What does the phrasal verb “show around” mean?

What are the definitions of “show around”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Take someone to a place to show them certain parts.

  The estate agent SHOWED us AROUND the house but we didn't like it much.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “show around”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb show around is to guide someone through a place, such as a building or an area, to help them become familiar with it. For example, it can mean giving a tour of a house, a school, or a city.

What are the different verb forms of “show around”?

Root Verb	show around
Third Person Singular Present	shows around
Present Participle	showing around
Simple Past	showed around
Past Participle	shown around

Example

Can you show me around the new office?

Example

She shows around the new students every semester.

Example

He is showing around the visitors at the museum.

Example

Yesterday, they showed around the guests at the wedding venue.

Example

The new employee was shown around the factory by her supervisor.

What kind of phrasal verb is “show around”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“show around” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

The tour guide showed us around the city.

Example

She showed the guests around her new apartment.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“show around” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The tour guide showed us around the city.

Example

She showed the guests around her new apartment.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “show around”?

Show someone around town

Give someone a tour of a city or town, usually to help them become familiar with the area.

Example

When my cousin visits, I'll show her around town so she can get to know the area.

Show someone around a property

Give someone a tour of a house, apartment, or other property, usually when they are considering buying or renting it.

Example

The real estate agent showed us around the house, but we didn't like it much.

Show someone around a workplace

Give someone a tour of a workplace, such as an office or factory, usually when they are new to the job.

Example

On my first day at work, my manager showed me around the office and introduced me to my colleagues.

Good things to know

Does “show around” have an informal or formal tone?

Show around is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or professional tours.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “show around”?

Synonyms

• lead
• conduct
• take
• accompany
• guide
• escort
• give a tour

Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• abandon
• disregard
• leave alone