Show Up – Meaning and Examples

Have you ever waited for a friend who finally arrived after being late? Or noticed a stain on your shirt only after leaving the house? In English, both situations involve the phrase show up! This everyday phrasal verb has two main meanings: (1) to arrive or appear at a place, event, or appointment, and (2) to become visible or noticeable—often unexpectedly.

What Does “Show Up” Mean?

“Show up” can mean two things, depending on context:
1. To arrive or appear somewhere—like showing up to a meeting, party, or job interview.
2. To become visible or noticeable—like a typo that shows up in a printed document or dirt that shows up on light-colored clothes.
Think of it like stepping into view: either you arrive in person, or something reveals itself. The phrase is informal, practical, and used constantly in real-life English.

When to Use It

Use this phrase in casual or neutral conversations:
• For arriving: “She showed up late but brought great energy.”
• For becoming visible: “The crack didn’t show up until we hung the picture.”
It’s perfect for texting, storytelling, or everyday updates. While it’s informal, it’s acceptable in most everyday situations—even at work.

Example Sentences

• He finally showed up 20 minutes after the meeting started.
• Don’t wear white—grass stains really show up!
• Thanks for showing up to my graduation. It meant a lot.
• The error didn’t show up until the final print.

Mini Dialogue

Alex: “Did your cousin come to the wedding?”

Jamie: “Yes! She showed up with a huge gift—and no warning!”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t use “show up” to mean “impress” or “outperform” (that’s a different, less common meaning often used as “show someone up”). And remember: when “show up” means “arrive,” it doesn’t require “at” or “to.”

❌ Don’t say: “She showed up to the party at 8.” (It’s not wrong, but “She showed up at 8” is more natural.)
✅ Do say: “She showed up just as we started eating.”
✅ Do say: “That red pen really shows up on the page.”

Final Note

Now you can use “show up” to talk about arrivals and visible details like a confident English speaker! It’s a simple phrase with big everyday power. Keep using it—and remember, sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do is simply show up.