showed off

USAGE SUMMARY

'showed off' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone displays or puts emphasis on their skills, knowledge, or possessions in order to impress others. For example: "She showed off her perfect singing voice to the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Dahlias showed off like sunsets.

The Guardian - Books

The couture ateliers showed off fine workmanship.

The New York Times

She showed off her many tattoos.

The New Yorker

A woman showed off her wedding ring.

The New York Times

He showed off his media knowledge.

The New York Times

Matt showed off his home office.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"That's showing off".

The New York Times - Sports

To show off?

Independent

Was he showing off?

The New Yorker

Show off your lashes.

WikiHow

Show off your portfolio.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "showed off" to describe actions where the intent is to impress others, particularly with possessions, skills, or knowledge. The phrase often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying vanity.

Common error

Avoid using "showed off" in contexts where a neutral or positive description is needed. Instead of saying "The company showed off its new product" consider using "The company demonstrated its new product" or "The company presented its new product".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "showed off" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the past tense of the phrasal verb 'show off'. It describes the action of displaying something, typically skills or possessions, with the intent to impress others. This is supported by Ludwig, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "showed off" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of displaying something, typically skills or possessions, in an attempt to impress others. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used and accepted in written English. While "showed off" appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it's important to be mindful of its slightly negative connotation, which implies vanity or boastfulness. Alternatives like "displayed" or "exhibited" may be more suitable for formal or neutral contexts. When using "showed off", consider the subtle message you're conveying about the person or entity being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flaunted

Implies a more boastful and ostentatious display.

paraded for attention

To put something on display with the intention of getting the attention of other people.

paraded

Suggests a deliberate and public display, often to gain attention.

put on display

To arrange something for people to look at.

exhibited

Indicates a more formal or organized display of something.

made a spectacle of

Turning something into a grand, often showy, display.

displayed

A general term for presenting something for viewing.

presented ostentatiously

Emphasizes the boastful, attention-seeking nature of the presentation.

brandished

Implies a dramatic or aggressive display, often of a weapon or skill.

trotted out

Suggests showing something repeatedly, often to impress.

FAQs

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

You can use "showed off" to describe someone displaying their skills or possessions to impress others. For example, "He showed off his new car to his friends."

What is an alternative to saying "showed off"?

Alternatives to "showed off" include "flaunted", "exhibited", or "displayed", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "showed off" in formal writing?

"Showed off" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "presented", "demonstrated", or "exhibited".

What does it mean when someone "showed off"?

When someone "showed off", it means they displayed their abilities, possessions, or qualities in a way intended to impress or gain attention from others. This often implies a degree of vanity or boastfulness.