Confused by Shown vs Showed? Read This

When it comes to understanding the difference between shown and showed, it’s important to recognize how these forms of the verb “show” are used in different contexts. As an irregular verb, “show” doesn’t follow the usual rules for past tense forms, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. 

For example, you might wonder if you should say “he has shown the results” or “he showed the results.” The key is to explore the situations where each form fits. Using the correct form will not only help you avoid mistakes but also boost your communication skills. 

By mastering the rules, you’ll feel more confident when speaking or writing. Whether you’re preparing a paper or just looking to improve your grammar, knowing when to use “shown” or “showed” will enhance your overall knowledge and fluently express yourself.

Shown vs. Showed: Overview

Shown and showed are both forms of the verb “show.” Showed is the past tense, used for actions completed in the past, like showing something yesterday. Shown is the past participle, used in perfect tenses or passive voice constructions, such as when something has been shown.

Understanding the Irregular Verb “Show”

The verb show is an irregular verb, meaning it doesn’t follow the typical pattern of regular verbs. While regular verbs form their past tense by adding -ed to the base form (like “talk” becoming “talked”), show has two distinct forms: showed for the simple past tense and shown for the past participle. These different forms are important to understand for using the verb correctly in sentences.

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Shown vs. Showed: The Key Difference

The words shown and showed both come from the verb show, but they are used in different ways. Showed is the past tense form, used when referring to an action completed in the past, like “She showed me her collection.” 

On the other hand, shown is the past participle, commonly used in perfect tenses or the passive voice, such as “The recipe was shown to the guests by the head chef.” In passive voice constructions, shown is often paired with a helping verb like is, was, or are. 

While showed is more straightforward, shown is the more standard form when expressing actions that have already happened or are ongoing.

Exploring the Past Tense “Showed”

“Showed” is the past tense of the verb “show,” used to describe an action that occurred and was completed in a specific time in the past. It’s straightforward to recognize in sentences with time indicators like yesterday, last week, or a few days ago, as they indicate when the event happened.

Examples of “Showed” in Different Contexts

1. She showed me the pictures from her trip.
2. He showed his friends his new car yesterday.
3. They showed great kindness during the event.
4. I showed him how to play the game.
5. She showed me her new book.
6. They showed us their new house last weekend.
7. He showed his support by attending the event.
8. She showed me the pictures of her vacation.
9. We showed them the new house last weekend.
10. They showed great kindness during the event.
11. I showed him how to solve the puzzle.
12. She showed emotion after hearing the news.
13. He showed me the path to success.
14. She showed us the new car she bought yesterday.
15. They showed me their new book after the meeting.

Unraveling the Past Participle Form “Shown” 

The word shown is the past participle of the verb show. It is used in perfect tenses and passive voice. Unlike showed, which simply describes a past action, shown works with auxiliary verbs like has, have, and had to indicate an action that has been completed but still has a connection to the present or another event. 

This form helps describe actions that have relevance to the current moment. Shown is considered an irregular form, as it doesn’t follow the usual -ed or -d endings. For example, “She has shown me the pictures.” This usage is essential to understand how actions unfold in time and how they are related to other moments.

Examples of “shown” in Different Contexts

1. She has shown great dedication to her work.
2. The teacher had shown us the correct method before the exam.
3. The evidence has shown that regular exercise improves health.
4. The painting was shown at the gallery last week.
5. He has shown interest in learning new languages.
6. The results have shown a significant improvement in performance.
7. The doctor has shown me how to manage my condition better.
8. She had shown her support by attending the meeting.
9. The movie was shown in theaters across the country.
10. The instructions have shown the easiest way to assemble the furniture.
11. The data has shown a clear trend over the past year.
12. The book has shown how to overcome obstacles in life.
13. They have shown their loyalty to the team throughout the season.
14. The photos have shown the changes in the landscape over time.
15. The survey results have shown a strong preference for the new product.

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“Shown” or “Showed” : Active vs. Passive Voice

In English grammar, “shown” and “showed” are both forms of the verb “show”, but they are used differently in active and passive voice constructions.

“Showed” is used in the active voice, where the subject of the sentence performs the action. For example, “She showed me her new car.” Here, “she” is the subject performing the action of showing.

“Shown” is used in the passive voice, where the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action. For example, “The new car was shown to me by her.” In this case, “the new car” is the subject, and it receives the action of being shown.

In the active voice, the focus is on the doer of the action, while in the passive voice, the focus is on the recipient of the action. “Shown” typically appears in passive voice sentences, often accompanied by auxiliary verbs like “is,” “was,” “are,” or “were”.

“Shown” vs. “Showed”: Real-world Applications

Casual Conversations

In casual conversations, people often mix up “shown” and “showed,” but this doesn’t affect communication much. In these informal settings, the focus is on getting the point across, and sometimes the past event is simply mentioned without worrying about the tense. However, being mindful of the correct form can help improve clarity in everyday speech.

Writing and Storytelling

When it comes to writing or storytelling, you may use “showed” to describe a past event. However, if you want to express actions that are connected to the present or actions that have been completed at a specific time, “shown” is the right choice, especially in perfect tenses. This is because shown reflects actions that have a connection to the present moment or other events in time.

Professional Communication

In professional communication, such as emails or reports, it’s essential to use the correct form depending on the tense. If you’re referring to an action that is completed in the past, “showed” is appropriate. However, when discussing ongoing results or actions tied to the present, “shown” should be used in the appropriate tense to ensure precision and clear communication.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between “shown” and “showed” is crucial for clear and accurate communication. While “showed” is used to describe a simple past event, “shown” functions as the past participle and is essential in perfect tenses or when actions are connected to the present. 

Whether in casual conversations, writing, or professional communication, using the correct form enhances clarity and precision. By mastering these forms, you can elevate both your spoken and written language, ensuring that your messages are understood exactly as you intend.

FAQs

“We have showed that”/ “We have shown that” or “We showed that”?

The correct phrase is “We have shown that.”

“We have shown” uses the past participle form of “show” and is appropriate for perfect tenses, indicating a connection to the present.

“We showed that” is also correct but uses the simple past tense, indicating a completed action in the past without any connection to the present.

Can “shown” be used as a past tense?

No, “shown” is the past participle form, not the simple past.

What’s the difference between “showed” and “shown”?

“Showed” is the simple past tense, while “shown” is the past participle used with auxiliary verbs or in passive voice.

When should I use “showed”?

Use “showed” when referring to a completed action in the past.

Is it okay to say “I have showed you”?

No, the correct form is “I have shown you.”

When do I use “shown”?

Use “shown” with auxiliary verbs in perfect tenses or in passive voice.