showing up

USAGE SUMMARY

"showing up" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of someone arriving to a certain place. For example: "He surprised us by showing up 30 minutes early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But showing up still helps.

The New York Times

"He just kept showing up".

The New York Times

They're showing up to play.

The New York Times - Sports

Just showing up will not cut it.

The New York Times

And he's showing up for it.

The New Yorker

Showing up in the same color?

The New York Times

"I wasn't showing up," he said.

The New York Times - Books

Showing up, who knows, in traffic lights.

The New Yorker

"Thanks for Showing Up on Time!

The New York Times - Sports

Contractors stop showing up or returning calls.

The New York Times

Interactive charts are showing up on websites.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "showing up" to emphasize the importance of physical presence and participation, especially when effort or commitment is involved.

Common error

Avoid using "showing up" simply to state that someone was present. Instead, use it when the act of being there is significant, such as overcoming obstacles or fulfilling a commitment. If the presence is merely incidental, consider a more neutral term like "being there" or "attending".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "showing up" functions as a gerund or participial phrase, often acting as a noun or adjective within a sentence. It describes the action of arriving or being present. This is reinforced by Ludwig's examples, which show its versatility in various sentence structures and contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "showing up" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of arriving or being present, often emphasizing the importance of commitment and participation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "showing up" is generally considered neutral to informal, it's essential to use it purposefully, highlighting the significance of presence rather than merely stating it. Related phrases like "being present" and "making an appearance" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, allowing for nuanced communication. By understanding these best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively leverage "showing up" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turning up

A synonym that simply replaces "showing" with "turning", indicating arrival. It is very similar and interchangeable.

being present

Emphasizes the state of being in a particular place, focusing on the concept of presence rather than the act of arriving.

being there

Highlights the importance of presence and support, often in a time of need.

making an appearance

Suggests a more formal or deliberate act of arriving, often with the implication of being noticed.

putting in an appearance

Similar to "making an appearance" but can sometimes imply a brief or obligatory visit.

attending

Implies participation in an event or activity, rather than just being physically present.

showing your face

Suggests a willingness to be seen or acknowledged, often after an absence or period of avoidance.

arriving on the scene

Suggests a dramatic or significant arrival, often in response to a situation or event.

showing attendance

Formal way to describe someone registered as present in a specific event or activity.

becoming visible

Implies a gradual or noticeable appearance after being unseen or hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "showing up" in a sentence?

You can use "showing up" to describe the act of arriving at a place or event, often implying effort or intention. For example, "Showing up is half the battle" or "He made a point of "showing up" on time".

What's a more formal alternative to "showing up"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "attending", "being present", or "making an appearance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "showing up" and "turning up"?

"Showing up" and "turning up" are generally interchangeable and have very similar meanings. Both refer to arriving at a place or event, often unexpectedly or after some difficulty.

When is it appropriate to use "showing up" in a professional setting?

In a professional setting, ""showing up"" can be used to emphasize commitment, reliability, and participation. For instance, "Showing up to meetings prepared is crucial" or "Showing up for your team demonstrates dedication".