an display

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an display" is not correct in written English.
It should be "a display" because "display" begins with a consonant sound. Example: "I would like to see a display of your latest products at the exhibition."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Women with AN display a cognitive bias for food images [ 30], and this may be associated with changes in these regions.

BMC Psychiatry

Furthermore, individuals with AN display motor restlessness.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

A temporary fireworks ban was flouted: Di Maggio rubbed the authorities' noses in it with a spectacular six-minute display outside a villa near the town hall, culminating with an display of fireworks that spelled out the numerals "100".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Now what I want is to sell a display or a component for a display.

MIT Technology Review

Look for it on display at CES…hahaha a display on a display on a display.

TechCrunch

A florist? Dedicate a display.

Huffington Post

A display device includes a display section having a first display surface and a second display surface facing each other.

Forbes

Merchandise topples from a display.

The New York Times

A display of boomerangs.

The New York Times

Or maybe we have a display problem.

The New York Times - Arts

Each person was a display of pleasure.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the article "a" before the noun "display" because it begins with a consonant sound. For example, use "a display of products" not "an display of products".

Common error

Avoid using "an" before words that start with a consonant sound. Using "an display" instead of "a display" is a common mistake that can be easily corrected by paying attention to the pronunciation of the following word.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "an display" (when corrected to "a display") is as a noun phrase. This phrase typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to an arrangement or exhibition of something. However, as Ludwig AI explains, using "an" before "display" is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an display" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "a display", as "display" begins with a consonant sound. Ludwig AI correctly identifies this error, and provides alternatives such as "a presentation" or "an exhibition" depending on the intended meaning and context. While examples of the incorrect phrase "an display" exist, it's crucial to use the grammatically correct version, "a display", in your writing to maintain clarity and credibility. Remember to always check the starting sound of the following word and apply 'a' or 'an' accordingly. The proper usage of articles demonstrates attention to detail and strengthens the overall quality of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a display

Corrects the grammatical error of using "an" before a word starting with a consonant sound.

a presentation

Replaces "display" with a more formal term for showing or exhibiting something.

an exhibition

Offers a synonym for "display", suitable for formal contexts like art or trade shows. Because "exhibition" starts with a vowel the article changes.

a showing

A more informal way to describe something being shown or presented.

a showcase

Implies a deliberate and impressive presentation of something.

a demonstration

Focuses on showing how something works or is done.

a viewing

Suitable when referring to watching something, like a film or artwork.

a spectacle

Emphasizes the visual impressiveness of what is being displayed.

an array

Suggests a varied and organized collection of items on display. Because "array" starts with a vowel the article changes.

a layout

Refers to the arrangement of items in a display.

FAQs

Why is "an display" grammatically incorrect?

The indefinite article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. Since "display" starts with a consonant sound, the correct article is "a", as in "a display".

What are some alternatives to "an display" that I can use?

Since "an display" is grammatically incorrect, you can use "a display". Depending on the context, alternatives like "a presentation" or "an exhibition" might also be suitable.

How do I choose between "a display" and "an exhibit"?

The choice depends on the noun that follows the article. Use "a display" because "display" starts with a consonant sound. Use "an exhibit" because "exhibit" starts with a vowel sound. Therefore, the correct phrases are "a display" and "an exhibit".

Is there a difference in meaning between "a display" and "a presentation"?

"A display" generally refers to an arrangement of items for viewing, while "a presentation" often involves someone actively showing or explaining something. They can sometimes be used interchangeably, but their connotations differ.