shown how to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shown how to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone being taught or instructed on how to do something. Example: "She was shown how to operate the new software during the training session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They need to be shown how to use public transportation.

The New Yorker

Tarski had already shown how to derive such statements.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's an unlikely sounding job description: do children really need to be shown how to play?

The Guardian

The Tonic, however, has shown how to go downmarket not just with dignity but with flair.

The New York Times - Food

Is it that funny, though, to be shown how to fake your own death from AIDS?

The New Yorker

Coles himself corrected the birthday entry after being shown how to by a friend.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I'd already been shown how to use a gun in some kitchen somewhere.

The New Yorker

Employees are also shown how to interact with individuals with specific disabilities.

The New York Times

You'll get help installing the program and be shown how to use the new features.

The Economist

Until, that is, I was shown how to make it palatable.

The Economist

Now, Pope Francis has shown how to pull-off a fashion fail with ease.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shown how to", ensure the context clearly indicates who did the showing and who received the instruction for clarity.

Common error

Avoid awkwardly switching to active voice mid-sentence after using "shown how to". Maintain a consistent passive construction, or rephrase entirely for an active voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shown how to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone received instruction or a demonstration on performing a specific action. As Ludwig AI highlights, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shown how to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that indicates someone has received instruction or a demonstration. As Ludwig AI states, it is widely used across various types of sources. It's most common in "News & Media" and "Science", but you'll also find it in "Formal & Business" and other contexts. When using "shown how to", ensure clarity by specifying who performed the demonstration and who received the instructions. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively incorporate "shown how to" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taught how to

Focuses on the act of teaching rather than showing.

instructed on how to

Emphasizes a more formal teaching setting.

given a demonstration of how to

Highlights the practical aspect of showing something.

received guidance on how to

Implies a more advisory role in the learning process.

had it demonstrated how to

Focuses on the demonstration aspect.

mentored on how to

Suggests a longer-term, supportive teaching relationship.

coached in how to

Indicates a more interactive and skills-focused learning environment.

trained how to

Highlights the element of practice and repetition to acquire expertise.

educated in the ways of

Suggests learning broader practices, not only how to do a single task.

walked through the steps to

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the instruction.

FAQs

How can I use "shown how to" in a sentence?

You can use "shown how to" to describe a situation where someone was instructed through demonstration. For example, "The new employees were "shown how to" use the machinery during their training."

What's a good alternative to "shown how to"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "taught how to", "instructed on how to", or "given a demonstration of how to".

Is it more formal to say "shown how to" or "taught how to"?

Generally, "taught how to" is slightly more versatile. "Shown how to" implies a visual or practical demonstration, making it suitable when that specific method of instruction is relevant.

What's the difference between "shown how to" and "learned how to"?

"Shown how to" emphasizes the act of instructing someone, while "learned how to" focuses on the individual acquiring the skill. For instance, "He was "shown how to" code," versus, "He learned how to code."