show through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show through" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to become visible or noticeable despite efforts to conceal or disguise it. Example: The thin fabric of her dress allowed her undergarments to show through, making her feel self-conscious.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Such oversights show through like dark roots on an otherwise glossy bottle-job.

The Economist

Perfect ribs show through little-boy skin.

The New York Times

Catch up on the hit show through the online archive.

The New York Times

She will be appearing in the current show through July.

The New York Times

Flatley toured with different versions of the show through 2001.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Especially with the white pants, they'd show through".

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Saltzberg stayed with the show through its transformation.

The New York Times

"That's the mentality we need to show through the season.

The Guardian - Sport

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER "Three-D Laser Show" through February.

The New York Times

Although the telling is restrained, his feelings occasionally show through.

The Guardian

He will find you a show, through Ticketmaster.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show through" to describe something becoming visible despite a covering or attempt at concealment, whether physical or metaphorical.

Common error

Avoid using "show through" when a simpler verb like "appear" or "visible" would suffice. "Show through" implies an obstruction or layer that is being penetrated, so using it for simple visibility can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "show through" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, indicating that something becomes visible or apparent despite being covered or obscured. Ludwig AI identifies this as grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples demonstrate its application in both literal (fabric, paint) and figurative (emotions, qualities) contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

36%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "show through" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb that means to become visible or noticeable despite something covering or concealing it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and used across various contexts, including news, media, wikis, and scientific publications. It's important to use it when something is becoming visible through a layer, either literally or figuratively. Related phrases include "be visible", "be apparent", and "become noticeable". Remember to conjugate the verb correctly (show/shows) based on the subject and avoid overusing it in contexts where simpler verbs would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be visible

Focuses on the state of being seen, without necessarily implying an underlying layer.

be apparent

Highlights the obviousness of something, differing from "show through" which can imply something becoming visible from beneath.

become noticeable

Emphasizes the act of becoming visible or attracting attention.

be revealed

Implies a deliberate or unintentional unveiling.

come to light

Similar to "be revealed", but often used in the context of information or facts.

shine through

Suggests a positive quality or characteristic becoming apparent.

be transparent

Indicates a lack of concealment, often used literally or figuratively.

manifest itself

Highlights the way in which something intangible becomes visible or concrete.

give the appearance

Suggests an outward presentation that may not be entirely accurate.

surface

Implies emerging from below a surface, either literally or figuratively.

FAQs

How do I use "show through" in a sentence?

The phrase "show through" is a phrasal verb that means to become visible or noticeable despite something covering it or trying to hide it. For example: "The light fabric allowed the pattern underneath to "show through"".

What can I say instead of "show through"?

Alternatives include "be visible", "be apparent", or "become noticeable", depending on the specific context in which you are using the phrase.

Is it correct to say "shows through" instead of "show through"?

Yes, the verb conjugation should change depending on the subject. You would use "shows through" with a singular subject (e.g., "The stain shows through"), and "show through" with a plural subject (e.g., "The colors show through").

What's the difference between "show through" and "shine through"?

"Show through" generally refers to something becoming visible despite an obstruction. "Shine through" often implies a positive quality or characteristic becoming apparent, such as "Her kindness "shines through" even in difficult situations".