What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
show up
Example
I'm sorry I'm late, I didn't expect so much traffic to show up. [show up: phrasal verb]
Example
He always shows up unannounced, it's quite annoying. [shows up: verb]
Example
She knows how to show up in style for every occasion. [show up: phrasal verb]
arrive
Example
We arrived at the airport two hours before our flight. [arrived: past tense]
Example
The package should arrive by tomorrow at the latest. [arrive: verb]
Example
After a long and tiring journey, we finally arrived at our destination. [arrived: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Arrive is more commonly used than show up in everyday language. Arrive is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while show up is less common and more informal.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between show up and arrive?
Arrive is more formal than show up. While arrive can be used in both formal and informal contexts, show up is typically associated with a casual and informal tone.
