Phrasal verb
show through
Definition
phrasal verb. to be visible through a surface or a layer. You use this when something underneath can be seen because the top layer is thin or clear.
phrasal verb. To be visible through a covering, surface, or medium. The verb is typically intransitive, though 'through' often functions as a preposition introducing the barrier.
Examples
“The sun is starting to show through the clouds.”
“She wore a dark shirt so her undershirt wouldn't show through the thin fabric.”
“Despite the diplomat's polished exterior, his underlying frustration began to show through as the negotiations reached their tenth hour without a resolution.”
Examples
simple
“The sun is starting to show through the clouds.”
contextual
“She wore a dark shirt so her undershirt wouldn't show through the thin fabric.”
complex
“Despite the diplomat's polished exterior, his underlying frustration began to show through as the negotiations reached their tenth hour without a resolution.”
Usage
Usually describes light, patterns, or emotions appearing through a physical or metaphorical barrier.
Teaching tip
Focus on the literal meaning (light through a curtain) before moving to the metaphorical meaning (personality showing through behavior).
Pitfall
The light shows through of the paper.
The light shows through the paper.
the preposition 'of' is not used after 'through' in this phrasal verb construction.
Phrasal verb
Particles
through
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
subject + show + through
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
PHRASAL VERB
PREPOSITION
Grammar
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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