show

verb

OPAL WOPAL S

/ʃəʊ/

The form showed is rare as a past participle.

Verb Forms

present simple I / you / we / they show	/ʃəʊ/ /ʃəʊ/
he / she / it shows	/ʃəʊz/ /ʃəʊz/
past simple showed	/ʃəʊd/ /ʃəʊd/
past participle shown	/ʃəʊn/ /ʃəʊn/
past participle showed	/ʃəʊd/ /ʃəʊd/
-ing form showing	/ˈʃəʊɪŋ/ /ˈʃəʊɪŋ/

Idioms Phrasal Verbs

jump to other results

make clear

[transitive] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to make something clear; to prove something

show (that)… The figures clearly show that her claims are false.
The government's popularity is declining, as the polls show.
show somebody that… Our research showed us that women were more interested in their health than men.
show something The report showed an increase in sales.
Studies show a link between cancer and processed meats.
show somebody/something to be/have something His new book shows him to be a first-rate storyteller.
show somebody/something doing something Tax records show Shakespeare living near the Globe Theatre in 1599.
show how, what, etc… This shows how people are influenced by TV advertisements.
show somebody how, what, etc… History has shown us how dangerous nationalism can be.

Language Bank illustrateillustrateReferring to a chart, graph or table

- This bar chart illustrates how many journeys people made on public transport over a three-month period.
- This table compares bus, train, and taxi use between April and June.
- The results are shown in the chart below.
- In this pie chart, the survey results are broken down by age.
- This pie chart breaks down the survey results by age.
- As can be seen from these results, younger people use buses more than older people.
- According to these figures, bus travel accounts for 60% of public transport use.
- From the data in the above graph, it is apparent that buses are the most widely used form of public transport.

Extra Examples

The survey showed that 58% of Britons were against the change.
Statistics show that close to half of all antibiotics used are employed in agriculture.
A public consultation appeared to show that most of the UK population oppose GM crops.
The study showed the effects of the drug on the brain.
There is no evidence to show that this is the case.
Records show he was born in Poland in 1857.
What the results show is that the more herbicide farmers use on crops, the worse it is for wild plants and animals.
The telecoms company has 11.8 million customers, data shows.
“We will show people that organic is best,” he said.
Field tests have shown good results.
Research has not shown any consistent difference in effectiveness of the two treatments.
Records show a message being sent at 12:38.
Records show a message to have been sent at 12:38.
Experience shows us what can happen when resentment is allowed to build up.

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb

clearly
conclusively
convincingly
…

verb + show

appear to
seem to
go to
…

preposition

phrases

a chance to show something

See full entry

let somebody see something

[transitive] to let somebody see something

show something You have to show your ticket as you go in.
show something to somebody If there's a letter from France please show it to me.
Have you shown your work to anyone?
show somebody something Have you shown anyone your work?
We were shown a training video.

Extra Examples

Anyone picking up a parcel has to show ID.
You may be required to show proof of age.
The police officer showed his badge.
We want to show our product to the consumer.
She showed her new toy to her friends.
I showed my press pass to the woman on the door.
Come out and show yourselves!
I want a dress that won't show too much of my arms.
He wore a mask that showed only his eyes.
She did not want her face shown.
Show me your hand—it looks sore.
Don't let anyone in unless they show you their card.
Show mummy your picture.
They showed us their holiday photos.
We showed him the film and he said it was good.
Students were shown a video and then asked questions.

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb

clearly
conclusively
convincingly
…

verb + show

appear to
seem to
go to
…

preposition

phrases

a chance to show something

See full entry

teach

[transitive] to teach or demonstrate the way to do something, for example by letting somebody watch you do it or by explaining it

show something to somebody She showed the technique to her students.
show somebody something She showed her students the technique.
show something In my book I showed a method which is very quick and easy.
as shown in something Glue the sticks to the paper as shown in Figure 37.
show somebody how, what, etc… Can you show me how to do it?
show how, what, etc… The diagram shows how to assemble the shelves.

Extra Examples

We can show you various ways to improve the heating efficiency of your home.
They are showing kids a different way to make music.
This chapter shows several basic techniques.
I'm going to show you some simple recipes.
Lee was happy to show her how it should be done.
This is a book that shows, using examples, how blogs should be written.
This session is designed to show how to use the basic printer functions.
We will show you what to do in the event of an emergency.
She just needs to be shown what to do.
The course shows what to do when organising large events.

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb

clearly
conclusively
convincingly
…

verb + show

appear to
seem to
go to
…

preposition

phrases

a chance to show something

See full entry

point

[transitive] to point to something so that somebody can see where or what it is

show somebody something He showed me our location on the map.
show somebody which, what, etc… Show me which picture you drew.

Extra Examples

Show me which one is you in this photo.
The doctor asked him to show her where on his body it hurt.
Can you show me where your school is on this map?
Show me which one you like best.
Show me who's the man you saw.
I showed her some differences between the two photographs.

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb

clearly
conclusively
convincingly
…

verb + show

appear to
seem to
go to
…

preposition

phrases

a chance to show something

See full entry

guide

[transitive] to lead or guide somebody to a place

show somebody + adv./prep. The attendant showed us to our seats.
The candidates were shown in.
show somebody something I'll go first and show you the way.

Synonyms taketake

lead
escort
drive
show
walk
guide
usher
direct

These words all mean to go with somebody from one place to another.

take
to go with somebody from one place to another, for example in order to show them something or to show them the way to a place:
- It’s too far to walk—I’ll take you by car.
lead
to go with or go in front of somebody in order to show them the way or to make them go in the right direction:
- Firefighters led the survivors to safety.
escort
to go with somebody in order to protect or guard them or to show them the way:
- The president arrived, escorted by twelve bodyguards.
drive
to take somebody somewhere in a car, taxi, etc:
- My mother drove us to the airport.
show
to take somebody to a particular place, in the right direction, or along the correct route:
- The attendant showed us to our seats.
walk
to go somewhere with somebody on foot, especially in order to make sure that they get there safely; to take an animal, especially a dog, for a walk or make an animal walk somewhere:
- He always walked her home.
- Have you walked the dog yet today?
guide
to show somebody the way to a place, often by going with them; to show somebody a place that you know well:
- She guided us through the busy streets.
- We were guided around the museums.
usher
(rather formal) to politely take or show somebody where they should go, especially within a building:
- She ushered her guests to their seats.
direct
(rather formal) to tell or show somebody how to get somewhere or where to go:
- A young woman directed them to the station.

Patterns

to take/lead/escort/drive/show/walk/guide/usher/direct somebody to/out of/into something
to take/lead/escort/drive/show/walk/guide somebody around/round
to take/lead/escort/drive/walk somebody home
to take/lead/escort/guide somebody to safety
to lead/show the way

Extra Examples

‘There's a Mr Smith here to see you.’ ‘Show him in.’
We were shown into the waiting room.
Could you show this gentleman the way to the conference hall, please?
I'll show you to your table.
We were shown to our room by the porter.
He showed me up to the guest room.
Aren't you going to show your friend out?
They showed their guests out by the back door.
The guide showed us through a succession of splendid rooms.

quality/behaviour/feeling

[transitive] to make it clear that you have a particular quality

show something to show great courage
He has shown his commitment to his art.
show somebody something She wants to show the world her ability.
show yourself + adj. She had shown herself unable to deal with money.
show yourself + noun You have shown yourself a master tactician.
show yourself to be/have something He has shown himself to be ready to make compromises.
show that… He has shown that he is ready to make compromises.

Extra Examples

He failed to show any great acting skills.
He has shown himself worthy of the trust placed in him.
By doing this you risk showing yourself to be an outsider.
He has shown himself to be one of those critics who ignores context.
If you publish an article, you'll show yourself to be a credible expert.
We wanted to show that we could live simply.
You've clearly shown that you can't be trusted.
She's shown us all that she can rise to a challenge.
She has shown everyone her talent.
I want to show people that I'm serious about this.

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb

clearly
conclusively
convincingly
…

verb + show

appear to
seem to
go to
…

preposition

phrases

a chance to show something

See full entry

[transitive] to behave in a particular way towards somebody

show something I wanted to be there to show support.
show something for/to somebody They showed no respect for their parents.
show somebody something They showed their parents no respect.
They have shown us nothing but kindness.

Extra Examples

We want to show support to young artists making their way.
Nobody showed any sympathy for my situation.
He pleaded with them to show mercy.
They showed the prisoners no mercy.
I think they could show a bit more empathy in the way they deal with this.
He was appalled at the lack of courtesy shown by staff who failed to respond to emails.

[intransitive, transitive] if a feeling or quality shows, or if somebody/something shows it, it can be seen or noticed

Fear showed in his eyes.
She tried not to let her disappointment show.
They loved working together, and it shows (= it can be seen in their work).
show something She showed no interest in my work.
Her expression showed her disappointment.
The market shows no sign of slowing down.
Her second attempt showed a marked improvement.
The new strategy shows promise.
show how, what, etc… She tried not to show how disappointed she was.

Extra Examples

Lewis refused to show any emotion.
James began to show signs of impatience.
Investors are beginning to show a lot of interest in the idea.
She couldn't help showing some irritation.
He's nearly sixty now, and it shows.
Her experience showed in the confident way she handled the problem.
The fields are beginning to show signs of drought.
Inflation is beginning to show its effects.
The new model showed some significant improvements over the old one.
The condition of the skin showed little change.
Her work shows a clear sense of purpose.
Products aimed at kids are showing the biggest growth.
Her face rarely shows what she is feeling.
He has shown where his priorities lie.

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb

hardly

verb + show

begin to
let something

See full entry

be able to be seen

[intransitive, transitive] if something shows, people can see it. If something shows a mark, dirt, etc., the mark can be seen.

She had a warm woollen hat and scarf on that left only her eyes and nose showing.
Nothing showed on the X-ray.
show something Their new white carpet showed every mark.
show + adj. He grinned, and his teeth showed white in the darkness.

Extra Examples

Light was showing under the door.
It's such a tiny mark, it hardly shows.
The cloth was folded so that the stain didn't show.
I tried to cover the bruise with make-up, but it still showed.
His hands were clenched, the whites of the knuckles showing.
His shirt tail was showing from under his jersey.
A patterned rug won't show the dirt.
The MRI scan showed a mass which was likely to be a tumour.
The X-ray didn't show any fractures.
The path showed white in the gathering dusk.
The glacial ice shows blue.

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb

hardly

verb + show

begin to
let something

See full entry

information

[transitive] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to give particular information, or a time or measurement

show something The map shows the principal towns and rivers.
The clock showed midnight.
The end-of-year accounts show a loss.
show how, what, etc… The flow chart shows how resources are allocated.

Extra Examples

a map showing the coastline
The data showed a 14 per cent growth.
The rain gauge showed 2.5 inches.
The scale showed 63 kilograms.
My watch was showing the time as 3:33.
Figure 4 shows the costs for each option.
The response curves are shown in Fig. 1.
The graph shows two peak levels of risk.
The table shows how many participants in each of the five samples used the internet.
They brought in maps showing what the regional council proposed.

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb

clearly
conclusively
convincingly
…

verb + show

appear to
seem to
go to
…

preposition

phrases

a chance to show something

See full entry

of picture/photograph

[transitive] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to be of somebody/something; to represent somebody/something

show somebody/something The photographs clearly show a broken window.
show somebody/something + adv./prep. She had objected to a photo showing her in a bikini.
This picture shows my mother as a young woman.
show somebody/something doing something The painting shows St George slaying the dragon.

Extra Examples

What does this image show?
The picture shows a column of black smoke coming from the building.
Satellite photographs showed some sort of industrial facility.
The vase shows a hunting scene.
Her works typically show solitary women.
old cine film showing the family on holiday
This photo shows them on their honeymoon in Cornwall.
The picture shows him as a baby.
The footage appeared to show her entering the store on the night of the attack.
objects from antiquity that show people working on the land
This painting shows him slightly older.

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb

clearly
conclusively
convincingly
…

verb + show

appear to
seem to
go to
…

preposition

phrases

a chance to show something

See full entry

for public to see

[intransitive, transitive] to be or make something available for the public to see

The movie is now showing at all major movie theaters.
show something The documentary will be shown on Sunday night.
She plans to show her paintings early next year.

Extra Examples

a guide to what's showing at your local cinema
Most TV channels showed highlights of the games.
News programmes all over the world showed the clip.
There weren't many places showing independent films.
The film was shown for the first time at Sundance Festival.
The movie is being shown now.
This is a repeat of a programme first shown in April.
The series will be shown on Channel 4 next month.
He showed his paintings with some success in Warsaw in 1905.
The works shown were too abstract for local tastes.
a chance for students to show their work in public

Topics TV, radio and newsb1

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb

clearly
conclusively
convincingly
…

verb + show

appear to
seem to
go to
…

preposition

phrases

a chance to show something

See full entry

prove

[transitive, no passive] (informal) to prove that you can do something or are something

show somebody (something) They think I can't do it, but I'll show them!
show yourself to be/have something He has shown himself to be a caring father.
show what, how, etc…. I'm giving him a chance to show what he can do.

arrive

[intransitive] (especially North American English, informal) to arrive where you have arranged to meet somebody or do something

I waited an hour but he didn't show.

animal

[transitive] show something to enter an animal in a competition

More Like This Verbs with two objectsVerbs with two objects

bet
bring
build
buy
cost
get
give
leave
lend
make
offer
owe
pass
pay
play
post
promise
read
refuse
sell
send
show
sing
take
teach
tell
throw
wish
write

Word OriginOld English scēawian ‘look at, inspect’, from a West Germanic base meaning ‘look’; related to Dutch schouwen and German schauen.

Idioms

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

(North American English also tip your hand)

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!

show

noun

/ʃəʊ/

Idioms

jump to other results

entertainment

[countable] a programme on television or the radio

Millions of people watch the show.
She hosts the morning show.
a TV/television/radio show
a quiz show
a reality show (= one that is based on real people, not actors)

Collocations TelevisionTelevisionWatching

watch television/TV/a show/(British English) a programme/(North American English) a program/a documentary/a pilot/a rerun/a repeat
see (especially British English) an ad/(especially North American English) a commercial/the news/the weather
catch/miss a show/a programme/a program/an episode/the news
pick up/reach for/grab the remote (control)
change/switch channel
surf (through)/ (especially North American English) flip through/ (especially British English) flick through the channels
sit in front of/switch on/switch off/turn on/turn off the television/the TV/the TV set
have/install satellite (TV)/cable (TV)/a satellite dish

Showing

show a programme/a documentary/an ad/a commercial
screen a programme/a documentary
run an ad/a commercial
broadcast/ (especially North American English) air/repeat a show/a programme/a documentary/an episode/a series
go out/air/be recorded live
attract/draw (in)/pull (in) viewers
be a hit with viewers/audiences/critics
get (low/high) ratings

Appearing

be on/appear on television/TV/a TV show
take part in a phone-in/a game show/a quiz show/a reality TV show
host a show/a programme/series/a game show/a quiz show/a talk show/(British English) a chat show
be/become/work as a/an (British English) TV presenter/talk-show host/sports commentator/anchorman/(British English) newsreader
read/present the news
appear/perform live (on TV)

Programme-making

do/film/make a show/a programme/a documentary/an episode/a pilot/a series/an ad/a commercial
work on a soap (opera)/a pilot (episode)/a sitcom
write/produce a drama/sitcom/spin-off/comedy series

see also chat show, game show, quiz show, roadshow, talk show

Extra Examples

Did you see the Late Show?
He appeared on Oprah Winfrey's talk show.
She was a guest on a cookery show.
The show was not broadcast in Canada.
The show first aired in 1996.
She featured in several episodes of the classic cop show.
He starred in a popular kids' show.
Mum always records her favourite shows even though she can get them on demand.
A new season of the hit show is coming soon.
a quiz show host
a chance to catch up on all those shows you missed
Ratings weren't good, and the show was cancelled.
I watched the original show as a kid.
She finally got her own comedy show.
a character from the show
a hot new dating show
a nationally syndicated radio show
What time is that show on?

Topics TV, radio and newsa1

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

live
recorded
family
…

verb + show

see
watch
host
…

show + verb

feature somebody/something
star somebody

show + noun

business

preposition

from a/the show
on a/the show

phrases

the star of the show

See full entry

[countable] a theatre performance, especially one that includes singing and dancing

to go to/see a show
to put on/stage a show
The book has been turned into a stage show.
They will perform in a live show on Saturday night.
a one-man/one-woman show
She's the star of the show!

see also floor show, gang show, ice show, light show, talent show

Extra Examples

She hosts an open-mic comedy show.
His dream was to appear in a Broadway show.
They did a puppet show for the children.
He was asked to present an awards show.
The students are putting on a dance show.
I always get nervous before the show.
We got to go backstage after the show.
a spectacular light show
one of the acts in the show
the Super Bowl half-time show
a pro bodybuilding show in California

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

cabaret
comedy
magic
…

preposition

from a/the show
in a/the show

See full entry

[countable] (North American English, informal) a concert, especially of rock music

My first full-scale rock show was Fleetwood Mac, Madison Square Garden, back in 1977.

of collection of things

[countable, uncountable] an occasion when a collection of things are brought together for people to look at

a dog/car/gun show
This is one of the biggest agricultural shows in Wales.
The artist is holding her first solo show.
on show The paintings are on show until April.

see also air show, fashion show, freak show, horse show, peep show, slide show

Extra Examples

The latest computers will be on show at the exhibition.
A local artist is holding a show of her recent work.
The show features the work of local artists.
There were more than 500 exhibitors at the trade show.
a show organized by a small gallery
He presented a show of Cuban art and photographs at the 4th Avenue Gallery.
Anyone interested in Chinese art should not miss this show.
He felt it was necessary to cancel the show because buyers would not have turned out.
The Toronto boat show is on this month.
She decided to enter her puppy in a local dog show.
They had a stand at a gun show.

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

big
major
annual
…

verb + show

have
hold
organize
…

show + verb

feature somebody/something

show + noun

ring

preposition

at a/the show
on show

See full entry

of feeling

[countable] an action or a way of behaving that shows how you feel synonym display

a show of emotion/support
a show of force/strength by the army

The Democrats organized a show of strength, a mass rally in Central Park.
A show of force by 4 000 soldiers led to an agreement being reached quickly.
He was completely unmoved by her little show of temper.
She made a great show of wanting to leave, but I knew she didn't mean it.
She was afraid that too demonstrative a show of gratitude might be misinterpreted.
The company is seeking to rally a big show of support for the project.

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

big
great
brave
…

verb + show

make
put on

preposition

for show
show of

phrases

a show of force
a show of strength

See full entry

insincere act

[uncountable, singular] something that is done only to give a good impression, but is not sincere

He may seem charming, but it's all show!
for show She pretends to be interested in opera, but it's only for show.
He made a great show of affection, but I knew he didn't mean it.

Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective

big
great
brave
…

verb + show

make
put on

preposition

for show
show of

phrases

a show of force
a show of strength

See full entry

colourful sight

[countable, uncountable] a brightly coloured or pleasant sight synonym display

a lovely show of spring flowers

event/situation

[singular] (informal) an event, a business or a situation where something is being done or organized

She runs the whole show.
I won't interfere—it's your show.

good/poor show

[countable, usually singular] (especially British English, informal) something that is done in a particular way

The team put on a good show in the competition.
It's a poor show if he forgets your birthday.