for display only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for display only" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an item or information is intended for visual presentation and should not be used for any other purpose, such as purchase or action. Example: "The prices listed on this menu are for display only and do not reflect actual charges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

(Alas, they're for display only).

The New York Times - Arts

The 12 nautical line is for display only and can not be used for navigation.

Stanford University

No one is buried there; the markers and headstones are for display only.

The New York Times

He repeated that the jacket was hung for display only, to color the walls with a "British sensibility".

The Guardian - Opinion

They had a giant cake that was for display only; a different one was cut into pieces.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is for display only". Price lists at the bar were hastily scrawled onto spiral-notebook paper.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Mr. De Marsche wisely pushed for displaying only a few works from it, with the emphasis on glass.

The New York Times - Arts

This is the balloon code at the Fifth Avenue fair: green on booths selling books and other merchandise; yellow for displays only; red for books and activities for children, which will be on every block.

The New York Times - Books

The apps available are often gimmicky or they are designed for displaying only the perfect, posed or livestreamed version of our lives".

TechCrunch

Indexed formats provide rapid and efficient access to subsets of the data for display, but only when zoomed in to a sufficiently small genomic region.

Briefings in Bioinformatics

For months, Nusseibeh resisted, worrying that he would be a for-display-only appointment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for display only", ensure it's clear why the item isn't functional or available for use. Provide additional context to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience understands that an item labeled "for display only" isn't meant for practical use. Explicitly state the intended purpose or lack thereof to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for display only" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a specific purpose or condition of the noun it describes, clarifying that the item's role is limited to visual presentation and not practical use. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for display only" is a common prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is intended solely for visual presentation and not for practical use. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Appearing frequently in contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias, it serves to prevent confusion by clearly stating an item's intended purpose. While alternatives like "for exhibition only" and "for show only" exist, the key is to provide clarity and context to avoid any misunderstanding about the item's functionality. Understanding its nuances helps ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

display purposes only

This phrase changes the order of the words, keeping the meaning consistent.

for exhibition only

This alternative emphasizes the showcasing aspect, similar to a museum exhibit.

intended for display

This alternative emphasizes the intention behind the item's purpose.

for show only

This alternative is a more concise and informal way of saying something is just for appearance.

for demonstration purposes

This alternative focuses on the intent to demonstrate or illustrate something.

for illustrative purposes

This option is suitable when something is meant to clarify or explain a concept visually.

non-functional display

This option directly states that the display is not meant to be used practically.

not for sale

This alternative is used when referring to a product that cannot be purchased.

purely decorative

This alternative highlights the aesthetic aspect of the item, indicating it serves no functional purpose.

for aesthetic purposes

This choice emphasizes that the item is present to enhance visual appeal.

FAQs

How can I use "for display only" in a sentence?

You can use "for display only" to indicate that an item is not meant for practical use, such as "The antique furniture in the museum is "for display only".".

What are some alternatives to saying "for display only"?

Alternatives include "for exhibition only", "for show only", or "for demonstration purposes", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "for display purposes only"?

While "for display purposes only" isn't strictly incorrect, it can be seen as slightly redundant since "display" inherently implies a purpose. "For display only" is generally sufficient.

When should I use "for display only" instead of "not for sale"?

"For display only" indicates that an item is present for viewing but not necessarily available for purchase. "Not for sale" specifically means the item cannot be bought, even if it's functional.