be on display

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be on display" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is being shown or exhibited for others to see. Example: "The new artwork will be on display at the gallery starting next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Which of it should be on display?

The New York Times - Arts

Motorcycles will be on display, too.

The New York Times

They will be on display until December 31st.

The New Yorker

Trees will be on display through Jan . 6

The New York Times - Arts

Where will these items be on display?

The New York Times

Woodrow Wilson Revisited"—will be on display.

Princeton University

"I don't like to be on display".

The New York Times

"Should it be on display somewhere?" Bleasdale wonders.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The battleship New Jersey silver will also be on display.

The New York Times

It will be on display through March 9.

Los Angeles Times

What will be on display in the new exhibit?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be on display" to indicate that an object or collection is presented for public viewing, whether it's art, products, or historical items.

Common error

Avoid using "on display" when a more active verb is appropriate. For example, instead of "The artist is on display her work", say "The artist is displaying her work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on display" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that something is available for public viewing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and correct usage. The phrase is versatile and can apply to various subjects, from art to historical artifacts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Arts

25%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be on display" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something is available for public viewing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, arts, and travel writing. While alternatives like "be exhibited" or "be showcased" may offer more specific nuances, "be on display" remains a reliable and widely understood choice. Remember to specify the duration of the display whenever possible and avoid using it when a more active verb would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be exhibited

Focuses on a formal presentation or show.

be showcased

Implies highlighting the best features of something.

be presented

Suggests a formal introduction or offering for viewing.

be on view

A more concise way of saying something is available to be seen.

be on exhibit

Similar to "be exhibited", emphasizing the display aspect.

be unveiled

Emphasizes the revealing or showing something for the first time.

be demonstrated

Highlights the act of showing how something works or its qualities.

be exposed

Suggests bringing something into view that was previously hidden.

be made visible

Focuses on the act of making something able to be seen.

be put on show

Emphasizes the act of organizing something for public viewing.

FAQs

How can I use "be on display" in a sentence?

Use "be on display" to indicate that something is available for public viewing. For example, "The newly discovered artifacts will "be on display" at the museum."

What are some alternatives to "be on display"?

Alternatives include "be exhibited", "be showcased", or "be presented", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "be on display" or "being on display"?

"Be on display" is generally used to describe a future or ongoing state, while "being on display" emphasizes the action of displaying at the moment. For example, "The sculpture will "be on display" next week" versus "The sculpture is currently "being on display" at the fair".

What is the difference between "be on display" and "be on exhibit"?

"Be on display" is a more general term for something available for viewing. "Be on exhibit" specifically suggests a formal presentation or show. They are largely interchangeable, but "be on exhibit" might be more suitable for museum or gallery settings.