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Same verb · different particle

“show” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 4 one at a time, then test yourself.

4 phrasal verbslisten & quiz
show
aroundoffupup as

show + around · 1 of 4

show around

to give someone a tour of a place

  • show sb around sth

to go with someone and introduce them to different parts of a place, such as a city, building, or workplace, so they can get to know it.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

When I started my new job, my manager showed me around the office.

A: Is this your first time here?
B: Yeah, could you show me around?
A: Of course! Let me introduce you to everyone.

Common mistake

Not: She showed us around in the city.

Say: She showed us around the city.

'Show someone around' a place — no 'in'.

More on “show around”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If a friend visited my hometown, I would definitely show them around and take them to all the best local spots.

Tell it apart

She showed me around the city.

  • gave me a proper tour

She showed me the city.

  • could just mean pointed it out

Goes with

  • show someone around
Practice saying this
Next: show off

show + off · 2 of 4

show off

boast or display proudly

  • informal

To try to make people admire you — by talking about what you have or can do, or by proudly displaying something (show off + thing).

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

He always tries to show off by talking about his expensive car.

A: Did you see how much Sarah talked about her new job?
B: Yeah, she just loves to show off.

Common mistake

Not: He likes to show off himself.

Say: He likes to show off.

In the 'brag' sense it's intransitive — no object 'himself'.

More on “show off”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, some people show off on social media by posting pictures of their luxury holidays.

Tell it apart

He's just showing off.

  • bragging for attention

He's showing off his new watch.

  • displaying it proudly

Goes with

  • show off
Practice saying this
Next: show up

show + up · 3 of 4

show up

arrive (especially unexpectedly or after being late)

  • show up sth)
  • informal

To arrive at a place, especially when you are expected or when you are late.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

He didn't show up to the meeting until it was almost over.

A: Did Sarah show up for dinner last night?
B: No, she texted that she was stuck in traffic.

Common mistake

Not: Nobody showed up on the meeting.

Say: Nobody showed up to/at the meeting.

Show up TO or AT an event, not 'on'.

More on “show up”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important to show up on time for job interviews because it creates a good first impression.

Tell it apart

He finally showed up.

  • arrived — casual

He finally turned up.

  • arrived, often after being missing/unexpected — BrE

Goes with

  • show up
Practice saying this
Next: show up as

show + up as · 4 of 4

show up as

to appear as something, especially on a screen or in a report

  • show up as sth/adjective

to be displayed or seen as a particular thing, especially on a computer screen, device, or in a report.

How oftenNow and then
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

When you connect your phone, it might show up as a new device on your computer.

A: Why does my name show up as 'Guest' in the meeting?
B: Maybe you didn't sign in with your account.

Common mistake

Not: The file shows up like an error.

Say: The file shows up as an error.

'Show up AS' something, not 'like'.

More on “show up as”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During my internship, I had to check the sales data every morning. Sometimes, errors would show up as red marks in the report, so it was easy to spot problems quickly.

Tell it apart

It shows up as 'paid'.

  • displays labelled that way

It shows up late.

  • appears later than expected

Goes with

  • show up as
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which “show” fits?
Fill the gap

Which “show” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

show aroundshow offshow upshow up as