on display

USAGE SUMMARY

"on display" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is intentionally presented for public viewing, such as in a museum or other public exhibit. For example, "The Impressionist paintings were on display in the art gallery."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Put on display.

WikiHow

Cut jasmine to put on display.

WikiHow

Many are on display.

The Economist

It wasn't on display.

The New York Times

Sexuality is completely on display.

The New York Times

There's no competition on display.

The New York Times - Arts

Some are already on display.

The New York Times - Sports

That was on display Thursday.

The New York Times

(Rare samples are on display).

The New York Times - Arts

Every atom is on display.

The Guardian

She's not on display here.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing items in a museum or gallery, use "on display" to clearly indicate that they are available for public viewing. For instance: "The ancient artifacts are currently "on display" in the main hall."

Common error

Avoid using "on display" to describe abstract concepts or emotions. It's more appropriate for tangible items. Instead of saying "His anger was "on display", consider "His anger was evident" or "His anger was apparent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on display" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate that something is presented for public viewing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

18%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on display" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates something is available for public viewing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. It's most frequently found in news articles and wiki pages. When writing, it's important to reserve it for describing tangible items rather than abstract concepts. Consider alternatives like "exhibited" or "on view" for slightly different nuances. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "on display" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put on show

Similar to "on display" but with a slightly more informal tone.

on view

Similar in meaning, but slightly more concise.

exhibited

Suggests a more formal and curated presentation.

showcased

Implies highlighting the best features of something.

publicly visible

Emphasizes the open accessibility of something.

presented

A more general term for making something available.

open to the public

Focuses on accessibility for all.

unveiled

Suggests a reveal or first-time showing.

in the public eye

Suggests that something is attracting attention.

made available for viewing

A more descriptive and less concise alternative.

FAQs

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

"On display" is used to describe something that is available for public viewing. For example, "The artist's latest sculptures are "on display" at the gallery".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "on display"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "exhibited", "on view", or "showcased".

Is it correct to say something is 'at display' instead of "on display"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "on". Saying something is "at display" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "on display".

What is the difference between "on display" and "in storage"?

"On display" means something is available for public viewing, while "in storage" means it is being kept in a place for safekeeping and is not available for viewing.