Meaning trap
show up
arrive (especially unexpectedly or after being late)
To arrive at a place, especially when you are expected or when you are late.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To arrive at a place, especially when you are expected or when you are late.
Another meaning of 'show up' is 'become visible or easy to notice'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
He didn't show up to the meeting until it was almost over.
In my opinion, it's important to show up on time for job interviews because it creates a good first impression.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Nobody showed up on the meeting.
Say: Nobody showed up to/at the meeting.
Show up TO or AT an event, not 'on'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Show up' is the casual spoken 'arrive'; the formal version is flat.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
show up
- late
- didn't show up
- show up to
- unannounced
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- show up (become visible or easy to notice) — Another meaning of 'show up' is 'become visible or easy to notice'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.