Showing vs Telling: When To Use Each One In Writing?

When it comes to writing, there is a common phrase that you may have heard before: “show, don’t tell.” But what does that really mean? Is it always the right approach to take? In this article, we’ll explore the difference between showing and telling, and when it’s appropriate to use each technique.

Let’s define our terms. “Showing” refers to the act of using descriptive language and sensory details to paint a picture for the reader. It allows the reader to experience the story through their own senses, rather than simply being told what’s happening. “Telling,” on the other hand, is more straightforward and direct. It’s when the writer simply states what’s happening, without providing much detail or description.

So, which is the proper word to use? The answer is both. Showing and telling are both important tools in a writer’s arsenal, and the key is knowing when to use each one. In general, showing is more effective when you want to create a vivid, immersive experience for the reader. It’s particularly useful when you’re trying to convey emotions or sensory experiences.

On the other hand, telling can be useful when you need to convey information quickly and efficiently. It’s also a good choice when you want to create a sense of distance between the reader and the story, or when you want to create a more objective tone.

Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll explore specific examples of when to use showing vs. telling, and how to use each technique effectively.

Define Showing

Showing is a writing technique that allows the reader to experience the story through sensory details, actions, and dialogue. It is a way of painting a picture in the reader’s mind, allowing them to feel like they are a part of the story. Instead of telling the reader what is happening, showing allows the reader to see it for themselves.

For example, instead of saying “John was angry”, showing would describe John clenching his fists, his face turning red, and his voice raising in volume. This allows the reader to infer that John is angry without being explicitly told.

Define Telling

Telling is the opposite of showing. It is a writing technique where the author simply tells the reader what is happening, without providing sensory details or allowing the reader to experience the story for themselves. It is often seen as a less effective way of conveying information, as it can feel like the author is talking at the reader instead of inviting them into the story.

For example, saying “John was angry” is telling, as it simply states the emotion without providing any context or sensory details. This can make the story feel flat and unengaging for the reader.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence can make all the difference in how your message is received. In writing, two words that often come up are showing and telling. Knowing how to properly use these words can take your writing to the next level.

How To Use “Showing” In A Sentence

When you use “showing” in a sentence, you are describing a scene or action in detail, allowing the reader to visualize what is happening. This technique is often used in creative writing to bring a story to life. Here are some examples:

• “The sun was setting over the mountains, casting a warm orange glow across the sky.”
• “She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, savoring the aroma of freshly baked bread.”
• “The waves crashed against the shore, sending a spray of salty water into the air.”

By using descriptive language, you are showing the reader what is happening, rather than simply telling them.

How To Use “Telling” In A Sentence

When you use “telling” in a sentence, you are simply stating a fact or giving information. This technique is often used in non-fiction writing, such as news articles or academic papers. Here are some examples:

• “The population of New York City is over 8 million people.”
• “The study found that regular exercise can improve mental health.”
• “The company reported a profit of $10 million last quarter.”

While “telling” may not be as exciting as “showing,” it is still an important part of writing. It allows you to convey information quickly and efficiently, without getting bogged down in unnecessary details.

More Examples Of Showing & Telling Used In Sentences

Understanding the difference between showing and telling is crucial for writers who want to create engaging and descriptive content. Here are some examples of how to use showing and telling in sentences:

Examples Of Using Showing In A Sentence

• The sun was setting over the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the sky.
• She ran her fingers through the soft, fluffy fur of the kitten.
• The wind howled through the trees, shaking the branches violently.
• The smell of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, making my mouth water.
• He slammed the door shut, causing the entire house to shake with the force.
• The water was crystal clear, and I could see the fish swimming beneath the surface.
• The old man hobbled down the street, leaning heavily on his cane.
• The car screeched to a halt, leaving black tire marks on the pavement.
• The little girl giggled as she skipped down the sidewalk, her pigtails bouncing with each step.
• The room was filled with the sweet, musky scent of roses.

Examples Of Using Telling In A Sentence

• The sky was beautiful.
• The kitten was cute.
• The wind was strong.
• The cookies smelled good.
• The door was slammed shut.
• The water was clear.
• The old man was elderly.
• The car stopped suddenly.
• The little girl was happy.
• The room smelled like roses.

As you can see, using showing in your writing helps to create a more vivid and engaging experience for your readers. By using descriptive language and sensory details, you can paint a picture in their minds and make them feel like they are a part of the story. On the other hand, telling can be useful when you need to convey information quickly and efficiently, but it often falls flat when it comes to creating a memorable and immersive experience for your readers.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to writing, showing and telling are two techniques that are often confused with each other. While both techniques have their place in writing, it’s important to understand the difference between the two and use them appropriately. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using showing and telling interchangeably:

1. Using Telling To Describe Emotions

One of the most common mistakes writers make is using telling to describe emotions. For example, instead of showing the reader how a character is feeling, the writer simply tells the reader that the character is sad, happy, or angry. While this may be a quick way to convey emotions, it doesn’t engage the reader and can make the writing feel flat.

To avoid this mistake, try to show the reader how the character is feeling through their actions and body language. For example, instead of saying “Samantha was sad,” you could write “Samantha’s shoulders slumped as tears welled up in her eyes.”

2. Overusing Showing

While showing is an effective way to engage the reader and bring a scene to life, it’s important not to overuse it. Overusing showing can slow down the pace of the story and make the writing feel bloated.

To avoid this mistake, try to use showing selectively and use telling to move the story forward when necessary. For example, instead of showing every detail of a character’s morning routine, you could simply tell the reader that the character woke up and got ready for the day.

3. Using Showing To Describe Mundane Details

Another common mistake writers make is using showing to describe mundane details that don’t add anything to the story. For example, describing every detail of a character’s outfit or the layout of a room in unnecessary detail can bog down the writing and make it feel tedious.

To avoid this mistake, focus on showing the details that are important to the story and the characters. For example, instead of describing every aspect of a room, you could focus on the details that are relevant to the scene, such as the way the light filters through the window or the smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen.

4. Ignoring The Reader’s Imagination

One of the benefits of telling is that it allows the reader to use their imagination to fill in the details. When writers overuse showing, they can take away the reader’s ability to imagine the scene for themselves.

To avoid this mistake, try to strike a balance between showing and telling. Use showing to bring the scene to life, but also allow the reader’s imagination to fill in the gaps.

5. Failing To Edit

Finally, one of the biggest mistakes writers make is failing to edit their work. When it comes to showing and telling, it’s important to review your writing and make sure you’re using both techniques appropriately.

To avoid this mistake, take the time to review your work and look for areas where you can improve your use of showing and telling. Consider having someone else read your work and provide feedback on your use of these techniques.

Context Matters

When it comes to writing, the choice between showing and telling can depend on the context in which they are used. While both techniques have their place in the writer’s toolbox, knowing when to use each one can make all the difference in creating a compelling piece of content.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between showing and telling might change:

Context	Showing	Telling
Describing a Character	Showing a character’s actions, thoughts, and dialogue to reveal their personality and motivations.	Telling the reader directly what the character is like.
Setting the Scene	Showing the reader the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations of a place to immerse them in the setting.	Telling the reader where the scene takes place and what it looks like.
Creating Suspense	Showing the reader the events that lead up to a climactic moment to build tension and anticipation.	Telling the reader what is going to happen and how the characters feel about it.

As you can see, the choice between showing and telling can depend on the specific context of the writing. In some cases, showing can be more effective in creating a vivid and engaging experience for the reader, while in other cases, telling can be more efficient in conveying information quickly and clearly.

Exceptions To The Rules

While showing and telling are generally considered to be two distinct writing techniques, there are some exceptions where the rules for using them might not apply. Here are a few examples:

1. Action Scenes

When it comes to action scenes, telling can sometimes be more effective than showing. This is because action scenes are often fast-paced and require a lot of movement, which can be difficult to convey through showing alone. In these cases, telling can help to move the story forward quickly and keep the reader engaged.

2. Exposition

Exposition is the technique of providing background information to the reader. While showing is generally preferred over telling, exposition is one area where telling can be more effective. This is because exposition often involves providing a lot of information in a short amount of time, which can be difficult to do through showing alone. In these cases, telling can help to ensure that the reader understands the context of the story.

3. Dialogue

Dialogue is an area where showing and telling can be used together to create a more compelling scene. While showing the characters’ body language and facial expressions can help to convey their emotions, telling can be used to provide additional context and insight into their thoughts and feelings. For example, a character might say one thing but think something completely different. In these cases, telling can help to reveal the character’s true intentions.

4. Summarizing

Summarizing is the technique of condensing a large amount of information into a shorter passage. While showing is generally preferred over telling, summarizing is one area where telling can be more effective. This is because summarizing often involves providing an overview of events or information, which can be difficult to do through showing alone. In these cases, telling can help to ensure that the reader understands the key points of the story.

While showing and telling are important writing techniques, there are some exceptions where the rules may not apply. By understanding these exceptions and how to use them effectively, writers can create more engaging and compelling stories that keep readers coming back for more.

Practice Exercises

Improving your understanding and use of showing versus telling in writing takes practice. Here are some exercises to help you hone your skills:

Exercise 1: Show, Don’t Tell

Read the following sentences and rewrite them to show, rather than tell, the reader what is happening:

Telling Sentence	Show, Don’t Tell Rewrite
She was angry.	Her face turned red and she clenched her fists.
The dog was scared.	The dog whimpered and hid behind the couch.
He was tired.	His eyes drooped and his head nodded forward.

Answer Key:

Telling Sentence	Show, Don’t Tell Rewrite
She was angry.	Her face turned red and she clenched her fists.
The dog was scared.	The dog whimpered and hid behind the couch.
He was tired.	His eyes drooped and his head nodded forward.

Exercise 2: Identify The Showing And Telling

Read the following sentences and identify whether they are showing or telling:

• She felt sad.
• The sun was shining brightly in the sky.
• He grinned from ear to ear.
• The room was dark and musty.
• They walked hand in hand along the beach.
• He was nervous about the presentation.

Answer Key:

• Telling
• Showing
• Showing
• Showing
• Showing
• Telling

Understanding the difference between showing and telling is key to effective writing. By practicing these exercises, you can improve your ability to show, rather than tell, your readers what is happening in your stories.

Conclusion

After reading this article, it is clear that the concept of “showing vs telling” is an important aspect of effective writing. By using descriptive language and sensory details, writers can create a more immersive experience for their readers.

Some key takeaways from this article include:

• Showing allows readers to experience the story for themselves, while telling merely informs them of what happened.
• Showing involves using vivid descriptions and sensory details to paint a picture in the reader’s mind.
• Telling can be useful in certain situations, such as when conveying facts or information quickly.
• However, over-reliance on telling can lead to a lack of engagement and interest from readers.

It is important for writers to be mindful of their use of showing and telling, and to strive for a balance between the two. By doing so, they can create more engaging and compelling content.

Finally, it is important to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to improve one’s writing skills. Whether through reading books on writing, taking writing classes, or practicing on a regular basis, there are many ways to continue honing one’s craft.