make a big show

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a big show" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is putting on a display or performance that is meant to attract attention or impress others. Example: "During the presentation, she decided to make a big show of her achievements to impress the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Often, extremely wealthy people make a big show of tipping.

The New Yorker

"Make a big show of shouting down the phone!

The Guardian - Books

Milan likes to make a big show of its tailoring and handcraft.

The New York Times

Sackler doesn't make a big show of her good intentions, or of her affluent background.

The New Yorker

Mini though many of the works are, they make a big show.

The New York Times - Arts

"It is not enough to be on television 24 hours a day and make a big show".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Nowhere did Mr. Paterson make a bigger show of using humor to cut tension than during his swearing in as governor in March.

The New York Times

Seeing a tree, he makes a big show of his misery and threatens to hang himself.

The New York Times - Arts

He made a big show of effort as he shifted gears with his right hand.

The New Yorker

Mr. Obama made a big show of fulfilling his campaign promises right away.

The New York Times

Yesterday, he made a big show of riding his horse to his polling place.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and connotation. While sometimes neutral, the phrase can also suggest disapproval or insincerity, so ensure it aligns with your intended tone.

Common error

Don't overuse "make a big show" when a simpler, more direct description would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or biased. Instead, ask yourself, is the subject really trying to impress or is it just their way?

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a big show" functions as an idiomatic expression, often acting as a verb phrase to describe an action performed with the intention of attracting attention or creating a spectacle. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a big show" is a frequently used idiomatic expression that describes the act of performing an action in a way that attracts attention or creates a spectacle. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it carries a neutral register suitable for various writing contexts, though its appropriateness in formal settings should be considered. When writing, aim to use it to express insincerity or exaggeration rather than a simple action. Be mindful of overuse to avoid sounding melodramatic. Alternatives like "put on a display" or "create a spectacle" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show off

A general term for displaying something proudly or boastfully.

put on a display

Focuses on the act of presenting something in a noticeable way.

create a spectacle

Emphasizes the visual and dramatic aspect of the display.

flaunt it

Highlights showing off something, often wealth or success, in an ostentatious manner.

grandstand

Suggests an attempt to impress people with one's actions, often in a political context.

strut one's stuff

Implies showing off one's abilities or talents.

parade around

Indicates walking around ostentatiously to be noticed.

make a splash

Focuses on making a noticeable impact or impression.

put on an act

Highlights the insincerity or artificiality of the behavior.

ham it up

Suggests exaggerating one's performance for comedic effect.

FAQs

How can I use "make a big show" in a sentence?

You can use "make a big show" to describe someone deliberately trying to impress or attract attention. For example, "The politician "made a big show" of visiting the disaster area".

What can I say instead of "make a big show"?

You can use alternatives like "put on a display", "create a spectacle", or "show off" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "make a big show of" formal or informal?

"Make a big show of" is generally considered to be an informal or neutral expression, suitable for everyday conversation and writing. It is not typically used in formal academic or scientific contexts.

What does it imply when someone "makes a big show" of something?

It implies that the person is deliberately trying to attract attention to themselves or to the action they are performing. It can also suggest that the person is being insincere or exaggerating their actions for effect.