to show how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to show how" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining a method, process, or example to illustrate a point or concept. Example: "The study aims to show how effective the new teaching methods are in improving student engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"To show how I feel.

The New Yorker

I want to show how it works".

The New York Times - Arts

He is impatient to show how fast India is developing.

The Economist

To show how common these sorts of accidents were.

The New Yorker

It is a chance to show how sophisticated they are".

The New York Times

I wanted to show how neuroscience speaks to everyday life.

The New York Times - Science

He meant to show how unstable the markets were.

The Economist

Allow a drunken Frenchman to show how it's done.

The New York Times

It just goes to show how useless you are.

The New Yorker

I'm saying that to show how good he was".

The New York Times - Sports

"I wanted to show how fragile life is," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to show how", ensure that the subsequent explanation clearly and directly demonstrates the point you are trying to make. Avoid ambiguity by providing concrete examples or steps.

Common error

Avoid using "to show how" without providing a clear and understandable explanation afterward. Vague or incomplete demonstrations undermine the purpose of using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to show how" functions as an infinitive phrase that introduces a clause of purpose or explanation. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to clarify or demonstrate the manner in which something is done or the way a result is achieved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to show how" is a versatile phrase used to introduce explanations, demonstrations, or instructions across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "to demonstrate how" or "to illustrate how" exist, "to show how" remains a common and effective way to clarify a process or method. To maximize its impact, ensure clarity and provide concrete examples in your explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to demonstrate how

Replaces "show" with "demonstrate", emphasizing a more formal and conclusive presentation.

to illustrate how

Substitutes "show" with "illustrate", highlighting the use of examples for clarification.

to reveal how

Changes "show" to "reveal", suggesting the uncovering of something previously hidden or unknown.

to explain how

Replaces "show" with "explain", focusing on providing a detailed understanding.

to indicate how

Substitutes "show" with "indicate", implying the pointing out of a relationship or connection.

to prove how

Changes "show" to "prove", emphasizing the provision of evidence to establish the truth.

to determine how

Replaces "show" with "determine", focusing on the process of finding out or establishing something definitively.

to present how

Substitutes "show" with "present", highlighting the act of formally introducing or displaying information.

to clarify how

Changes "show" to "clarify", emphasizing the removal of ambiguity or confusion.

to delineate how

Replaces "show" with "delineate", suggesting the outlining or defining of a process or method with precision.

FAQs

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

Use "to show how" to introduce an explanation or demonstration of a process, method, or result. For example: "This tutorial aims "to show how" to create a simple website".

What are some alternatives to "to show how"?

Alternatives include "to demonstrate how", "to illustrate how", or "to explain how". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "to show how" and "to demonstrate how"?

While similar, "to demonstrate how" often implies a more formal or conclusive presentation, whereas "to show how" can be more general and informal. Choose based on the formality of your context.

Can I start a sentence with "to show how"?

Yes, you can start a sentence with "to show how", especially when providing instructions or explanations. However, ensure that the sentence structure remains clear and logical. For instance: "To show how effective this method is, let's examine the results."