What are the definitions of “show up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Attend something or arrive somewhere.
Very few SHOWED UP at the meeting.
- 2Become clear or apparent.
The downturn in sales SHOWED UP in the company's accounts.
- 3Make someone feel embarrassed or ashamed.
He SHOWED us UP when he arrived drunk and started arguing.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “show up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb show up is to attend an event or arrive at a place. It is often used to talk about people coming to meetings, parties, or other gatherings. For example, it can mean arriving at a friend's house, attending a meeting, or going to a concert.
What are the different verb forms of “show up”?
| Root Verb | show up |
| Third Person Singular Present | shows up |
| Present Participle | showing up |
| Simple Past | showed up |
| Past Participle | shown up |
Example
I hope they show up to the party on time.
Example
She always shows up early for meetings.
Example
He is showing up late to the event again.
Example
They showed up at the concert just before it started.
Example
He had shown up to the meeting unprepared.
What kind of phrasal verb is “show up”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“show up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She showed up at the party.
Example
He showed up late for the meeting.
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 up” 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
She showed up at the party.
Example
He showed up late for the meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “show up”?
Good things to know
Does “show up” have an informal or formal tone?
Show up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as business meetings or professional events. The context in which it is used will determine its level of formality.
