The answer to the question of how to write “for show” or “for showing” depends on what exactly the person wants to say. Because there are different options. If this is an adverb, then it is merged, but if a noun with a preposition, then separately. Consider all the possibilities with examples.
The meaning of the adverb "for show"
In order to avoid difficulties, it is necessary to determine, firstly, what a person wants to say, and secondly, to choose a synonym that he understands. Let's start with the meaning of the adverb. He has two of them:
Visiting merchants flaunted seafood.
- In a figurative sense, they say so when something is done to the public, demonstratively.
Many rich people are engaged in charity parades, although in fact they do not care about their neighbors.
Conditional replacements clarifying the essence of the matter may be as follows:
- demonstratively;
- to make a proper impression;
- to the public;
- on viewers;
- for the species;
- not seriously;
- insincerely;
- for check.
There may be more such synonyms. We make a reservation that these are not replacements in the usual sense of the word, although there are classical synonyms in the list. These adverbs and combinations of words help to understand the meaning of what a person wants to say. If they can replace the word “show” in a sentence, then it is guaranteed to be written together. Therefore, the question of how to spell “for show” or “for show” does not arise - everything is obvious.
Noun with the pretext "to show"
We bet that Bohemia does not need to explain the difference in meaning, it is very familiar with these words. However, for those who are far from bohemian, we still explain it. So they say if, for example, a person went to the exhibition or the premiere of the film. That is, he went to the show of the next blockbuster to see him.
We hope the difference is clear. And when answering the question of how to write - “for show” or “for showing” in this case, the adverb will not even fit the point.
Tautological examples will put everything in its place
Imagine that there is a film critic who makes a living by analyzing films. Imagine also that he does not like the work of Quentin Tarantino, but on duty he is obliged to attend all the prominent premieres that happen in the city. In addition, some of his friends will be on the film, and he has not seen them for a long time. So, in such a situation, we can say that the film critic went to the show for show. In other words, he visited the cinema for a look, for show.
The same is true of the fashion world. There is a lot going on for show, that is, demonstratively, for the sake of playing for the public.
If there is a presentation of a new collection, then everyone is dressed to the nines: not only participants in the direct action, but also guests, and it is still unknown who is better. The ladies present in the hall, in no way want to give way to fashion models. Although everyone understands that a lot of people work on beauty, and the guests of the evening have to support the effect on their own.
Did the reader understand the main conclusion? At the fashion show, much, if not all, is for show. Moreover, if the evening still involves an auction or a fair, then the adverb in this case is used immediately in two of its meanings. On the one hand, dresses are on display for all to see, but at the same time an external effect is created.
What can I say? Rich and powerful Russian language. Voltaire said that several foreign languages can be learned by spending from one to two years, and in order to master one’s own, it will take half a life. In no case do we argue with the classic, but just supplement and say: “To understand the intricacies of your language, it will take your whole life!”
The whole language is a matter of perspective, and the local task: to answer the question, “for show” or “to show” - we have completed how to write correctly.