show
show — verb
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.
show + something + to + someone (prepositional object)
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.
- show someone around
- show the way
- show your ticket / passport / ID
- hide
to put something where it cannot be seen
Grammar Patterns
show + noun phrase
show + someone + something
show + something + to + someone
Usage Note
Commonly used with two objects: you show someone something, or you show something to someone. Both patterns are natural in everyday English.
Common Mistakes
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.
show + that-clause for reported reading
- show the time
- show the temperature
- show the speed
- show a reading
Grammar Patterns
show + noun phrase (measurement)
Usage Note
Subject is always a device or instrument. The object is a number, measurement, or that-clause describing the reading. Not used for people.
Common Mistakes
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.
show + someone + noun phrase (the proper way)
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.
- show someone how to do something
- show the way
- show the technique
- demonstrate
more formal; common in educational and professional settings
- teach
broader; can mean giving systematic instruction over time
Grammar Patterns
show + someone + how to + infinitive
show + someone + noun phrase
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
show + noun phrase (result/change)
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.
- show evidence
- show results
- show a connection / link
- show that
- 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
Grammar Patterns
show + that-clause
show + noun phrase
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
show + no + noun (negative expression)
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.
show + that-clause (revealing character)
- show interest / excitement / fear / anger
- show courage / patience / kindness
- show no sign of
Grammar Patterns
show + noun phrase (emotion / quality)
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
show in + noun phrase (result is visible)
Sumin's hard work showed in the high marks she received on her final exam.
- show on someone's face
- show in someone's eyes / voice
- show through
- show clearly
- 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
Grammar Patterns
show on/in + noun phrase
show through + noun phrase
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
- begin to show
- start showing
- clearly show
Grammar Patterns
show (of a pregnant woman)
Usage Note
Only used of pregnant women. Always intransitive — you cannot say 'she shows her pregnancy' to mean this.
Common Mistakes
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.
- show one's age
- begin to show
- really show
- 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
Grammar Patterns
show (of age, fatigue, wear)
Usage Note
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.
- show art
- show paintings
- show work
- show at a gallery
Grammar Patterns
show + noun phrase (artwork)
show (intransitive, of artwork)
Usage Note
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.
- show a film
- show a programme
- show a documentary
- be showing at
- show on TV
- show in cinemas
Grammar Patterns
show + noun phrase (film/programme)
be showing (intransitive)
Usage Note
Very common in the continuous form (is showing). The intransitive use ('the film is showing at...') is especially frequent in British English.
Common Mistakes
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.
- show up late
- show up on time
- show up at
- show up for
Grammar Patterns
show up + adverb/prepositional phrase
Usage Note
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).
Common Mistakes
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.
- show someone to
- show someone around
- show someone in
- show someone out
Grammar Patterns
show + someone + to/around/into + place
Usage Note
The past tense is 'showed', not 'shown', for this sense. The object is always a person, followed by a prepositional phrase indicating the destination.
Common Mistakes
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.
show + that-clause for unintended evidence
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.
- show emotion
- show signs of
- show one's feelings
- show on one's face
- 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
Grammar Patterns
show + noun phrase (transitive)
show + that-clause
noun phrase + shows (intransitive)
Usage Note
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.
inanimate subject: map shows something
Can you show me which file contains the budget figures for last quarter?
show + someone + which-clause (request pattern)
The mechanic showed Hari exactly where the rust had eaten through the car's frame.
show + someone + where-clause (directing attention to a location)
- show someone around
- show the way
- show how to
- show where
- 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
Grammar Patterns
show + someone + something
show + someone + how/where/what clause
show + someone + that-clause
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
- horse shows
- show in a race
- showed third
- place
in US racing 'place' means finish second, while 'show' means finish third; in UK racing 'place' can mean top three — check regional usage
Grammar Patterns
horse + shows (in/at race)
Usage Note
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'.
Common Mistakes
show around
phrasal verbTo guide someone through a place to help them become familiar with it.
The tour guide showed the visitors around the ancient castle.
Can you show me around the office before the meeting starts?
show off
phrasal verbTo behave in a way that attracts attention to your abilities or possessions.
The teenager showed off by doing tricks on his skateboard.
She showed off her new dress to everyone at the party.
show round
phrasal verbTo take someone around a place to show them the important parts.
The principal showed the new teacher round the school building.
My cousin showed me round the city during my visit.
show through
phrasal verbTo be visible or noticeable despite something that hides it.
Despite the heavy makeup, her natural beauty showed through.
His nervousness showed through in his shaky voice during the speech.
show up
phrasal verbTo arrive at a place, especially when expected or required.
Only three people showed up for the early morning meeting.
Did the delivery driver show up on time yesterday?
To openly support your country, group, or idea to inspire others to do the same.
At the parade, Maria waved the flag for her local charity.
Brian showed the flag by wearing his team's jersey to every game.
To demonstrate your skills or abilities by performing a task or activity.
The new chef showed her paces by preparing a five-course meal.
During tryouts, Diego went through his paces on the basketball court.
it goes to show
idiomUsed to indicate that something proves a particular point or fact.
It goes to show that hard work really pays off in the end.
Her success just goes to show what determination can achieve.
To tell someone to leave because they are not wanted anymore.
After the argument, the manager showed the rude customer the door.
When he refused to cooperate, they showed him the door immediately.
show your face
idiomTo appear in public or among friends, especially after something embarrassing.
After the scandal, the politician was afraid to show his face.
Sara finally showed her face at the party after being sick for weeks.
show your hand/cards
idiomTo reveal your plans or intentions to others.
In negotiations, you should not show your hand too early.
Maya showed her cards when she mentioned her desire to lead the project.
To teach someone or learn how a particular job or activity is done.
The senior engineer showed the new intern the ropes on the first day.
It took Aiden a few weeks to learn the ropes of the sales department.
show the way
idiomTo do something first so that others can follow your example.
The pioneering scientist showed the way for future research in genetics.
By recycling diligently, our family showed the way for the neighborhood.
To demonstrate that you have more power or authority than someone else.
The coach showed the players who's boss by enforcing strict rules.
During the debate, she showed her opponent who's boss with strong arguments.
show willing
idiomTo demonstrate that you are ready and eager to help or work hard.
Even though the task was dull, Tom showed willing by staying late.
The volunteers showed willing by arriving early to set up the event.
To have a particular result or no result from an effort or activity.
After years of study, she had a degree to show for her hard work.
He worked all weekend but had nothing to show for it except a headache.
show — noun
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.
collocation: dance show / comedy show
Ramón is looking for a new television show to watch on weekends.
- TV show
- radio show
- comedy show
- see a show
- put on a show
- go to a show
- 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
Usage Note
Always refers to entertaining content. Sports broadcasts or serious news programmes are not called shows.
Common Mistakes
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.
collocation: hold a show / put on a show
Indra bought tickets for the annual boat show at the convention centre.
Thousands of people walked through the art show in the museum halls.
- flower show
- car show
- art show
- trade show
- hold a show
- visit a show
- 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
Usage Note
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.
collocation: go on show
- be on show
- put on show
- go on show
- come on show
- 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
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
- the show
- make the show
- reach the show
- play in the show
- 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
Usage Note
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'.
Common Mistakes
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.
common collocation: show of force / show of strength
- show of support
- show of force
- show of strength
- show of gratitude
- show of anger
- make a show of
- public show
- 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
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
collocation: show of strength
Jenna packed her suitcase with a show of speed, throwing things in without folding them.
- show of effort
- show of care
- show of speed
- great show of
- little show of
- impressive show of
- 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
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
a show of [emotion] that is not genuine
- a show of strength
- a show of emotion
- put on a show
- for show
- hollow show
- make a show of something
- sincerity
the quality of being genuine and honest in feelings
Grammar Patterns
a show of [abstract noun]
Usage Note
Frequently followed by an abstract noun such as 'bravery', 'confidence', or 'sorrow', describing an emotion that is displayed but may not be genuinely felt.
Common Mistakes
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.
mostly for show / only for show (degree modifiers)
The security guard at the museum stood there purely for show, without any real authority to act.
purely for show (emphasising uselessness)
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
Grammar Patterns
be for show
Usage Note
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').
Common Mistakes
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.
someone's show (possessive referring to one's enterprise)
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.
someone's show (possessive indicating ownership/control)
- run the show
- someone's show
- steal the show
- operation
more formal; broader scope than 'show'
- enterprise
more formal; implies a serious business venture
- affair
slightly dated; neutral in formality
Grammar Patterns
someone's show
run the show
Usage Note
Nearly always appears with a possessive (someone's show) or in the fixed phrase 'run the show'. Rarely used in formal writing.
Common Mistakes
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.
have a show (verb + noun phrase)
The doctor explained that a show is one of the earliest signs that the body is preparing for birth.
- lose a show
- have a show
- notice a show
- bloody show
a more descriptive but less preferred alternative term
Grammar Patterns
have a show
a show (medical)
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- showingnounB2
- showyadjectiveB2
- showpiecenounC1
- showdownnounC1
- showmannounC1
- showmanshipnounC2
- showstoppingadjectiveC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/1
All five verbs relate to making something visible, but they differ in how deliberate, formal, or revealing the act is. Show is the most neutral and everyday word — you can show a photo, a ticket, or a feeling, and it works in any context. Display suggests arranging things for people to look at, often in a careful or proud way ('the shop displayed the new dresses in the window'); it is slightly more formal than show. Exhibit is the most formal and is tied to galleries, museums, and professional contexts ('the museum is exhibiting ancient pottery'); it rarely fits everyday situations. Reveal focuses on uncovering something that was previously hidden or unknown, ranging from dramatic ('the investigation revealed new evidence') to personal ('she revealed her true feelings'). Present implies a more organised, sometimes ceremonial act of showing, often with explanation ('the team presented their findings to the board'). Expose carries a stronger connotation of revealing something that was intentionally concealed, often with negative overtones ('the article exposed the corruption'). In casual use: 'Can you show me your new phone?' would feel natural, while 'Can you exhibit me your new phone?' would sound odd.
Common collocations
Etymology
Show comes from Old English 'sceawian', which meant 'to look at, gaze upon, examine'. This is a shift from the perspective of the viewer (looking) to the perspective of the presenter (causing someone to look) — a change that happened during the Middle English period. The word shares ancient roots with 'shy' (someone who looks around nervously) and with Greek 'skoús' (a watcher or spy). The modern spelling 'show' became standard in the 1600s, though the older spelling 'shew' survived in formal writing into the 1800s. The noun form emerged in Middle English, first meaning 'a spectacle or display'.