didn't show up

USAGE SUMMARY

'didn't show up' is a correct and usable phrase in written English
You can use it when you are referring to someone who did not arrive at an event, location, or appointment. Example: My friend was supposed to meet me for lunch, but he didn't show up.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

(He didn't show up, coincidentally).

The New York Times

"But 'we' didn't show up".

The New York Times

"You didn't show up," she fumed.

The New York Times - Books

"That team didn't show up today".

The New York Times

Freedom!' Security didn't show up directly.

The New York Times

"We didn't show up," Woodson said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"My friend did not show up".

The New Yorker

He did not show up till midnight.

The New York Times

"They did not show up," Papachristou said.

The New York Times - Sports

But Mira did not show up for the trial.

The New Yorker

Tells how Cher did not show up at the taping.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "didn't show up" in formal writing, consider whether a more formal alternative like "failed to appear" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "didn't show up" in highly formal documents such as legal briefs or academic papers; opt for more professional alternatives like "failed to attend" or "was absent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "didn't show up" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the absence of someone or something at a particular place or event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase correctly expresses the action of not being present. It typically modifies a subject by describing their failure to appear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "didn't show up" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone was absent from an expected event or location. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase with numerous real-world examples in news and media. While its register leans toward neutral to informal, it effectively communicates absence or failure to appear. For formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "failed to appear" or "did not attend". Overall, "didn't show up" is a reliable and widely understood phrase for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to appear

Replaces the contraction and uses a more formal verb choice.

did not attend

Substitutes "show up" with a more direct synonym for being present.

was absent

Focuses on the state of being away rather than the action of not arriving.

never arrived

Emphasizes the lack of arrival at any point.

was a no-show

Uses an informal term for someone who misses an appointment or event.

missed the event

Highlights the missed opportunity or obligation.

was not present

States the absence in a straightforward manner.

skipped the meeting

Implies a deliberate choice not to attend.

bailed on the plan

Suggests backing out of an arrangement, often informally.

no one came

Shifts the focus to the absence of anyone at all.

FAQs

How can I use "didn't show up" in a sentence?

You can use "didn't show up" to indicate that someone was expected at a place or event but they didn't arrive. For example, "He "didn't show up" for the meeting" or "The guest of honor "didn't show up" at the party".

What are some alternatives to "didn't show up"?

Alternatives to "didn't show up" include phrases like "failed to appear", "did not attend", or "was absent". The choice depends on the formality and context of your writing.

Is it grammatically correct to say "didn't show up"?

Yes, "didn't show up" is grammatically correct and commonly used in informal and general contexts. It is a contraction of "did not show up", making it acceptable for everyday conversation and writing.

When should I use "didn't show up" versus "failed to appear"?

"Didn't show up" is suitable for informal communication, while "failed to appear" is more appropriate for formal or professional settings. The latter conveys a more serious or official tone.