an exhibition

USAGE SUMMARY

'an exhibition' is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it when referring to a public display of artwork or objects. For example: "The gallery is hosting an exhibition of 19th century French artwork next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just an exhibition.

The New Yorker

Each tower features an exhibition.

The New York Times

Marca calls it an "exhibition".

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes it takes an exhibition.

The New York Times - Arts

Should birth be an exhibition?

The New York Times

The result is an exhibition.

The New York Times - Arts

It was only an exhibition series.

The New York Times - Sports

"Legacy," an exhibition examining Mark Twain.

The New York Times

We're doing an exhibition as well.

The New York Times

"The Teapot," an exhibition of 66 teapots.

The New York Times

A friend from college has an exhibition.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an exhibition" when referring to a structured public display of art, historical artifacts, or other items of interest. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being exhibited and its purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "an exhibition" to describe informal displays or casual showings. Reserve it for events that involve curation, planning, and public access. For casual scenarios, consider using "display" or "showing" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exhibition" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase typically identifies a public display of items, such as art or artifacts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

10%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Sports

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exhibition" is a noun phrase used to describe a structured public display, such as of art or historical artifacts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media. Its usage spans across various registers but is mostly neutral. When writing, it is best to use "an exhibition" when referring to curated displays. Alternatives include "a showing" or "a display", depending on the context. Overall, this phrase is a reliable choice for describing planned or ongoing public displays.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a public showing

Emphasizes the public accessibility of the event.

a visual display

Emphasizes the visual aspect of the presentation.

a showing

Focuses on the act of displaying something, often artwork or collections.

a display

Highlights the arrangement of items for public viewing.

a showcase

Suggests an event designed to highlight the best aspects of something.

a presentation

Emphasizes the act of formally presenting something to an audience.

a curated collection

Highlights the thoughtful selection and arrangement of items.

a fair

Implies a larger, often commercial event with multiple exhibitors.

a retrospective

Refers specifically to a comprehensive exhibition of an artist's work over time.

a cultural event

Broadly refers to an event celebrating art or heritage.

FAQs

How is "an exhibition" typically used in a sentence?

You can use "an exhibition" to describe a public display, like "The museum is hosting "an exhibition" of contemporary art" or "She is planning "an exhibition" of her photographs".

What are some alternatives to "an exhibition"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a showing", "a display", or "a presentation" to convey a similar meaning. Consider the formality and scope of the event when choosing an alternative.

Is it correct to use "an exhibition" in a formal context?

Yes, "an exhibition" is appropriate for formal contexts such as museum displays, gallery showings, and academic presentations. It implies a well-organized and curated public event.

What's the difference between "an exhibition" and "a fair"?

"An exhibition" typically focuses on art, history, or culture, while "a fair" is usually a commercial event where vendors display and sell goods or services. A fair often involves entertainment and concessions.