shown about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shown about" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe something that has been displayed or demonstrated in a certain area, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The new features were shown about the office during the presentation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Preview of the buildings completed or under construction; tells how Fair-goers will be shown about, housed, etc.

The New Yorker

The right question is: what has it shown about the best ways to improve the life chances of young children?

The Guardian

In the past, photographs have shown about 70 cowgirls on horseback.

The New York Times

WHAT has research shown about the positive effect of games like Minecraft?

The New York Times

We talk about the catchy line from one of the videos that we've shown about how you have to finish.

The New York Times - Sports

In yet another photo, one of the Bush family's dogs, Spot, was shown about to disembark from Marine One, the presidential helicopter.

The New York Times

She was shown about by an elderly housemother who, after the inspection tour was over, asked if there were any questions.

The New Yorker

The contempt – and sometimes snobbery – now being shown about leavers on social media was already felt by these communities, and contributed to this verdict.

The Guardian - Opinion

I have been impressed with the seriousness with which Merseyside police have investigated this issue and knowledge they have shown about disability hate crimes".

The Guardian - Opinion

Is "he" the supposed shepherd, the "uncouth swain" who has spoken the whole poem, and is now suddenly described, and shown about to depart?

The Guardian - Books

LiveJournal runs from a central site where you can post to your journal, customise the style and manage options like what information is shown about you.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "shown about" in formal writing. Instead, opt for clearer and more conventional alternatives like "shown around", "guided through", or "presented with".

Common error

The preposition "about" typically indicates a topic or approximation. Using it with "shown" can incorrectly imply a lack of specific direction. Replace "shown about" with phrases that denote movement or a tour, such as "shown around" or "guided through".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shown about" functions as a passive construction, where the subject receives the action of being shown. However, this construction is grammatically questionable. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrasing is awkward and unclear.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shown about" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and its intended meaning is unclear. Although it appears in some sources, Ludwig AI advises against its use in formal writing. Better alternatives to convey the intended meaning include "shown around", "guided through", or "presented with", depending on the specific context. Usage is rare, and authoritative sources often avoid this construction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shown around

Similar, but more commonly accepted phrase.

shown the details

This option directly relates to revealing specific information or aspects.

guided around

This alternative replaces "shown" with "guided", emphasizing the act of leading someone through a place.

taken on a tour

This phrase emphasizes a structured visit and exploration of a location.

walked through

Focuses on the action of explaining by guiding someone step by step.

given a demonstration

This focuses on the act of explaining or displaying something in detail.

given an overview

Highlights the act of providing a summary or general perspective.

presented with information

This alternative highlights the act of providing or conveying details or data.

introduced to

Emphasizes the initial presentation or familiarization with something.

acquainted with

Stresses the act of becoming familiar or knowledgeable about something.

FAQs

What does "shown about" mean?

The phrase "shown about" is not standard English. It is often intended to mean being guided or "shown around" a place, or having something demonstrated.

Is "shown about" grammatically correct?

No, "shown about" is not grammatically correct in most contexts. It's better to use phrases like "shown around" or "guided through".

What can I say instead of "shown about"?

Alternatives include "guided around", "taken on a tour", or "shown around" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "shown about" or "shown around"?

"Shown around" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Shown about" is generally considered grammatically "incorrect".