English can be tricky, especially when it comes to irregular verbs. One such pair that often trips people up is “shown” vs “showed”. Both are past tense forms of the verb “show,” but they are used in different contexts. Understanding when to use each one can help improve your writing and communication skills.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “shown vs showed,” provide clear examples, and explain how to use them in various scenarios. We’ll also dive into common phrases like “had showed” or “had shown”, and “showed up” or “shown up”.
Understanding the Basics: Showed vs Shown
First, let’s break down the difference between “showed” and “shown.”
Showed – Simple Past Tense
“Showed” is the simple past tense of the verb “show.” Use “showed” when you want to talk about an action that took place and was completed in the past.
For example:
- I showed Sarah the new presentation last week.
- He showed me the email he received from HR.
In both of these examples, the action happened in the past and is finished. “Showed” tells us the action was completed at a specific time in the past.
Shown – Past Participle
“Shown” is the past participle of “show.” You’ll use “shown” in perfect tenses (present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect) and passive voice constructions.
For example:
- I have shown Sarah the new presentation already.
- The results have been shown to the team.
In these cases, “shown” is used with auxiliary verbs like “have” or “had” to indicate that the action was completed in the past but has relevance to the present or another point in the past.
Quick Comparison:
| Verb Form | Example | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Showed | I showed her the map yesterday. | Simple past (action completed) |
| Shown | I have shown her the map. | Past participle (perfect tenses) |
When to Use “Showed”
As mentioned earlier, “showed” is the simple past form of the verb. It is used when you are referring to an action that occurred at a specific point in the past.
Scenario 1: Email Example
Let’s say you want to send an email to a colleague, explaining a task you completed yesterday. Here’s how “showed” would fit in:
Subject: Update on Presentation Review
Hi David,
I just wanted to update you on the presentation I worked on. I showed it to the team yesterday, and they seemed really pleased with the changes. We’re on track to finalize it by Friday.
If you have any feedback or suggestions, feel free to share them before the end of the day.
Best regards,
Samantha
In this case, “showed” works perfectly because you’re referring to a completed action that took place in the past (yesterday).
Scenario 2: Conversation Example
Here’s another example in a more casual setting, such as a conversation with a friend.
- You: “How was your meeting with the client?”
- Friend: “It went really well! I showed them the new product prototype, and they loved it.”
Again, “showed” indicates a simple action that was completed in the past.
When to Use “Shown”
“Shown” is the past participle of “show.” It’s used when you’re referring to a completed action in perfect tenses or when using the passive voice.
Scenario 1: Email Example
Let’s say you’re writing an email and need to refer to an action that has been completed recently but has ongoing relevance.
Subject: Status of Website Launch
Hi Mark,
I wanted to give you a quick update on the website launch. We have shown the new design to the marketing team, and they’ve approved all the changes. The site should be live by Monday.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Emily
In this example, “have shown” is used to indicate that the action was completed recently, but its effect or relevance continues to the present. The marketing team has already seen the design, and that’s relevant to the current situation (the website launch).
Scenario 2: Passive Voice Example
Here’s an example using “shown” in the passive voice:
- The document has been shown to the CEO for approval.
Here, the focus is on the document being shown, rather than who showed it. The passive voice construction uses “shown” as the past participle to convey the action.
Showed vs Shown: Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes people make is mixing up these two forms. The confusion often arises because both “showed” and “shown” refer to past actions, but they are used in different contexts.
Mistake 1: Using “Showed” in a Perfect Tense
It’s incorrect to say:
- “I showed you the report already.”
It should be:
- “I have shown you the report already.”
Remember, “have shown” is used for present perfect, as it’s something that was done in the past and still has relevance now.
Mistake 2: Using “Shown” with Simple Past Tense
Another error is saying:
- “I shown them the results yesterday.”
It should be:
- “I showed them the results yesterday.”
Use “showed” in the simple past tense for actions that happened at a specific time in the past.
Had Showed or Had Shown?
Now, let’s take a look at “had showed” vs. “had shown.” Both are past perfect forms, but “had shown” is the preferred usage.
The Correct Form: “Had Shown”
The past perfect tense is formed by using “had” + past participle. Therefore, the correct phrase is “had shown”.
For example:
- “By the time you arrived, I had shown the presentation to the client.”
The past perfect shows that one action was completed before another action in the past.
Common Mistake: “Had Showed”
While “had showed” is sometimes used informally, it’s considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. Stick with “had shown” for clarity and correctness.
Showed Up vs. Shown Up
You might also be wondering about the phrase “showed up” vs. “shown up.” In this case, “showed up” is the correct form for the simple past tense, and “shown up” is used in the past participle.
Showed Up – Simple Past Tense
When you refer to someone arriving at a place or event, use “showed up” for the simple past.
For example:
- “She showed up late to the meeting.”
Shown Up – Past Participle
“Shown up” is used in the present perfect or passive constructions.
For example:
- “He has shown up every time we needed him.”
- “The new employee has been shown up as a top performer.”
Conclusion: Showed vs Shown
Understanding the difference between “showed” and “shown” can be tricky, but once you grasp the rules, it becomes easier to use these words correctly.
To summarize:
- “Showed” is the simple past tense and is used for actions completed at a specific time in the past.
- “Shown” is the past participle and is used with perfect tenses (have, has, had) and in passive voice constructions.
- For phrases like “had shown” or “showed up”, stick with “shown” for past perfect and “showed up” for simple past.
By keeping these rules in mind, you’ll be able to use “showed” and “shown” correctly and confidently, whether you’re writing an email, having a conversation, or crafting a formal document.
Table: Showed vs Shown Usage Summary
| Verb Form | Use | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Showed | Simple past (action completed) | I showed them the report yesterday. |
| Shown | Past participle (perfect tenses) | I have shown them the report. |
| Had Showed | Incorrect (use “had shown”) | N/A |
| Had Shown | Past perfect (action completed before another past action) | I had shown him the results before he left. |
| Showed Up | Simple past (arrived at a place) | She showed up late. |
| Shown Up | Past participle (in perfect tenses) | He has shown up on time every day. |
By focusing on these distinctions, you can confidently navigate through the intricacies of **”shown vs
showed”** and avoid common mistakes. Happy writing!
Harley Rose is a seasoned expert in English grammar and writing tips, blending years of knowledge and a love for language into her work. With a sharp eye for detail and a talent for making grammar accessible, Harley shares practical insights that help readers write with precision and flair. Her content is ideal for anyone looking to strengthen their writing skills and express themselves with confidence.