show
People say "show" when they want to see something. They ask you to show a picture, show them how, or show what you mean. It is a plain request for display or demonstration.
What a model may hear
- database query SQL and database systems
- retrieve and display rows from a table, as in SHOW TABLES or SHOW COLUMNS
- network command Cisco IOS and router CLI
- display configuration, status, or routing tables with structured output
- filesystem listing Unix-like shells
- list directory contents, sometimes with flags for hidden files or details
- GUI rendering application frameworks
- make a window, dialog, or widget visible on screen
- proof or derivation mathematics and formal logic
- construct a step-by-step demonstration of a theorem or property
Where people and models part ways
“Show me the money”
Meant: I want to see financial information or proof of funds
May be taken as: The model may look for a database table named 'money' or attempt a SQL SHOW query
Say instead: “Display a summary of the financial data or list the account balances”
“Show your work”
Meant: Explain your reasoning step by step
May be taken as: The model may interpret this as a formal mathematical proof requirement and over-formalize
Say instead: “Walk me through how you reached that answer, step by step”
“Show everything”
Meant: Give me the full picture or all available information
May be taken as: The model may dump raw configuration output, code, or exhaustive technical listings
Say instead: “Summarize all the key points, organized clearly”
“Show don't tell”
Meant: Use vivid description instead of stating facts directly
May be taken as: The model may attempt to render or generate visual media it cannot produce
Say instead: “Describe the scene in vivid sensory detail instead of stating it plainly”
Tips
- Say 'display' or 'list' when you want structured output, 'explain' when you want reasoning
- Add 'in plain language' if you want a summary, not raw technical output
- Specify the format you want: 'as a table', 'as bullet points', 'as a narrative'
- Say 'walk me through' instead of 'show' when you want step-by-step explanation
- Use 'render' or 'generate an image of' if you actually want visual output
Often confused with
- display
- more formal, often implies screen rendering
- list
- specifically enumerates items in order
- outputs text, often to console or document
- reveal
- implies something was hidden, not just not yet shown
- demonstrate
- includes proof or evidence, not just visual presentation
- prove
- requires logical or mathematical rigor