What is show? Pronunciation and usage in English

show means . Learn how to pronounce and use show through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of show

showverb/noun

/ʃəʊ/
Definition & pronunciation of show

The word "show" in English has a couple of pronunciations depending on where you are! Here's a breakdown:

1. American English (most common):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈʃoʊ/ (sh-oh)
  • Breakdown:
    • “sh” - Like the “sh” in "ship"
    • “oh” - Like the “o” in “go”

2. British English:

  • Pronunciation: /ʃuː/ (shoo)
  • Breakdown:
    • “shoo” - Similar to the sound you make when you’re trying to shoo a bird away. It's a quick, short "oo" sound.

Here's a helpful way to think about it:

  • If you're in the USA, say "sh-oh."
  • If you’re in the UK (or many other parts of the world), say "shoo."

Resources to hear the pronunciation:

  • Google: Search "how to pronounce show" and you’ll see audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/show/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers around the world.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you located (generally)? (e.g., USA, UK, Australia, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word show in English

Let's break down how to use the word "show" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings and ways to incorporate it into sentences. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. To Display or Present Something:

  • Literal Display: This is the most straightforward meaning.

    • "I showed my friend my new car." (Displayed it)
    • "The museum shows paintings by Van Gogh." (Displays them)
    • "She showed a picture of her family." (Presented a picture)

  • Presenting Information:

    • "The teacher showed us how to solve the problem." (Demonstrated the method)
    • "He showed me the data from the experiment." (Presented the data)
    • "The report shows a significant increase in sales." (Presents the data – highlighting the increase)

2. To Perform or Demonstrate:

  • Acting/Performing:

    • "She showed in a play last night." (Performed in a play)
    • "The dog showed impressive agility in the competition." (Demonstrated agility)

  • Skill or Talent:

    • "He showed remarkable skill at playing the piano." (Demonstrated skill)
    • "She showed her strength and determination." (Demonstrated these qualities)

3. To Invite or Take Someone:

  • Inviting:

    • "Let's show her around the city." (Introduce her to the city)
    • "They showed him to his seat." (Took him to his seat)

  • Taking Someone: (often implies guiding)

    • "The tour guide showed us the highlights of the city." (Led us to the highlights)

4. Phrasal Verbs with "Show":

This is where "show" gets really interesting! Here are some common ones:

  • Show up: (Arrive) "He didn't show up to the meeting."
  • Show off: (To try to impress) “Don’t show off in front of your classmates.”
  • Show around: (Introduce someone to a place) “I showed my new roommate around the neighborhood.”
  • Show off one’s skills: (Demonstrate abilities) "She loves to show off one's skills at cooking."
  • Show interest: (Express enthusiasm) "He showed an interest in learning about history."
  • Show concern: (Express worry) “She showed concern for his well-being.”
  • Show evidence: (Present proof) “The police showed evidence that he was at the scene of the crime.”

5. "Show" as a Verb (Short for “Television Show”):

  • "We're going to show a movie tonight." (Watch a movie on TV)
  • “The channel shows a lot of comedies.” (Broadcasting comedies)

6. "Show" as a Noun (Referring to a TV Program):

  • “That’s my favorite show.”
  • “What shows are on tonight?”

Tips for Using "Show" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of “show” is heavily dependent on the context of the sentence.
  • Watch for Phrasal Verbs: Be aware of the phrasal verbs that use "show" – they often have unique meanings.
  • Consider the Object: What is being shown? (A thing, information, a skill, etc.)

Could you give me an example sentence you'd like me to analyze, or tell me what you're trying to use "show" in? That will help me give you even more specific guidance.

Synonyms for the word show

Idioms of the word show

fly/show/wave the flag
to show your support for your country, an organization or an idea to encourage or persuade others to do the same
    go through your paces | show your paces
    to perform a particular activity in order to show other people what you are capable of doing
    • We watched the horses going through their paces.
    • The British team showed its paces during a training session in the hotel pool.
    it goes to show
    used to say that something proves something
    • It just goes to show what you can do when you really try.
    show somebody the door
    to ask somebody to leave, because they are no longer welcome
      show your face
      to appear among your friends or in public
      • She stayed at home, afraid to show her face.
      show your hand/cards
      to make your plans or intentions known
        show somebody/know/learn the ropes
        (informal)to show somebody/know/learn how a particular job should be done
          show the way
          to do something first so that other people can follow
            show somebody who’s boss
            to make it clear to somebody that you have more power and authority than they have
              show willing
              (British English)to show that you are ready to help, work hard, etc. if necessary
                (have) something, nothing, etc. to show for something
                (to have) something, nothing, etc. as a result of something
                • All those years of hard work, and nothing to show for it!

                Comment ()