I was shown around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was shown around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an experience where someone guided you through a place, such as a building or a city. Example: "When I arrived at the new office, I was shown around by my colleague, who introduced me to everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

General conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

In Tehran, I was shown around the city's cinema museum by a local photographer.

The Guardian - Travel

At Fareshare's London warehouse, I was shown around by director Tony Lowe.

The Guardian

At the former, I was shown around the factory behind the showroom, where tours are given daily.

The New York Times - Travel

In November, I was shown around Douar Hicher by Mohamed, a local engineer in his late twenties.

The New Yorker

I was shown around Bubaque by Sana, a young man from the island who studied languages at the local college.

The Guardian - Travel

Five years ago, I was shown around the most sumptuous suite at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"This wasn't just a funny PDF that I was showing around.

The New York Times - Books

"You must have been making out like crazy in these woods when you were a teenager," a friend I was showing around the Catskills said recently.

The New York Times

John Grande Dear Diary: A European acquaintance whom I was showing around the city on a recent weekday afternoon would not stop commenting about how rude and self-absorbed she thought New Yorkers were.

The New York Times

I am shown around by the curator, Dr David de Witt.

Independent

In the days that follow I'm shown around by Patrick and our driver Erick, of Santo Safari Tours.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about travel experiences, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of discovery facilitated by a local or expert.

Common error

Avoid using active voice constructions like "I showed myself around" when the intention is to convey that someone else provided the guidance. The phrase "I showed myself around" implies independence and self-direction, which contradicts the original meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was shown around" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (I) received an action (being shown) from an unspecified agent. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in describing guided experiences or tours.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Travel

25%

General conversation

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was shown around" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the experience of being guided through a place by someone. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. While generally neutral, consider using more formal alternatives like "I received a guided tour" in professional settings. Remember to avoid active voice confusions by emphasizing that another person facilitated the tour. The phrase finds frequent use in news, travel writing, and general conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was given a tour

Emphasizes the act of being given a tour, similar in formality to the original.

I was guided through

Focuses on the process of being guided, suitable for complex or detailed locations.

I was taken on a tour

Highlights the experience of being led on a tour, adding a sense of journey.

I had a tour of

Similar in meaning but slightly more concise and less personal.

I received a guided tour

Focuses on the act of receiving guidance during the tour, slightly more formal.

I was escorted around

Implies a more formal or official guidance, often by someone with authority.

A guide showed me around

Emphasizes the role of the guide, similar in meaning but different in structure.

I was conducted around

Suggests a more structured and formal tour, often in a professional setting.

Someone gave me a tour

Shifts the focus to the person providing the tour, less passive than the original.

I explored with a guide

Highlights the exploration aspect, implying active participation with assistance.

FAQs

What does "I was shown around" mean?

The phrase "I was shown around" means that someone guided you on a tour or visit of a place. It indicates that you were accompanied and directed by another person during your exploration.

What are some alternatives to "I was shown around"?

You can use alternatives like "I was given a tour", "I received a guided tour", or "I was taken on a tour" depending on the context.

Is "I was shown around" formal or informal?

The phrase "I was shown around" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "I was escorted around" might be preferable in highly professional settings.

How can I use "I was shown around" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase "I was shown around" to describe an experience where someone guided you through a place, for example: "When I visited the factory, "I was shown around" by the manager."