showed itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "showed itself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has become visible or apparent, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The true nature of the project showed itself after several months of work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But that's the way it showed itself.

The New York Times - Arts

This showed itself, startlingly, at the end of my visit.

The New Yorker

A certain originality showed itself in the desserts, too.

The New York Times

It soon showed itself to be the mother of eleven.

The New Yorker

This policy even showed itself in his church buildings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the CJNG also showed itself willing to take on the Mexican state.

The Guardian

This mix showed itself most keenly in the music he absorbed.

The Guardian - Music

Exeter's back division quickly showed itself to be as dangerous as their pack.

The Guardian - Sport

But today the alliance showed itself to be no juggernaut that could enforce demands.

The New York Times

From start to finish, China showed itself to be the dominant partner in the relationship.

The Guardian

But the partisanship had already showed itself at the beginning of the service.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "showed itself" when you want to describe how something became visible or apparent over time, often unexpectedly. It's suitable for describing gradual revelations or manifestations of qualities, problems, or truths.

Common error

Avoid using "showed itself" excessively in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for alternatives like "became evident" or "manifested" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "showed itself" functions as a verb phrase indicating the appearance or manifestation of something that was previously unseen or unknown. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various contexts to describe how something becomes visible or apparent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "showed itself" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the appearance or manifestation of something. Ludwig AI confirms its versatile application across various contexts, primarily in news and media, as well as encyclopedic entries. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or scientific writing. When using this phrase, consider the nuance you wish to convey – whether you want to highlight a gradual unveiling or a more direct revelation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revealed itself

Implies a more direct and clear unveiling of something previously hidden.

manifested itself

Suggests a more tangible or perceivable appearance.

became apparent

Focuses on the increasing clarity and obviousness of something.

became evident

Highlights the undeniable proof or indication of something.

made itself known

Emphasizes the act of something actively announcing or displaying its presence.

unveiled itself

Suggests a formal or ceremonial revelation.

displayed itself

Implies a visual or observable presentation.

presented itself

Suggests a more formal or deliberate appearance.

emerged

Focuses on the process of coming into view or existence.

surfaced

Implies something coming to the top or becoming visible after being hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "showed itself" in a sentence?

You can use "showed itself" to describe the gradual revelation or manifestation of something. For example, "The underlying problem showed itself after several months of operation".

What are some alternatives to "showed itself"?

Alternatives include "revealed itself", "manifested itself", or "became apparent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "showed itself" in formal writing?

While "showed itself" is grammatically correct, it might be more appropriate to use more formal alternatives like "became evident" or "manifested" in highly formal or scientific contexts.

What is the difference between "revealed itself" and "showed itself"?

"Revealed itself" implies a more direct and clear unveiling, while "showed itself" suggests a more gradual or subtle manifestation. The choice depends on whether the revelation was sudden or progressive.