Master ‘Show off’ to Ace Your IELTS Speaking Test

Understanding ‘Show off’: Definition and Usage

The phrasal verb ‘show off’ is an essential expression for IELTS candidates to master. It means to behave in a way that is intended to attract attention or admiration, often in a boastful or overconfident manner.

Primary Meanings:

1. To display one’s abilities or possessions in a way that attracts attention
2. To behave ostentatiously to impress others

Synonyms:

• Flaunt
• Boast
• Exhibit
• Parade

Examples in Context:

• Formal: “The company used the trade show to show off its latest technological innovations.”
• Informal: “He’s always showing off his new car to everyone in the neighborhood.”

Grammar and Structure

‘Show off’ is a separable phrasal verb, meaning the object can come between ‘show’ and ‘off’ or after ‘off’.

• He showed off his new watch. (Object after)
• He showed his new watch off. (Object between)

When using pronouns, they must come between ‘show’ and ‘off’:

• He showed it off. (Correct)
• He showed off it. (Incorrect)

IELTS candidate showing off speaking skills

Application in IELTS

Speaking Test:

Using ‘show off’ appropriately can demonstrate your vocabulary range and ability to use idiomatic expressions.

Sample Answer:

Question: “Do you think social media encourages people to show off?”

Answer: “Absolutely. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have become virtual stages where people constantly show off their achievements, possessions, and lifestyles. It’s common to see users showing off their latest gadgets, exotic vacations, or even their fitness routines. While this can be motivating for some, it often creates unrealistic expectations and pressure to present a perfect life online.”

Writing Test:

In writing, use ‘show off’ judiciously, considering the formality of the task.

• Task 1 (Academic): “The graph shows off the dramatic increase in online shopping over the past decade.” (Less formal, avoid in academic writing)
• Task 2: “Some argue that expensive weddings are merely opportunities for couples to show off their wealth, rather than celebrate their love.” (Acceptable in this context)

Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Stand out /stænd aʊt/: To be easily noticed because of being different or better
   Example: “Her exceptional presentation skills helped her stand out from other candidates.”

2. Bring up /brɪŋ ʌp/: To mention or introduce a subject in conversation
   Example: “He always brings up his academic achievements during job interviews.”

3. Put on /pʊt ɒn/: To pretend to have a particular quality or feeling
   Example: “She put on an air of confidence despite feeling nervous.”

4. Come across /kʌm əˈkrɒs/: To give a particular impression to others
   Example: “He comes across as arrogant when he talks about his accomplishments.”

5. Play up /pleɪ ʌp/: To emphasize or exaggerate the importance of something
   Example: “The media played up the celebrity’s minor mishap, making it seem like a major scandal.”

Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks:

1. The young musician loves to his guitar skills at parties.
2. It’s annoying when people constantly their expensive possessions.
3. The company will its new product line at the upcoming trade fair.
4. She doesn’t like to , preferring to keep her achievements private.
5. The peacock its colorful feathers to attract a mate.
6. Athletes often their medals after winning competitions.
7. He tends to his knowledge in front of his colleagues.
8. The art gallery is local artists’ work this month.
9. Parents shouldn’t their children’s accomplishments too much.
10. The magician his best tricks during the finale.

Rewrite the Sentences:

1. He always brags about his expensive car.
   Rewrite: He always his expensive car.

2. The students displayed their projects at the science fair.
   Rewrite: The students their projects at the science fair.

3. She loves to flaunt her designer clothes.
   Rewrite: She loves to her designer clothes.

4. The company is eager to demonstrate its new technology.
   Rewrite: The company is eager to its new technology.

5. He’s constantly boasting about his cooking skills.
   Rewrite: He’s constantly his cooking skills.

6. The artist exhibited her best paintings at the gallery.
   Rewrite: The artist her best paintings at the gallery.

7. They like to parade their wealth in public.
   Rewrite: They like to their wealth in public.

8. The gymnast demonstrated her flexibility during the routine.
   Rewrite: The gymnast her flexibility during the routine.

9. He’s always trying to impress others with his knowledge.
   Rewrite: He’s always trying to with his knowledge.

10. The tech company will reveal its latest innovations next week.
    Rewrite: The tech company will its latest innovations next week.

Answers and Explanations:

Fill in the Blanks:

1. show off
2. show off
3. show off
4. show off
5. shows off
6. show off
7. show off
8. showing off
9. show off
10. showed off

Rewrite the Sentences:

1. He always shows off his expensive car.
2. The students showed off their projects at the science fair.
3. She loves to show off her designer clothes.
4. The company is eager to show off its new technology.
5. He’s constantly showing off his cooking skills.
6. The artist showed off her best paintings at the gallery.
7. They like to show off their wealth in public.
8. The gymnast showed off her flexibility during the routine.
9. He’s always trying to show off with his knowledge.
10. The tech company will show off its latest innovations next week.

Explanations: In each sentence, ‘show off’ is used to replace synonyms or phrases that indicate displaying or boasting about abilities, possessions, or achievements. The phrasal verb fits naturally into these contexts, maintaining the original meaning while demonstrating a more idiomatic use of English.

Memorization Tips

To remember ‘show off’, visualize a peacock displaying its colorful feathers. This image encapsulates the essence of showing off – a deliberate, often ostentatious display of one’s best features or abilities.

Another helpful mnemonic is: “If you want to show, you’re putting on a show off.” This plays on the connection between ‘show’ as a performance and the act of showing off.

Peacock displaying its colorful feathers

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Incorrect separation: “He showed his talents off” is correct, but “He showed off his talents” is more common and natural-sounding.

2. Overuse: While ‘show off’ is useful, overusing it can make your speech sound repetitive. Use synonyms or rephrase your sentences occasionally.

3. Formality mismatch: ‘Show off’ is generally informal. In formal writing or speaking situations, consider alternatives like ‘demonstrate’ or ‘exhibit’.

4. Misunderstanding the connotation: Remember that ‘show off’ often carries a negative connotation. Be cautious when applying it to yourself or others in positive contexts.

5. Incorrect preposition: Don’t add unnecessary prepositions. “He showed off to his new car” is incorrect. It should be “He showed off his new car.”

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like ‘show off’ can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS test. It demonstrates a nuanced understanding of English and can help you express ideas more precisely and idiomatically. Remember to practice using ‘show off’ in various contexts, being mindful of its slightly negative connotation and the level of formality required in different parts of the IELTS test. By incorporating this phrasal verb naturally into your language, you’ll be showing off your English skills in the best possible way during your IELTS exam.