for show

USAGE SUMMARY

"for show" is a valid phrase in English.
It is used to describe something done for appearances, even if it is not genuine. For example, "John bought the latest model phone for show, even though he had no intention of using it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not for show".

The New Yorker

All for show.

The New York Times - Books

$54.95 for show and dinner.

The New York Times

It's not just for show".

The New York Times - Food

But, remarkably, not for show.

The New Yorker

It's all just for show.

The New York Times - Arts

I pumped his chest, just for show.

The New Yorker

"These are all just for show".

The New York Times

That it was just for show.

The New Yorker

And cowboy country, too, for show.

The New York Times - Arts

The rest is just for show".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for show", ensure the context clearly indicates that the action or object is primarily intended for appearance rather than practical use. This prevents misinterpretation and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using "for show" when the item or action actually serves a purpose beyond mere appearance. This diminishes the real value or function of the subject and can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for show" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the purpose or reason behind an action or existence. Ludwig's examples confirm this, showcasing its usage to describe actions or objects intended mainly for appearances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

General Conversation

30%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for show" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is done or presented primarily for appearances, rather than for a genuine or practical purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and general conversation. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretations. Consider using alternatives like "for appearances" or "ostensibly" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Ultimately, understanding the subtle implications of "for show" allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for appearances

Emphasizes the outward presentation or image being projected.

for demonstration purposes

Highlights the act of displaying something, often to illustrate its features or capabilities.

purely ornamental

Focuses on the decorative and non-functional aspect.

ostensibly

Suggests a superficial or pretended reason or purpose.

on the surface

Highlights that something appears a certain way but might not be genuine.

to create an impression

Focuses on the intent to influence someone's perception.

to put on an act

Suggests a deliberate performance or pretense.

just to be seen

Emphasizes the desire for public attention or recognition.

window dressing

Implies a superficial enhancement to create a better image.

superficially

Highlights the lack of depth or genuine substance.

FAQs

How can I use "for show" in a sentence?

You can use "for show" to indicate that something is done or displayed primarily to create an impression. For example, "The expensive car was just "for show", as he couldn't afford the insurance."

What are some alternatives to "for show"?

Alternatives include "for appearances", "ostensibly", or "purely ornamental", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "just for show" or "only for show"?

Both "just for show" and "only for show" are grammatically correct and commonly used to emphasize that something is solely intended for appearance and has no other practical purpose.

How does "for show" differ from "for keeps"?

"For show" implies a temporary or superficial purpose, whereas "for keeps" suggests permanence or genuine intent. They are antonyms in many contexts.