Shows vs You know the shows on tv

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Shows

Top 1,000 (very common)

You know the shows on tv

Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Shows
 ShowsYou know the shows on tv
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ʃəʊz//🇺🇸 //ʃoʊz//🇬🇧 //juː nəʊ ðə ʃoʊz ɒn tiː viː//🇺🇸 //ju noʊ ðə ʃoʊz ɑn tiː vi//
MeaningTV programs or performances.Shows that are broadcasted on television.
ExampleI watched three different TV shows yesterday.You know the shows on TV are getting more interesting every year.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 2,000 (common)
CollocationsTV shows, live shows, broadway shows, variety shows, comedian showswatching shows on TV, popular shows on TV, new shows on TV
Antonymshides, conceals-
Common mistakesConfused with 'shoes', Using 'shows' for something not visual, Incorrect verb conjugation in different tensesOmitting 'the' before 'shows', Adding 'on' before 'tv', Using 'tv shows' instead of 'the shows on tv'
Usage notesUsed in both formal and informal contexts. Not typically used for personal opinions; can refer to various types of performances.Use this phrase in informal conversations about popular television programs. It might be less appropriate in formal writing.

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Shows
You know the shows on tv

Frequently asked questions: Shows vs You know the shows on tv

What's the difference between Shows and You know the shows on tv?

Shows: TV programs or performances. You know the shows on tv: Shows that are broadcasted on television.

Which is more common: Shows and You know the shows on tv?

Shows is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Shows: I watched three different TV shows yesterday. You know the shows on tv: You know the shows on TV are getting more interesting every year.

Can I use Shows and You know the shows on tv interchangeably?

Not always. Shows and You know the shows on tv 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.

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