To arrive at a place, especially when you are expected or when you are late.
He didn't show up to the meeting until it was almost over.
A: Did Sarah show up for dinner last night? B: No, she texted that she was stuck in traffic.
In my opinion, it's important to show up on time for job interviews because it creates a good first impression.
Common mistake
✗Nobody showed up on the meeting.
✓Nobody showed up to/at the meeting.
Show up TO or AT an event, not 'on'.
Tell it apart
He finally showed up.
arrived — casual
He finally turned up.
arrived, often after being missing/unexpected — BrE
Use 'show up' when talking about someone arriving, often when they are late or you didn't expect them.'Show up' focuses on the act of arriving, not on making something visible.
To become visible or noticeable, especially when something appears suddenly or stands out.
The stain didn't show up until the shirt dried.
A: Why does my writing look strange on the screen? B: Maybe the changes didn't show up yet—try refreshing.
Sometimes, problems with your health don't show up until years later, so regular check-ups are important.
Common mistake
✗The mark shows up on white better.
✓The mark shows up better on white.
Put 'better' right after 'shows up', not at the end of the sentence.
Tell it apart
The stain shows up under bright light.
becomes visible
The stain shows through the shirt.
is visible from the other side
Use 'show up' when something becomes visible or is easy to see, often unexpectedly.'Show up' here is not about arriving, but about being seen or noticed.
To make someone feel embarrassed or appear less capable, skilled, or impressive by comparison, often unintentionally.
Her flawless presentation really showed up the rest of the team.
A: I thought I did well in the meeting, but then Sam started talking and completely showed me up. B: Don’t worry, you held your own. Sam just has a lot of experience.
If one team member consistently shows up others by outperforming them, it can lead to resentment and undermine group cohesion.
Common mistake
✗She showed up me in front of the boss.
✓She showed me up in front of the boss.
With a pronoun the object goes in the middle — 'showed me up', not 'showed up me'.
Tell it apart
She showed me up in the meeting.
made me look bad by comparison
She showed up to the meeting.
just arrived
'Show up' in this sense is used when someone’s actions or abilities make another person look less competent, often unintentionally. It is neutral in register and common in both spoken and written English, especially in contexts involving performance, skills, or social situations.This sense is figurative and does not refer to arriving or becoming visible. Instead, it focuses on the effect one person’s actions have on another’s reputation or perceived ability.