show up

USAGE SUMMARY

"show up" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is an informal verb meaning to arrive, appear, or come. For example, "I'm excited to see you show up to the party!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To show up early?

The New Yorker

I show up dirty.

The New York Times

I show up drunk.

The New York Times

Please show up, Mom.

The New York Times

"Will he show up?

The New York Times - Arts

But will she show up?

The New York Times

But please do show up".

The New Yorker

Notifications  show up there too.

The New York Times

You show up, I'm out".

The New York Times - Magazine

It doesn't show up here.

Independent

It would never show up".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show up" in contexts where an informal tone is appropriate, such as casual conversations or less formal writing. In formal settings, consider more precise alternatives like "arrive" or "attend".

Common error

Ensure the tense of "show up" is consistent with the rest of the sentence. For example, avoid mixing past and present tenses: "He said he will show up yesterday" should be "He said he would show up yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "show up" functions as an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. It describes the action of arriving or appearing at a specific location or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

31%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "show up" is a common and informal phrasal verb meaning to arrive or appear. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and usable English phrase. While versatile, it's best suited for informal contexts; more formal situations may call for synonyms like "arrive" or "attend". Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in News & Media and Wiki content. Remember to maintain consistent tense and avoid mixing it with formal language to ensure clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn up

This phrase is very similar in meaning and informality, suggesting an arrival that might have been uncertain.

arrive

This is a more formal and direct synonym, focusing solely on the act of reaching a destination.

appear

This alternative emphasizes the act of becoming visible or present, often unexpectedly.

attend

This suggests a more formal or planned presence at an event or location.

get there

This is a simple and direct way of saying "show up", focusing on the act of reaching a destination.

make an appearance

This alternative implies a brief or notable arrival, often at a social event.

come along

This suggests joining a group or activity, rather than simply arriving at a place.

be present

This is a formal and neutral way to describe being in a specific location.

pop up

This implies a sudden or unexpected arrival, often in a digital context.

materialize

This is a more figurative and dramatic way of saying "show up", suggesting something becoming real or visible.

FAQs

What does "show up" mean?

"Show up" means to arrive, appear, or attend a place or event, often implying that the arrival was either expected or uncertain.

What can I say instead of "show up"?

You can use alternatives like "arrive", "attend", or "turn up" depending on the context.

Is "show up" formal or informal?

"Show up" is generally considered informal. In formal writing or speech, it's better to use alternatives such as "arrive" or "attend".

What is the difference between "show up" and "appear"?

While both mean to become visible or present, "appear" often suggests something unexpected or sudden, whereas "show up" typically implies an expected arrival, though sometimes with an element of uncertainty.