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show emotion vs show an emotion

Both 'show emotion' and 'show an emotion' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Show emotion' is more commonly used when talking about displaying feelings or reactions in general, while 'show an emotion' is used when referring to displaying a specific emotion.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 825 views

show emotion

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when talking about displaying feelings or reactions in general without specifying a particular emotion.

Examples:

  • She didn't show any emotion during the speech.
  • The actor's performance lacked emotion.
  • It's important to show emotion in your writing.
  • No, I'm sorry, I don't mean to - show emotion like this. It's not in my nature.
  • He doesn't really show emotion.
  • Well, koreans don't like to show emotion.
  • Or perhaps they don't show emotion.
  • I'm trained to keep my feelings in check, to be strong and stoic and never show emotion.
  • David Hanson: Robots that "show emotion"
  • I've been taught never to show emotion, even with my family.
  • It's a very sad story, but it really illustrates how animals can sometimes show emotion, a very controversial subject among some older biologists.
  • The first thing that comes up is a huge desire to cry - not for sadness, neither for happiness, but simply to show emotion.

Alternatives:

  • express emotion
  • display emotion
  • demonstrate emotion
  • portray emotion
  • convey emotion

show an emotion

This phrase is correct and used when referring to displaying a specific emotion.

This phrase is used when you want to specify a particular emotion that is being displayed.

Examples:

  • She showed an emotion of sadness when she heard the news.
  • The painting effectively shows an emotion of joy.
  • It's hard to show an emotion of surprise without giving it away.
  • For such a principled man, you show an amazing lack of emotion.
  • He doesn't really show emotion.
  • I can't show emotions like this.
  • Well, koreans don't like to show emotion.
  • I'm at work I do not show emotions.
  • Or perhaps they don't show emotion.
  • I'm trained to keep my feelings in check, to be strong and stoic and never show emotion.
  • David Hanson: Robots that "show emotion"
  • I've been taught never to show emotion, even with my family.
  • No, I'm sorry, I don't mean to - show emotion like this. It's not in my nature.
  • It's a very sad story, but it really illustrates how animals can sometimes show emotion, a very controversial subject among some older biologists.
  • We find that they show emotions, similar to - maybe sometimes the same - as those that we describe in ourselves as happiness, sadness, fear, despair.
  • You're able to show emotions you don't have... or which, at most, you invent.
  • The first thing that comes up is a huge desire to cry - not for sadness, neither for happiness, but simply to show emotion.
  • He's patient, he's not afraid to show his emotions...
  • Like she won't show her emotions...
  • Remarkable, you show more emotion.
  • A good oil man never shows his emotions.
  • You tell yourself to never show any emotion to anybody.
  • The least you can do is show some emotion.

Alternatives:

  • display an emotion
  • express an emotion
  • portray an emotion
  • demonstrate an emotion
  • convey an emotion

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