shows it to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shows it to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of presenting or displaying something to someone else. Example: "She shows it to her friends during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a neat progression, but this book, simply by its layout, shows it to be bogus.

The New York Times - Books

He shows it to me.

The Guardian

He shows it to his family.

The Guardian

He shows it to me proudly.

The Guardian - Film

He shows it to his friends.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A closeup shows it to be another post-trial memorandum.

The New Yorker

Rivera shows it to fellow pitchers and even to reporters.

The New York Times - Sports

Counterintuitive, perhaps, but research shows it to be true.

The New York Times - Health

A historical perspective shows it to be the restoration of the old order.

The Economist

Unfortunately Chandebise shows it to the friend's husband, a manic Spaniard who recognises his wife's writing.

The Guardian

She shows it to us three times, in ever tighter crops.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shows it to" when you want to clearly indicate the act of presenting or displaying something to a specific person or group. It's a straightforward way to describe the action of making something visible or known.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "show". While "shows it to" is correct, other prepositions might change the meaning or sound awkward. For example, "shows it for" might imply a different purpose than intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shows it to" functions as a transitive verb phrase, indicating an action performed on an object (it) and directed towards a recipient. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in various contexts, highlighting its role in describing the act of presenting or displaying something to someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shows it to" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that clearly conveys the action of presenting or displaying something to someone. Ludwig AI data confirms that it's grammatically correct and applicable across diverse writing styles and contexts. While synonyms like "presents it to" or "reveals it to" offer alternatives, "shows it to" remains a direct and easily understood way to describe this action. Predominantly found in news, science and wikis, this phrase maintains a neutral tone, making it suitable for various professional, academic, and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presents it to

Replaces "shows" with a more formal synonym "presents".

reveals it to

Suggests a more significant or surprising act of disclosure.

displays it for

Implies a deliberate act of exhibiting something for viewing.

exhibits it before

Similar to "displays", but often used in more formal or artistic contexts.

demonstrates it to

Indicates that something is being shown as proof or explanation.

points it out to

Highlights a specific detail or aspect of something.

unveils it for

Suggests a dramatic or ceremonious revelation.

offers it for viewing to

A more verbose alternative to "shows it to", emphasizing the act of offering.

makes it visible to

Focuses on the act of making something able to be seen.

lets someone see it

A more casual and informal way of saying "shows it to".

FAQs

What does "shows it to" mean?

"Shows it to" means to present something visually or make it known to someone. For example, "He "shows it to" his friends."

When is it appropriate to use "shows it to" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to describe the action of presenting or displaying something to someone, making it visible or known to them. It's a common and easily understood phrase.

What are some alternatives to "shows it to"?

Alternatives include "presents it to", "reveals it to", or "displays it for depending on the context".

Is "shows it to" formal or informal?

"Shows it to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "presents it to" might be preferred in certain situations.