show to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show to be" is not commonly used in written English and may be considered awkward or unclear.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is demonstrated or proven to be a certain way, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "The results of the experiment show to be significant in supporting the hypothesis."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I wanted this show to be affirming".

The New York Times

It was a show to be missed.

The Guardian - Sport

The second show, to be called "Sept.

The New York Times

We always wanted the show to be different.

The Guardian - Music

And that's what I wanted the show to be about".

The New York Times - Arts

What a show to be a part of'.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Did you find the show to be "overexposed" and "sentimental"?

The New York Times

It's an amazing show to be part of.

The Guardian

I don't want the show to be stopped.

The New Yorker

"I consider the show to be performance-based," Blichfeld said.

The New Yorker

"This is the show to be at," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "show to be", consider whether a more direct verb like "prove", "demonstrate", or "reveal" would improve clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Avoid using "show to be" excessively in formal writing, as it can sound verbose. Opt for stronger, more concise verbs to enhance the impact of your statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show to be" functions as a linking verb followed by a complement, indicating a state or condition that has been demonstrated or proven. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used to express results or findings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

43%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "show to be" is a grammatically acceptable way to indicate that something has been demonstrated or proven. While Ludwig AI notes it is not incorrect, it can sometimes sound awkward or verbose, particularly in formal contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific publications. For clearer and more concise writing, consider alternatives like "prove to be" or "demonstrate to be". By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "show to be" while being mindful of more direct and impactful alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prove to be

This alternative emphasizes the act of demonstrating something definitively, similar to "show to be".

demonstrate to be

This alternative highlights the act of clearly showing or exhibiting a particular quality or state.

turn out to be

This phrase focuses on the eventual result or outcome, implying a revelation of what something becomes.

is found to be

This alternative is often used in scientific contexts to report findings or results of studies.

is revealed to be

This emphasizes the uncovering of something previously unknown or hidden.

appear to be

This suggests a surface-level observation or initial impression, less definitive than "show to be".

is known to be

This indicates established or widely accepted knowledge about something's nature or state.

evidence suggests

This phrases emphasizes that there is indications but it's not a definitive demonstration

become

This alternative indicate the final state after a transformation or evolution

exhibit

This suggests displaying or demonstrating a quality or trait.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "show to be"?

You can use alternatives like "prove to be", "demonstrate to be", or "turn out to be" depending on the context.

Is "show to be" grammatically correct?

Yes, "show to be" is grammatically acceptable, but it can sometimes sound awkward or overly formal. It's often more effective to use a more direct verb for clarity.

How to use "show to be" in a sentence?

Use "show to be" when you want to indicate that something has been demonstrated or proven to be a certain way. For example: "The research results show to be significant."

What is the difference between "show to be" and "appear to be"?

"Show to be" implies a demonstration or proof, while "appear to be" suggests a surface-level observation or initial impression. The former is more definitive than the latter.