shew

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'shew' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an archaic form of the verb 'show'. You can use it to indicate that somebody or something has been or is being presented for the observation or consideration of others. Example: The leader shewed his plans for the new project to the board of directors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Shew" (in the 19th century) was replaced by "Show" (in the 20th) and there are many others.Consider that decimalisation has taken place without bloodshed, that centigrade has crept in and grams and kilos are making their mark - can the same be done with English spelling?

The Economist

He does not shew so much the Poet as the Gentleman".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nevertheless, to count Wittgenstein as a materialist would be to take considerable liberties with him; for, while displaying at times a certain mystical attitude, he also held very strongly that the business of a philosopher is not to put forward any metaphysical theory but to clear up conceptual confusions as he put it, "to shew the fly out of the fly bottle".

Encyclopedia Britannica

As Wittgenstein observed in the Philosophical Investigations (1953), the aim of philosophy is "to shew the fly the way out of the fly-bottle".

Encyclopedia Britannica

are writ with this ayme, and carryed with this methode, to teach their subjects obedience to their king, to shew the people the untimely ends of such as have moved tumults, commotions, and insurrections, to present them with the flourishing estate of such as live in obedience, exhorting them to allegeance, dehorting them from all trayterous and fellonious stratagems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She picks up the rules very quickly, as demonstrated when Tattle says: "And won't you shew me, pretty Miss, where your bedchamber is?" To which she replies: "No indeed won't I.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

"While you can love me as you so sweetly & beautifully shewed in that hour yesterday, I have all I care for or desire," he wrote in one letter.

The New Yorker

In a petition for funds to care for his family, he lamented that he was "no longer a novelty" after "having shewed through all the kingdom".

The New Yorker

Jackson shewed himself to be articulate in respect of this matter whilst in correspondence with a Mistress E. Taylor, formerly of London, who recounted a torrid alliance in which she was engaged.

The New Yorker

These great Witts, these subtle Criticks, these refined Genius's, these learned Lawyers, these wise Statesmen, are so fond of shewing their Parts and Powers, as to make their Consultations very tedius.

The New Yorker

Subj: Gulliver's Travels Esteemed Sir: On my return from the recent shewing of "Gulliver's Travels," whereat I was sufficiently fortunate to pass a choice moment on the Red Carpet in the charming Company of Miss Emily Blunt, I find it politick to communicate with yourself on the topick of this Motion Picture.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shew" primarily when aiming for an archaic or historical tone. It is appropriate in historical fiction, period pieces, or when quoting older texts.

Common error

Avoid using "shew" in contemporary writing unless a deliberate archaic effect is desired. Modern readers will likely find it anachronistic or simply incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shew" is as a verb, specifically an archaic form of "show". Ludwig AI indicates that it is used to present something for observation or consideration, similar to its modern equivalent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shew" is an archaic form of the verb "show", grammatically correct but largely confined to historical or stylized contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its function as a verb denoting display or revelation. While "shew" maintains a presence in news, media, and encyclopedic sources, modern usage typically favors the more contemporary form, "show". Employ "shew" deliberately for an archaic effect, understanding that its primary function today is stylistic rather than functional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show

This is the modern equivalent and most direct replacement for "shew".

reveal

Focuses on uncovering something previously hidden.

display

Highlights the act of presenting something visually.

demonstrate

Emphasizes proving something through action or evidence.

indicate

Suggests pointing out or signaling something.

exhibit

Similar to "display", often used in formal or artistic contexts.

make apparent

Focuses on making something clear or obvious.

lay bare

Suggests a thorough and often forceful revealing.

uncover

Similar to "reveal", but often implies a more investigative process.

manifest

Highlights the appearance or realization of something.

FAQs

How do you use "shew" in a sentence?

"Shew" is an archaic form of "show", primarily used to indicate something being displayed or revealed. For instance, "He shewed me the way" (archaic) vs. "He showed me the way" (modern).

What can I say instead of "shew"?

You can use alternatives like "show", "reveal", or "display" depending on the context.

Is "shew" grammatically correct?

Yes, "shew" is grammatically correct, but it's an archaic form of "show". Its usage is appropriate in historical or stylized contexts, but not in modern standard English.

What is the difference between "shew" and "show"?

"Shew" is an older, less common form of "show". While "shew" was once standard, "show" is now the prevalent form in contemporary English.