being shown around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being shown around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone being guided or taken on a tour of a place, such as a building or a city. Example: "During my first day at the new job, I appreciated being shown around the office by my colleague."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

But the story that sums her up her whole style was when she was a guest at the press gallery children's party and was being shown around by Father Christmas.

The Guardian

But the story that sums up her whole style was when she was a guest at the press gallery children's party and was being shown around by Father Christmas.

The Guardian

Just be careful that they don't expect to be hired as a result of being shown around!

WikiHow

I'm being shown around by a woman called Jessica.

The Guardian - Travel

Before being shown around his lab, I have to sign non-disclosure agreements.

The Guardian

She had flown out for her victory tour, and was being shown around battle sites.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Visitors are taken 100m (300ft) underground using the pit shaft to reach the coalface and are shown around by former miners.

BBC

We asked to be shown around.

The New York Times - Travel

They were shown around by curator Alice Black.

The Guardian

They were shown around the world in dozens of languages.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She is shown around a place with spectacularly bad vibes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being shown around", ensure the context clearly indicates who is providing the tour or guidance and what is being toured. For example, "I enjoyed being shown around the new office by the manager."

Common error

Avoid using "being shown around" when an active voice construction is more direct and clear. Instead of "The museum is being shown around by the guide", try "The guide is showing visitors around the museum."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being shown around" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone is the recipient of an action (being guided or toured). This aligns with Ludwig's assessment, as it describes a state of receiving a tour.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being shown around" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of receiving a guided tour or introduction to a place. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely accepted and understood. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts. To enhance clarity, ensure the context clearly identifies the guide and the location. When greater formality is needed, consider alternatives like "being conducted around".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being given a tour

Focuses more on the act of providing a tour, emphasizing the guide's role.

being taken on a tour

Similar to "being given a tour" but with a slightly different emphasis.

receiving a guided tour

Emphasizes the reception of the tour from the perspective of the recipient.

being guided through

Emphasizes the process of guidance and navigation through a place or system.

being escorted around

Highlights the presence of an escort, suggesting a more formal or protective guidance.

being conducted around

Suggests a formal and organized tour, often by an official representative.

being led around

Focuses on the act of leading, implying direction and control by the guide.

being walked through

Implies a step-by-step explanation or demonstration while moving through a space.

being familiarized with

Focuses on the process of becoming acquainted with something, such as a place or system.

being introduced to

Highlights the introduction to a new environment or concept.

FAQs

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

You can use "being shown around" to describe someone receiving a tour or guidance in a specific location. For example: "I appreciated "being shown around" the facility by the engineer."

What's a more concise way to say "being shown around"?

Alternatives include "being given a tour", "being guided through", or simply "being taken on a tour", depending on the context.

Is "being shown around" formal or informal?

"Being shown around" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "being conducted around" might be preferred in certain professional settings.

What is the difference between "being shown around" and "seeing around"?

"Being shown around" implies that someone is guiding you, while "seeing around" suggests you are exploring a place on your own. The former involves assistance, while the latter implies independent exploration.