show your working

USAGE SUMMARY

"show your working" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to instruct someone to explain how they arrived at an answer, or to provide evidence of the steps taken to solve a problem. For example, "Please show your working when submitting your math assignment so I can follow your reasoning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The result, Lost River, was a tip – you pilfered from Lynch, Refn and Noé, but didn't show your working.

The Guardian - Film

Always show your working.

WikiHow

Get to the point quickly but show your working.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"You don't have to show your work.

The New York Times

Her favorite direction on math tests was "show your work".

The New York Times

"You really do have to show your work in all this," said Karen Tumulty.

The Guardian

If you show your work, it's like undressing in front of people.

The Guardian - Arts

You just have to go to publishers and show your work and hope to get lucky.

Independent

In order to show your work home or abroad, said another, "you used to need Vasif".

The New York Times - Magazine

Technology hasn't changed that; it has enabled us to show your work better and faster.

The New York Times

When you have something that seems complete, show your work to people you trust to be honest but not malicious.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "show your working", be specific about the level of detail required. For example, specify if you need every calculation step or just the major stages of the process.

Common error

Avoid skipping steps when you "show your working". Ensure that all key stages are clearly documented to facilitate understanding and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show your working" functions as an imperative, commonly used to request or instruct someone to demonstrate the steps they took to arrive at a solution or conclusion. This is evident in the Ludwig examples, particularly in academic and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "show your working" is a request to demonstrate the process or steps taken to reach a conclusion. Predominantly used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts, it emphasizes clarity, transparency, and accountability. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the relatively low frequency suggests that more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain settings. Remember to be specific when requesting someone to "show your working", and avoid omitting crucial steps in your explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain your methodology

This alternative focuses on explaining the process used, emphasizing the methodology behind the result.

detail your process

This alternative highlights the importance of providing a detailed explanation of the process involved.

demonstrate your steps

Focuses on the act of showing each step taken, emphasizing clarity in the demonstration.

illustrate your solution

Suggests a more visual or descriptive explanation of how the solution was reached.

provide a rationale

Emphasizes the need to offer a reasoned explanation behind the actions taken.

walk through your reasoning

Encourages a step-by-step explanation of the thought process leading to the conclusion.

break down your calculation

Specifically targets mathematical or numerical problems where a detailed breakdown is needed.

unfold your analysis

Suggests revealing the layers of analysis conducted to arrive at a conclusion.

present the evidence

Focuses on showcasing the supporting evidence for a claim or result.

substantiate your findings

This alternative implies a need to back up your findings with solid proof.

FAQs

What does "show your working" mean?

The phrase "show your working" means to demonstrate the steps or processes you used to arrive at a particular answer or solution. It's commonly used in math and science to ensure understanding and accuracy.

When is it important to "show your working"?

It's crucial to "show your working" in academic settings, especially in math and science, to demonstrate understanding and receive partial credit. It's also important in professional contexts when transparency and accountability are necessary.

What are some alternatives to "show your working"?

You can use alternatives like "explain your methodology", "detail your process", or "demonstrate your steps" to convey the same meaning.

Why is "show your working" important in education?

In education, "show your working" is important because it allows instructors to assess a student's understanding of the problem-solving process, not just the final answer. It helps identify areas where a student may be struggling and provides opportunities for feedback and correction.