display an attitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "display an attitude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's demeanor or behavior, particularly in relation to their feelings or opinions. Example: "During the meeting, she began to display an attitude that suggested she was not in agreement with the proposed changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Sarah Palin's comments display an attitude that is blatantly anti-science.

The Guardian - Opinion

The people who remain engaged in life consistently display an attitude of openness to new and unexpected experiences.

Harvard Business Review

In this respect, social movements in the Americas display an attitude that cannot be dismissed simply as backwards or anti-business.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of the most upscale institutions, the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, is also among the most orthodox in its approach to Shakespeare, and the students and faculty members display an attitude of superiority.

The New York Times

Still, when it comes to elements that affect his and his team's performance, you wouldn't expect the most competitive member of the N.B.A. to display an attitude of live-and-let-live.

The New Yorker

He only pointed out that people display an attitude when they use it.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

If a white person displays an attitude like that, it is O.K. to call him arrogant.

The New York Times

Body art is a form of physical language, a fusion of performance and gesture - movement that displays an attitude and unleashes creativity, a spark that finds its own destiny, assuming a new identity, gathering colour, line and shape.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His idea of home is a place where "everything is chosen to be stimulating to the eye, but also for comfort factor," he said, displaying an attitude toward decor that many English people share.

The New York Times

He also writes that "the image of 'heroes' seeped through their ranks like a low-grade narcotic," accuses many of them of displaying "an attitude of reckless self-abandonment" on the pile, and suggests that "lack of discipline" among firefighters might have contributed to their high casualty rate on Sept. 11, 2001.

The New York Times - Books

"The error of modern atheism has been to overlook how many aspects of the faiths remain relevant even after their central tenets have been dismissed," he adds, and his book displays an attitude toward religion that is sometimes — dare I say — reverential.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, specify the type of attitude being displayed (e.g., "display a positive attitude" or "display a defiant attitude").

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "display an attitude" too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "show an attitude" or "exhibit a behavior" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "display an attitude" functions as a verb phrase, where "display" is the verb and "an attitude" is the noun phrase acting as the direct object. The verb describes the action of outwardly showing a particular feeling, opinion, or behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "display an attitude" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe someone outwardly showing their feelings, opinions, or behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While it's useful, varying your language with synonyms like "show an attitude" or "exhibit a behavior" can improve your writing. Keep in mind the subtle differences in meaning when choosing the most appropriate alternative for your intended message. This phrase is often found in neutral contexts, making it a safe choice for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show a disposition

Highlights a person's inherent qualities or nature.

exhibit a behavior

Focuses on the outward action rather than the internal state.

demonstrate a character

Stresses the qualities that define someone's personality.

reveal a mindset

Emphasizes the underlying thought process that is shown.

reflect a sentiment

Emphasizes that actions mirroring an emotion or thought.

manifest a feeling

Concentrates on the external expression of an emotion.

convey an impression

Suggests how someone's actions influence others' perceptions.

project an image

Indicates how someone wants to be perceived by others.

express an opinion

Highlights the verbal or non-verbal communication of a viewpoint.

give off a vibe

An informal way of describing the general feeling someone communicates.

FAQs

What does "display an attitude" mean?

"Display an attitude" means to outwardly show or express a particular feeling, opinion, or way of behaving. It suggests making your internal state visible through actions or words.

What can I say instead of "display an attitude"?

You can use alternatives like "show an attitude", "exhibit a behavior", or "reveal a mindset" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "display an attitude" or "show an attitude"?

Both "display an attitude" and "show an attitude" are correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on your preferred style and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Display" can sometimes suggest a more deliberate or conscious action.

How do I use "display an attitude" in a sentence?

You can use "display an attitude" to describe someone's behavior. For example, "The student began to display an attitude of disinterest during the lecture" or "The team needed to display an attitude of resilience to overcome the challenges".