show up — become visible or easy to notice
phrasal verbB2IELTS 6+neutraloccasional
To become visible or noticeable, especially when something appears suddenly or stands out.
Say it like a native
Textbook The bruise became visibly apparent the following day.
Native The bruise showed up the next day.
Natural; 'became visibly apparent' is stiff.
Pattern: show up (on/in [place])
In use
- The stain didn't show up until the shirt dried.study
- Sometimes, problems with your health don't show up until years later, so regular check-ups are important.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ The mark showed up on white better.
✓ The mark shows up better on white.
Things 'show up' (become visible) against a background — keep the 'up'.
Common collocations
show up + on/against— on the scan, against white, clearly, barely
Don't confuse it
'Show up' here is not about arriving, but about being seen or noticed.
Related
- show up (arrive (especially unexpectedly or after being late)) — Another meaning of 'show up' is 'arrive (especially unexpectedly or after being late)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.