Quick Definition
Show Up — To arrive or appear, especially unexpectedly; to make someone look foolish by comparison.
Meanings of Show Up
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Arrive/appear | Only five people showed up to the event. | Only five people came. |
| Embarrass by comparison | She showed everyone up with her perfect presentation. | She made everyone look bad by comparison. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| Only five people showed up to the event. | Only five people came. |
| She showed everyone up with her perfect presentation. | She made everyone look bad by comparison. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll show up it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
| She decided to show up the whole situation. | Applying the phrasal verb in context. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: separable | Transitivity: intransitive / transitive
Intransitive for 'arrive': show up late. Transitive separable for 'embarrass': show someone up.
How to Use Show Up
Informal. Common in spoken English. Formal equivalent: 'appear', 'attend', 'arrive'.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | Only five people showed up to the event. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Show Up
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Show Up
What does "Show Up" mean?
"Show Up" means: To arrive or appear, especially unexpectedly; to make someone look foolish by comparison. It is a intransitive / transitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Show Up" separable or inseparable?
"Show Up" is separable. Intransitive for 'arrive': show up late. Transitive separable for 'embarrass': show someone up.
How do I use "Show Up" in a sentence?
Only five people showed up to the event. -- in this example, 'Show Up' means only five people came.
What is the register of "Show Up"?
Informal. Common in spoken English. Formal equivalent: 'appear', 'attend', 'arrive'.
What CEFR level is "Show Up"?
"Show Up" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in informal contexts.
What is the difference between "Show Up" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Show Up" specifically means: To arrive or appear, especially unexpectedly; to make someone look foolish by comparison. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Show Up" be used formally?
Informal. Common in spoken English. Formal equivalent: 'appear', 'attend', 'arrive'. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Show Up" take an object?
"Show Up" is intransitive / transitive. Intransitive for 'arrive': show up late. Transitive separable for 'embarrass': show someone up.
How can I practise "Show Up"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Show Up' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Show Up" used in British or American English?
"Show Up" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Informal. Common in spoken English. Formal equivalent: 'appear', 'attend', 'arrive'.