Cool MateIndicate vs Show me
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Indicate
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Show me
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Indicate
| Indicate | Show me | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪts/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪts/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ʃoʊ miː//🇺🇸 //ʃoʊ miː// |
| Meaning | to show or point out something | Tell me to see something. |
| Example | Please indicate your choice on the ballot. | Can you show me how to tie my shoes? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | clearly, strongly, not necessarily, appear to, seem to, be used to, to, indicate otherwise, clearly, strongly, not necessarily, appear to, seem to, be used to, to, indicate otherwise | show me your skills, show me the evidence, show me the result |
| Antonyms | hide, ignore, conceal | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'indicate' vs 'demonstrate', Using 'indicate' with subject without an object, Misplacing the verb tense, e.g., 'indicated' when now is meant | Omitting 'me' when asking someone to show something., Using 'show' in imperatives without context., Confusing with 'let me see' which implies a personal action. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in both written and spoken English. Appropriate in formal and academic contexts; less frequent in casual conversations. Not typically used when giving direct orders. | Used in requests to see something. Consider the tone, as it can vary from polite to demanding based on context. |
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Frequently asked questions: Indicate vs Show me
What's the difference between Indicate and Show me?
Indicate: to show or point out something Show me: Tell me to see something.
Which is more common: Indicate and Show me?
Indicate is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Indicate: Please indicate your choice on the ballot. Show me: Can you show me how to tie my shoes?
Can I use Indicate and Show me interchangeably?
Not always. Indicate and Show me are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.