show around
Guide someone through a place
Literally: To display or exhibit in every direction
In 15 Seconds
- Acting as a personal guide for a guest or newcomer.
- Walking through a physical space to explain its features.
- A friendly way to welcome someone to a new location.
Meaning
When you 'show someone around,' you act as a friendly guide to help them explore a new place like a house, office, or city.
Key Examples
3 of 6Welcoming a new neighbor
Welcome to the building! Would you like me to show you around the neighborhood?
Welcome to the building! Would you like me to show you around the neighborhood?
First day at a new job
My manager spent the morning showing me around the headquarters.
My manager spent the morning showing me around the headquarters.
Texting a visiting friend
Can't wait for you to get here so I can show you around London!
Can't wait for you to get here so I can show you around London!
Cultural Background
In the US, 'showing someone around' your home often includes showing the kitchen and living areas, but bedrooms are sometimes skipped unless it's a close friend or family member. British hospitality often involves a very quick 'show around' followed immediately by an offer of tea. The tour is usually less formal than in the US. Hospitality is paramount. Showing someone around might involve introducing them to many family members and offering food at every 'stop' of the tour. When showing someone around an office or home, there is a specific order of importance for rooms, and the host will often use very humble language.
Use it to be polite
Even if your house is small, saying 'Let me show you around' makes you seem like a great host.
Don't forget the object
Always say WHO you are showing around. 'I'll show around' is incomplete.
In 15 Seconds
- Acting as a personal guide for a guest or newcomer.
- Walking through a physical space to explain its features.
- A friendly way to welcome someone to a new location.
What It Means
Imagine a friend visits your new apartment for the first time. You don't just let them stand at the door. You walk them through the rooms. You point out the kitchen and the balcony. This act of guiding someone is called show around. It is about making someone feel comfortable in a new environment. It is helpful, welcoming, and very social.
How To Use It
You can split this phrase. You can say show him around or show around the office. Usually, you put the person being guided in the middle. For example, 'I will show you around tomorrow.' It works for small spaces like a room. It also works for big spaces like a whole country. Just remember to actually move while you talk. You can't show someone around while sitting perfectly still!
When To Use It
Use this when a new colleague starts their first day. Use it when a relative visits your city. It is perfect for real estate agents showing a house. You can even use it at a party. 'Let me show you around the buffet' is a great way to start a conversation. It implies you know the 'lay of the land' and they do not.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are just giving directions. If you say 'Go left at the light,' you aren't showing them around. You must be physically with them. Also, don't use it for abstract things. You don't show someone around a computer program or a book. For those, use walk someone through instead. It sounds a bit weird if you use it for a tiny space, like a closet.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, 'showing someone around' is a sign of hospitality. It is a way to break the ice. It shows you are proud of your space. In the UK and US, it is almost a ritual for new neighbors. It helps people bond quickly. It turns a 'stranger' into a 'guest' within minutes.
Common Variations
You might hear take someone around. This is very similar but feels a bit more passive. Give someone a tour is the formal cousin of show around. If you are in a rush, you might say give a quick look around. But show around remains the most natural, friendly choice for daily life.
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social or professional situation. The main 'gotcha' is word order; remember that pronouns like 'me' or 'us' must split the phrase.
Use it to be polite
Even if your house is small, saying 'Let me show you around' makes you seem like a great host.
Don't forget the object
Always say WHO you are showing around. 'I'll show around' is incomplete.
The 'Grand Tour' feel
In some contexts, 'showing someone around' can feel like a special treat, especially for exclusive locations.
Examples
6Welcome to the building! Would you like me to show you around the neighborhood?
Welcome to the building! Would you like me to show you around the neighborhood?
A friendly offer to help a newcomer settle in.
My manager spent the morning showing me around the headquarters.
My manager spent the morning showing me around the headquarters.
Professional use for workplace orientation.
Can't wait for you to get here so I can show you around London!
Can't wait for you to get here so I can show you around London!
Casual and excited tone between friends.
It's a tiny studio apartment, so it will take me exactly five seconds to show you around.
It's a tiny studio apartment, so it will take me exactly five seconds to show you around.
Using the phrase ironically for a very small space.
It felt so special to finally show him around the town where I grew up.
It felt so special to finally show him around the town where I grew up.
Emotional connection to a place.
The agent will show you around the property at 2 PM.
The agent will show you around the property at 2 PM.
Standard business transaction language.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'show around'.
When the new neighbors moved in, I offered to ______ them ______ the neighborhood.
After 'offered to,' we use the base form of the verb.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A) I'll show around you the office. B) I'll show you around the office. C) I'll show around the office you.
'Show around' is a separable phrasal verb; the person goes in the middle.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
'Let me show you around the gallery.'
A gallery is a physical space where you would show someone the different pieces of art.
Fill in the missing line.
Guest: 'Your house is beautiful!' Host: 'Thank you! ______?'
This is the most natural and polite way to offer a tour.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to Show Someone Around
Home
- • Kitchen
- • Garden
- • Guest Room
Work
- • Desk
- • Breakroom
- • Meeting Rooms
City
- • Main Square
- • Best Cafe
- • Park
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhen the new neighbors moved in, I offered to ______ them ______ the neighborhood.
After 'offered to,' we use the base form of the verb.
A) I'll show around you the office. B) I'll show you around the office. C) I'll show around the office you.
'Show around' is a separable phrasal verb; the person goes in the middle.
'Let me show you around the gallery.'
A gallery is a physical space where you would show someone the different pieces of art.
Guest: 'Your house is beautiful!' Host: 'Thank you! ______?'
This is the most natural and polite way to offer a tour.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
It is understood, but 'show me around' is much more common and natural.
'Give a tour' sounds like a professional guide in a museum. 'Show around' sounds like a friend or colleague.
Yes! 'Let me show you around our new website' is a common metaphorical use.
It is almost always 'show someone around.'
Yes, 'He showed me around' is perfectly correct.
Yes, you might ask: 'Will someone be able to show me around the office if I get the job?'
Usually, yes. It implies movement through a space.
No, that doesn't make sense. You show someone around a place.
Then just say 'Let me show you the kitchen.' 'Show around' implies multiple areas.
Related Phrases
give a tour
synonymTo lead someone through a place formally.
show the ropes
similarTo teach someone how to do a job.
walk through
similarTo explain a process step-by-step.
look around
contrastTo explore a place by oneself.
