show the character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show the character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to reveal or display a particular trait or quality of a character, whether in literature, film, or other contexts. Example: "In this scene, the actor must show the character's vulnerability to make the audience connect with him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"To show the character we did sums up our season.

The Guardian - Sport

The Mets continued yesterday to show the character the Yankees only wish they had.

The New York Times

I wanted to show the character of the steam engine in this design.

The New York Times

"To show the character was pleasing against the quality of Hull KR and the crowd that got behind them".

Independent

"It's not easy to show the character and reaction, above all after 12 wins in a row.

The Guardian - Sport

In my opinion we're in a great spot to show the character and ability to come from behind.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

If it was a show that frequently used slurs to show the characters' roughness, that'd be one thing.

Huffington Post

"That shows the character of the team.

BBC

"That shows the character of our team".

The New York Times - Sports

"That shows the character of the team," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Thursday night's speech showed the character and his potential.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show the character" when you want to emphasize a deliberate action or opportunity to reveal inner qualities through behavior or representation. For instance, use it when describing how an actor can "show the character" through their performance or how a team can "show the character" through resilience.

Common error

Avoid using "show the character" when the context already implies demonstration. For example, instead of saying "The actor wanted to show the character's sadness, so he cried", a more concise phrasing would be "The actor portrayed the character's sadness by crying."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show the character" functions as a verb phrase. It's used to describe the act of displaying or revealing particular attributes, traits, or qualities, typically within the context of people, teams, or fictional entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "show the character" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the demonstration or revelation of inherent qualities, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it carries a neutral register. When using the phrase, ensure it adds value by emphasizing a specific display of traits. Be cautious of redundant uses. Alternatives such as "reveal the nature" or "demonstrate the personality" can offer nuanced expressions. Examples extracted by Ludwig showcase the phrase's versatility across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate the personality

Emphasizes the outward expression of individual traits and mannerisms.

display the characteristics

Highlights specific attributes that define a person or thing.

reveal the nature

Focuses on uncovering the inherent qualities rather than a deliberate display.

exhibit the attributes

Implies a more formal and observable presentation of qualities.

manifest the qualities

Focuses on the outward realization and visibility of specific attributes.

portray the essence

Centers on capturing the fundamental and intrinsic qualities.

reflect the spirit

Suggests mirroring or embodying the inner feeling or attitude.

unveil the disposition

Focuses on revealing the inherent temperament or mood.

divulge the traits

Implies disclosing specific and distinguishing features.

express the inner self

Highlights the outward communication of internal thoughts and feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "show the character" in a sentence?

You can use "show the character" to describe how someone or something reveals inner qualities or traits, such as "The team had to "demonstrate resilience" to show the character of their team".

What are some alternatives to "show the character"?

Alternatives include "reveal the nature", "demonstrate the personality", or "display the characteristics" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "show the character of" or "show the character that"?

"Show the character of" is generally preferred as it directly refers to the qualities or nature being displayed. "Show the character that" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What does it mean when someone says a team "showed the character"?

It typically means the team demonstrated positive qualities like "resilience", "determination", or "teamwork", especially in challenging circumstances.