showa: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “showa” mean?
To make something visible or allow it to be seen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something visible or allow it to be seen; to present or display.
To demonstrate, prove, indicate, or guide; to be visible or apparent; a public exhibition or entertainment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Spelling of past participle 'shown' is standard in both. Noun usage for 'programme/program' identical.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally common and core in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “showa” in a Sentence
[V n] (He showed his passport.)[V that] (It shows that you care.)[V n to n] (She showed the letter to me.)[V n n] (She showed me the letter.)[V n adj] (The data shows the system effective.)[V n -ing] (The photo shows them laughing.)[V n wh-] (Show me how it works.)[V] (A faint stain showed on the ceiling.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “showa” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Could you show me your ticket, please?
- The data shows a clear trend.
- He showed great kindness.
American English
- Can you show me your ID?
- Her research shows the theory is flawed.
- She didn't show any fear.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
To present data, results, or a financial profit/loss.
Academic
To demonstrate evidence, prove a theory, or indicate a trend.
Everyday
To let someone see something, to guide, or to refer to entertainment.
Technical
To render graphics on a screen; to display information.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “showa”
- Using 'show' without an object when one is needed (e.g., 'Can you show?' vs 'Can you show me?').
- Using 'show to me' instead of the more natural double object 'show me'.
- Misspelling past participle as 'showed' in formal writing (prefer 'shown').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are acceptable, but 'shown' is more common in edited writing and formal contexts. 'Showed' is frequently used in speech and informal writing.
'Demonstrate' is more formal and often implies a deliberate, explanatory proof or protest. 'Show' is more general and neutral.
Not typically as a pure linking verb. It is usually a transitive action verb. However, it can be followed by a complement in patterns like 'This shows him (to be) a liar'.
It means done for appearance or effect only, not for practical use or genuine feeling (e.g., 'The books on the shelf are just for show; he's never read them').
To make something visible or allow it to be seen.
Showa is usually neutral in register.
Showa: in British English it is pronounced /ʃəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “show your hand”
- “show someone the door”
- “steal the show”
- “show your true colours”
- “for show”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'SHOp window' where items are on SHOW.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING (e.g., 'The report shows us the problem').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a common valency pattern for the verb 'show'?