What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
show up
Example
I hope my friend will show up to the party tonight. [show up: phrasal verb]
Example
The stars don't show up until it gets dark outside. [show up: phrasal verb]
Example
The missing files finally showed up in the office this morning. [showed up: past tense]
appear
Example
The sun appeared from behind the clouds. [appeared: past tense]
Example
The solution to the problem appeared after hours of brainstorming. [appeared: past tense]
Example
He suddenly appeared at the door, surprising everyone. [appeared: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Appear is more commonly used than show up in everyday language. Appear is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while show up is less common and typically used in informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between show up and appear?
Appear is more formal than show up. While show up is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, appear can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
