the Art Library. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Romanian)