show how

USAGE SUMMARY

"show how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to ask someone to demonstrate how to do something. For example: "Can you show how to build a birdhouse?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"To show how I feel.

The New Yorker

You show how macho you are.

The New York Times - Arts

These events show how takeovers are shifting.

The New York Times

And three: Show how it works.

The New York Times

The letters show how he did it.

The Guardian - Books

I want to show how it works".

The New York Times - Arts

"Did that show how committed he is?

The Guardian - Sport

That'll show how inclusive we are.

The Guardian

Current events show how absurd that is.

The New York Times

Show how fragile and unstable they are".

The Guardian - Arts

Firstly, we show how (18) is derived.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing, follow "show how" with clear, concise steps to ensure the audience can easily replicate the process.

Common error

Avoid ambiguous language following "show how". Provide concrete details instead of generalities to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show how" functions as an interrogative phrase or an imperative phrase depending on context. It's used to request or instruct someone to demonstrate a process or method. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show how" is a versatile expression used to request or instruct a demonstration of a process. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, from scientific publications to informal wikis. Its function is primarily interrogative or imperative, aiming to gain understanding or the ability to replicate a specific process. While generally neutral in register, context can influence the level of formality. When using "show how", clarity is key to avoiding ambiguity. Related phrases like "demonstrate how" or "explain how" can be suitable alternatives depending on the desired tone and focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate how

Replaces "show" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing a deliberate and clear presentation.

illustrate how

Suggests providing examples or visual aids to make something clear.

explain how

Focuses on providing a detailed account of the process or method.

reveal how

Implies uncovering or making known a previously hidden process.

detail the process

Shifts focus to the procedural aspect, suggesting a step-by-step account.

outline the method

Emphasizes a structured and organized presentation of the approach.

walk through the steps

Offers a more informal, hands-on approach to demonstration.

give a demonstration of

Replaces "show" with a noun form, putting emphasis on the act of demonstration.

present a case study of

Suggests using a specific example to illustrate a broader principle.

elucidate the manner in which

A more formal and complex way of asking for an explanation of a process.

FAQs

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

Use "show how" to request a demonstration or explanation of a process. For example, "Can you "show how" to fix this?"

What's a more formal alternative to "show how"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "demonstrate how" or "explain how". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

How does "show how" differ from "explain how"?

"Show how" often implies a visual or practical demonstration, while "explain how" focuses on a verbal or written account of the process.

Is it correct to say "show how to do something"?

Yes, "show how to do something" is a grammatically correct and commonly used construction. For example, "Can you "show how" to bake a cake?"