I was shown how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was shown how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone demonstrated or explained a process or action to you. Example: "During the training session, I was shown how to operate the new software effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"I was shown how fragile life was," she wrote.

The New York Times

I was shown how fragile life was on Saturday.

The New York Times

In short, I was shown how amazing human beings could be, given half a chance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ghawi wrote of the Canada incident: "I was shown how fragile life was on Saturday.

The Guardian

Until, that is, I was shown how to make it palatable.

The Economist

Another, I was shown how to make bread, and had to write down the method as the teacher cooked it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In the demo, I was showed how the app syncs to the Dell PaaS, which IT can then maintain.

TechCrunch

Back at Dan's desk I'm shown how quickly the "mild" websites blur into to the "extreme" with two clicks of the mouse leading to a fetish website catering for BDSM to cannibalism.

Independent

Most amateur entertainers on the Web, even very successful ones, are one-trick ponies: here I am showing how to apply eye shadow; here is my impersonation of Grandpa without his dentures.

The New York Times

"All I was doing was showing how smart I was.

The New York Times - Books

I recall being shown how easy it was to edit.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was shown how", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what you were shown how to do. Be specific about the action or skill that was demonstrated.

Common error

Avoid using "I was showed how" as a substitute for "I was taught how" when the learning process involved more than just a visual demonstration. "Taught" implies a more comprehensive instructional experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was shown how" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that the subject received instruction or demonstration regarding a particular action or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was shown how" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express that someone received a demonstration or visual instruction on a particular task. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this construction is correct and common in diverse contexts, notably in News & Media and Science. To enhance your writing, use this phrase when the learning process involved a visual component. When unsure whether the correct phrase is "I was shown how" or "I was taught how" remember that "I was taught how" applies when teaching involves theory and practice instead. Consider alternatives like "I learned how to" or "I was instructed on how" to provide variety. Avoid "I was showed how", as the correct form uses the past participle "shown".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was taught how to

Emphasizes the learning aspect of the demonstration.

I was walked through how to

Suggests a step-by-step explanation or demonstration.

I was given a demonstration of how to

Explicitly mentions a demonstration as the method of instruction.

I was guided in how to

Implies a guided process with assistance during the learning.

I received instruction on how

Focuses on receiving formal teaching rather than a simple demonstration.

I had it demonstrated to me how to

Formal way to express that someone showed you how to do something.

I learned how to

Highlights the result of the demonstration – the acquisition of knowledge or skill.

I observed how to

Stresses the act of watching as the primary means of learning.

I was briefed on how to

Indicates a concise explanation before an action.

The method was explained to me

Focuses on the explanation of a method rather than the demonstration.

FAQs

What is the difference between "I was shown how" and "I was taught how"?

"I was shown how" typically implies a visual demonstration or a practical example was given. "I was taught how" suggests a more comprehensive instruction, possibly involving theory and practice. For example, "I was shown how to bake" a cake means someone demonstrated the process, while "I was taught how to bake" may mean I attended a baking class.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was taught how", "I received instruction on how", or "I learned how to", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I was showed how"?

No, the correct phrasing is "I was shown how". The verb "show" in the passive voice uses the past participle "shown", not "showed".

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

You can use "I was shown how" followed by an infinitive phrase to describe an action or process that was demonstrated to you. For example, "I was shown how to operate the machine" or "I was shown how to solve the problem".