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Meaning & use

shows

verb, noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ʃəʊz/
US/ʃoʊz/

“shows” is a form of “show”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. verbtransitive

    Lets someone see something, or makes something visible to people.

    Grammar: Takes an object: show your ticket. Third person singular of 'show'.

    Patterns

    • show someone something
    • show something to someone

    She shows her passport at the airport every time.

    The chart shows how sales changed over the year.

    He shows his new bike to everyone who visits.

  2. verbintransitive

    Appears or becomes visible; can be seen.

    Grammar: No object; often used with 'up' or a place: the stain shows.

    Patterns

    • show up
    • show on something

    That mark still shows after washing.

    Her name shows at the top of the list.

  3. nouncountable

    A performance, program, or public event for people to watch.

    Grammar: Countable; plural 'shows': two shows tonight.

    Patterns

    • a TV show
    • put on a show

    We watched a great show at the theater.

    The band plays three shows in this city.

Word forms

base formshow
third person singularshows
past tenseshowed
past participleshown
-ing formshowing

Common combinations

shows signs of
The patient shows signs of improvement.
shows interest in
She shows interest in every question the teacher asks.
shows up late
He often shows up late for meetings.
TV shows
Many TV shows are filmed in this city.

Synonyms and how they differ

displays
More formal and often about things arranged for viewing, like goods or data.
reveals
Stronger: it suggests making something hidden known.
indicates
Used for signs and evidence rather than people showing objects.

Opposites

hidesconceals

Word family

show verb
The base form: to let someone see or to be visible.
showing noun
A single performance or screening.
showy adjective
Attracting attention in a loud or obvious way.

Commonly confused: shows or shoes?

shows vs shoes

Sounds similar in fast speech but means footwear; 'shows' is a form of 'show'.

Practice

Which sentence uses 'shows' correctly as a third person singular verb?

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