toonen

Toonen is a Dutch verb meaning "to show," "to demonstrate," or "to reveal." It is used to indicate that something is presented to someone, or that evidence or data confirms a statement. In everyday language it can denote both pointing out a fact and presenting an example. In formal writing, toonen is used to summarize evidence in reports, presentations, or arguments, often in the phrase "dit toont aan" meaning "this shows" or "this demonstrates."

Conjugation: In the present tense the forms are: ik toon, jij toont, hij/zij toont, wij tonen, jullie tonen, zij tonen. The simple past is typically: ik toonde, jij toonde, hij toonde, wij toonden, jullie toonden, zij toonden. The past participle is getoond, used with have to form compound tenses (for example, ik heb getoond, wij hebben getoond).

Usage notes: Toonen is a transitive verb requiring a direct object or a clause. It is common with nouns such as "een voorbeeld," "gegevens," "resultaten," or "kaarten," or with clauses: "dit toont aan dat…". It is somewhat formal; in everyday speech speakers may use laten zien ("to show") or gebruikmaken of bewijzen/bevestigen in more precise contexts. Synonyms include aantonen and bewijzen, depending on nuance.

Other uses: Toonen is also a Dutch surname. As a surname it can be found among Dutch-speaking populations, and origins are sometimes linked to historical roles or locations associated with showing or signaling.