Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Display emotion
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "Display emotion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to show or express their feelings, often in contexts like acting, writing, or communication. Example: "In this scene, it's important to display emotion to convey the character's inner turmoil."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Wiki
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
15 human-written examples
We expect them to display emotion, which is partly why we tend to think of them as less emotional: Their feelings are self-justifying, condition-setting, and therefore possessed of a terrible appearance of logic.
News & Media
One abbreviated transmission said, "Subject has ability to display emotion and then revert to military".
News & Media
It was hard to not display emotion on the spot," he said.
Academia
In Japan, for example, there are strict boundaries about when and where people are allowed to display emotion.
News & Media
In my own native west of Scotland, the urge to display emotion and physical affection must always be resisted outwith funerals.
News & Media
An imposing 6ft 2in, with a hushed, gravelly voice, Reid had a magnetic screen presence and was not afraid to display emotion, to the point of shedding tears, when the script demanded.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
45 human-written examples
You also can get them to display emotions.
News & Media
Oftentimes, people intentionally display emotions that they may not be experiencing for strategic purposes.
News & Media
The most expressive way humans display emotions is through facial expressions.
Even human emotion was fair game as evidenced by Kismet, a robot developed by Cynthia Breazeal that could recognize and display emotions.
Academia
For example, Markus and Kitayama (1991) point out that people in independent-based western societies and interdependent-based Chinese society may display emotions in different ways.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing dialogue, use "display emotion" to instruct actors on how to portray their character's feelings effectively. For example, "In this scene, it's crucial to display emotion to convey the character's inner turmoil."
Common error
While grammatically correct, "display emotion" can sometimes sound stiff in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "express feelings" or "show emotion" for a more natural tone depending on the context.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "Display emotion" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe the act of outwardly expressing or showing one's feelings. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase is used to instruct or describe emotional expression.
Frequent in
News & Media
52%
Academia
18%
Wiki
18%
Less common in
Science
12%
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "Display emotion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the act of outwardly expressing one's feelings. Ludwig AI confirms that while "display emotion" is correct and usable, there are a variety of alternative phrases with slightly different nuances, such as "express feelings", "show emotions", and "reveal emotions". When you are considering to use "Display emotion", keep in mind that it appears in different contexts, like news, academia, and general writing; remember that there might be cases where using a more casual term could be a better choice.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Express feelings
This alternative is a broader term that encompasses a wider range of emotional expression, not just outward displays.
Show emotions
This alternative focuses on the visible or observable aspects of emotional expression.
Reveal emotions
This emphasizes the act of making emotions known, often suggesting they were previously hidden.
Exhibit emotion
Similar to 'display', but can imply a more deliberate or controlled presentation of feelings.
Expose feelings
This implies a vulnerability in making emotions visible, often unintentional.
Manifest emotion
This is a more formal way of saying "display emotion", suggesting a clear outward sign of an internal state.
Convey emotion
This focuses on the communication aspect of showing emotion, implying an intent to share feelings.
Demonstrate feelings
This highlights the act of providing evidence of one's emotions, often through actions.
Evince emotion
A formal alternative suggesting a clear and unmistakable sign of feeling.
Air emotions
This implies making emotions public, sometimes with a negative connotation of complaining or venting.
FAQs
How can I use "Display emotion" in a sentence?
You can use "Display emotion" to describe how someone expresses their feelings. For example, "The actor was instructed to "display emotion" convincingly on stage".
What is a synonym for "Display emotion"?
Alternatives include "express feelings", "show emotions", or "reveal emotions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to say "Display emotion" or "Show emotion"?
Both "Display emotion" and "show emotion" are correct, but "show emotion" is generally more common and informal. "Display emotion" can sound more formal or deliberate.
What does it mean to "Display emotion"?
To "Display emotion" means to outwardly express or reveal one's feelings through facial expressions, body language, or verbal cues.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested