SHOW UP IN

Tiny House

"When obstacles arise, true character will show up in how you face them and rise above circumstances with courage."

📖 Definition

To appear or arrive at an event or location, often unexpectedly or to make one's presence known. It can also mean to become visible or apparent.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To appear or arrive at an event or location, often unexpectedly or to make one's presence known. It can also mean to become visible or apparent.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The phrasal verb 'show up' cannot be split by an object.
Register
Neutral
It can be used in both casual and professional contexts.
Transitive
No
This phrasal verb does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple show up She often shows up unexpectedly at the office.
Past Simple showed up He showed up late to the meeting yesterday.
Present Continuous showing up They are showing up more frequently these days.
Present Perfect have shown up All the guests have shown up for the party.

💡 When to Use

Arriving at an event
Use this when someone arrives at a location, especially when it was not expected or planned.
Example: "He showed up at the wedding reception without an invitation."
Making an impact or impression
This can describe someone making their presence known or having a noticeable impact.
Example: "Her skills really showed up in the final performance."
Unexpected visibility or appearance
Utilize this when something unexpected becomes visible or apparent.
Example: "The error showed up in the final report."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Misplacement in sentence
❌ Wrong: Showed the error up in the report.
✅ Correct: The error showed up in the report.
💡 Tip: Remember 'show up' stays together; don't split it.
Incorrect form usage
❌ Wrong: She shows uped late.
✅ Correct: She showed up late.
💡 Tip: Use 'showed' for past tense.
Wrong context usage
❌ Wrong: He showed up a new book idea.
✅ Correct: He came up with a new book idea.
💡 Tip: Don't confuse 'show up' with 'come up with.'
Practice

SHOW UP IN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

appear arrive

Antonyms

hide

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She didn't ___ to the meeting, leaving everyone in suspense."

shown up
show up in
showed
shows

In Context

In the late 15th century, Christopher Columbus faced significant challenges in his quest to discover a new route to Asia. After years of applying for support, sponsorship finally showed up in 1492 when King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain decided to back his ambitious voyage. Columbus, along with three ships—the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria—set sail across the Atlantic. The journey was fraught with difficulties, including unpredictable weather and dwindling supplies. On October 12, 1492, land was sighted, and subsequent explorations would prove momentous. Columbus's boldness and navigation skills showed up in his engaging with indigenous populations, despite misunderstandings and conflicts. His return to Spain was heralded as a great success, and his discoveries marked a pivotal moment in history, leading to subsequent voyages that forever transformed the world. Over the years, Columbus’s reputation has fluctuated, with debates about his impact and legacy frequently showing up in historical discourse, as perspectives continue to evolve.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Show Up In

What is the origin of show up?

+
The phrasal verb 'show up' dates back to the 19th century and has roots in Middle English, where 'show' meant to make visible. It evolved to imply arriving at a location.

Can show up be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Show up' is versatile, fitting both formal and informal contexts. Whether in meetings or casual gatherings, it’s adaptable and widely applicable.

What is the difference between show up and appear?

+
While both mean to become visible or present, 'show up' often includes an element of surprise or unexpectedness, whereas 'appear' can be more neutral or expected.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

appear inturn up inpop up inemerge insurface in
Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs
Tiny House Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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