Conjugation of "Show" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage
To cause someone to see or know something by pointing or presenting it.
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All 12 Tenses of "Show"
Quick reference table — every tense form of "show" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.
| Tense | Example (I) | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I show |
Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule → |
| Simple Past | I showed |
Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule → |
| Simple Future | I will show |
Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule → |
| Present Continuous | I am showing |
Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule → |
| Past Continuous | I was showing |
Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule → |
| Future Continuous | I will be showing |
Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect | I have showed |
Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect | I had showed |
Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect | I will have showed |
Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been showing |
Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been showing |
Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been showing |
Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule → |
Past Tense of "Show" — Showed
The past simple of "show" is "showed". Use it for completed actions at a specific past time. Because "show" is irregular, "showed" is not formed by adding -ed — you have to memorize this form. See our simple past tense guide for a deeper explanation of the simple past.
- The guide showed tourists around the museum. A2
- Her actions showed her commitment to the cause. B1
Past Participle of "Show" — Shown
The past participle of "show" is "shown". Use it after "have/has/had" for the perfect tenses ("I have shown"), and after "be" for passive constructions ("It was shown"). Because "show" is irregular, "shown" is not the same as the past simple — students often confuse the two forms.
Is "Show" Regular or Irregular?
"Show" is an irregular English verb. Its principal parts are: base form "show", past simple "showed", and past participle "shown". The 3rd-person singular present is "shows" and the present participle/gerund is "showing". Conjugation pattern: irregular: show/showed/shown.
Conjugation pattern: irregular: show/showed/shown
How to Pronounce "Show" and Its Forms
Show: /ʃoʊ/ — Stress pattern: O
The 'ow' sounds like 'oh' and rhymes with 'go' and 'know'.
How to Use "Show" — Common Grammar Patterns
Show + object + where/what makes meaning clear in context.
show + object + prepositionshow + that-clause
Example Sentences with "Show" in Different Tenses
- Simple Present: Can you show me your new shoes? A1
- Simple Past: The guide showed tourists around the museum. A2
Common Collocations with "Show"
- show me
- show up
- show off
- show the way
When to Use "Show" vs Similar Verbs
Smart synonyms — when to use each one
- display — present visibly for viewing
- demonstrate — show how something works
Antonyms: hide, conceal
Common Mistakes with "Show"
-
Wrong: She show often.
Correct: She shows often.
Add "s" to the verb when the subject is third-person singular (he/she/it).
Conjugation Tables for "Show"
Negative Forms
- Simple present: I do not show · He does not show
- Simple past: I did not show · She did not show
- Present perfect: I have not shown · He has not shown
Question Forms
- Simple present: Do you show? · Does he show?
- Simple past: Did you show?
- Present perfect: Have you shown?
Passive Voice (where applicable)
- Simple present passive: It is shown
- Simple past passive: It was shown
- Present perfect passive: It has been shown
Frequently Asked Questions About "Show"
- Is "show" regular or irregular?
- "show" is an irregular verb. Its past simple is "showed" and past participle is "showed". You must memorize these forms.
- What is the past tense of "show"?
- The simple past of "show" is "showed".
- Are the past simple and past participle the same for "show"?
- Yes, for this irregular verb, both the past simple and past participle are "showed".