is to show

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is to show" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the purpose or intention of an action or statement. Example: "The main goal of this presentation is to show the benefits of renewable energy sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is to show credibility.

The New York Times

It is to show that you care.

The Washington Post

No, it is to show social dominance.

The New York Times - Arts

The important thing is to show yourself through your work.

Stanford University

My job is to show what fashion can achieve.

Princeton University

All you need to do is to show up.

Cornell University

That reason is to show you how to make it.

The Washington Post

The idea is to show you're relaxed, not smug.

Harvard Business Review

The usual way in film is to show something.

The Guardian - Film

"Because your job is to show her off.

The Guardian

"The key is to show your vulnerability," says Morgan.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms such as "aims to demonstrate" or "serves to illustrate" in formal contexts to enhance clarity and avoid repetition.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overusing "is to show" in informal writing can make your text sound stilted. Opt for simpler phrasing like "to show" or "this shows" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is to show" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intention. It connects a subject with the intended outcome of an action, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

33%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is to show" is a versatile phrase used to express purpose or intention, particularly in explaining the rationale behind an action or piece of evidence. As Ludwig AI shows, it's prevalent in news, academic, and scientific writing, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, remember to consider the context and audience when choosing between "is to show" and its synonyms to ensure clarity and stylistic appropriateness. Overusing the phrase in informal contexts may sound awkward so avoid it in favor of simpler constructs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serves to demonstrate

Focuses on the function of the action, indicating that it is intended to prove or validate something.

aims to demonstrate

Replaces "is to show" with a more formal verb, focusing on the act of proving or illustrating something.

strives to clarify

Focuses on the attempt to make something easier to understand, suggesting a commitment to removing ambiguity.

intends to illustrate

Highlights the intention behind the action, suggesting a desire to make something clear through examples.

functions to highlight

Emphasizes the role of the action in bringing attention to a specific aspect or feature.

is meant to signify

Highlights the intended meaning or symbolism of the action, indicating that it is supposed to represent something else.

seeks to reveal

Emphasizes the act of uncovering or making something known, implying a previously hidden aspect.

is designed to exhibit

Indicates that something was specifically created or planned to display a particular quality or characteristic.

purports to represent

Suggests that the action claims to accurately depict or symbolize something, although the accuracy may be questioned.

endeavors to portray

Implies an effort to depict something in a particular way, often with artistic or expressive intent.

FAQs

How can I use "is to show" in a sentence?

The phrase "is to show" is used to express the purpose or intention behind an action or statement. For example, "The aim of this study is to show the correlation between exercise and mental health".

What are some alternatives to "is to show"?

Alternatives include "aims to demonstrate", "serves to illustrate", or "intends to clarify". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "is to show" or "aims to demonstrate"?

"Aims to demonstrate" is generally more formal than "is to show". Use "aims to demonstrate" in academic or professional writing, while "is to show" is suitable for a broader range of contexts.

What's the difference between "is to show" and "this shows"?

"Is to show" expresses an intention or purpose, while "this shows" indicates a result or consequence. For example, "The experiment is to show how gravity works" (purpose) versus "This experiment shows how gravity works" (result).