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show up — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings
show up
1arrive (especially unexpectedly or after being late)2become visible or easy to notice3embarrass by comparison

Meaning 1 · most common

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 “arrive (especially unexpectedly or after being late)”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
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Next meaning: become visible or easy to notice

Meaning 2

become visible or easy to notice

  • show up on/in [place)

To become visible or noticeable, especially when something appears suddenly or stands out.

How oftenNow and then
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The stain didn't show up until the shirt dried.

A: Why does my writing look strange on the screen?
B: Maybe the changes didn't show up yet—try refreshing.

Common mistake

Not: The mark shows up on white better.

Say: The mark shows up better on white.

Put 'better' right after 'shows up', not at the end of the sentence.

More on “become visible or easy to notice”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Sometimes, problems with your health don't show up until years later, so regular check-ups are important.

Tell it apart

The stain shows up under bright light.

  • becomes visible

The stain shows through the shirt.

  • is visible from the other side

Goes with

  • show up + on/against
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Next meaning: embarrass by comparison

Meaning 3

embarrass by comparison

  • show sb up
  • informal

To make someone feel embarrassed or appear less capable, skilled, or impressive by comparison, often unintentionally.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC2
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Her flawless presentation really showed up the rest of the team.

A: I thought I did well in the meeting, but then Sam started talking and completely showed me up.
B: Don’t worry, you held your own. Sam just has a lot of experience.

Common mistake

Not: She showed up me in front of the boss.

Say: She showed me up in front of the boss.

With a pronoun the object goes in the middle — 'showed me up', not 'showed up me'.

More on “embarrass by comparison”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If one team member consistently shows up others by outperforming them, it can lead to resentment and undermine group cohesion.

Tell it apart

She showed me up in the meeting.

  • made me look bad by comparison

She showed up to the meeting.

  • just arrived

Goes with

  • show someone up
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arrive (especially unexpectedly or after being late)become visible or easy to noticeembarrass by comparison