on exhibit

USAGE SUMMARY

"on exhibit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is currently available to view or inspect, usually in a public place such as a museum or art gallery. Example: The artist's newest work is currently on exhibit in the city's art gallery.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Following them on exhibit were the Afghans.

The New York Times

(See endpoint 1 on Exhibit 4).

Harvard Business Review

Samples of the wood he uses is also on exhibit.

The New York Times

(Moss bought two.) Artwork on exhibit by Hulanicki.

The New York Times

(Lenox's copy of the Gutenberg Bible is currently on exhibit).

The New York Times

So now they are on exhibit in Vienna.

The New York Times

The fifty-odd animals now on exhibit will be resettled.

The New Yorker

There were a great many Fiberglas hulls on exhibit.

The New Yorker

The 1906 Pungs-Finch Limited was on exhibit.

The New Yorker

The series is on exhibit at I.C.P. through September 2nd.

The New Yorker

22. Also on exhibit, "Adele Bloch-Bauer II," from 1912.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on exhibit" when you want to clearly indicate that an item or collection is currently being shown to the public, especially in museums, galleries, or similar settings.

Common error

Avoid using "in exhibit". The correct preposition is "on", as it refers to the state of being displayed publicly, not contained within an exhibit space. Saying something is "on exhibit" signifies its availability for viewing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on exhibit" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun. It indicates the state of being displayed publicly. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on exhibit" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to describe something being displayed publicly. Ludwig confirms that it is suitable for use in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, it is also relevant in academic and scientific contexts. To avoid common errors, remember that the correct preposition is "on", not "in". Alternatives like "on display" or "being showcased" can be used for slight variations in meaning. With a strong source quality score and high expert rating, using "on exhibit" effectively conveys the availability of items for public viewing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on display

This alternative also emphasizes the act of showing something, but it's a more general term, lacking the slightly formal tone of the original phrase.

exhibited

A single-word adjective that directly describes the state of being on exhibit.

on view

A shortened version of "available for viewing", more informal but still carrying the same core meaning.

on show

Similar to "on display", but slightly more informal and common in British English.

being showcased

Focuses on the act of presenting something in an attractive or favorable way, adding an element of promotion.

put on display

This phrase emphasizes the action of arranging something to be shown to the public.

available for viewing

This alternative highlights the accessibility aspect, emphasizing that something can be seen by the public.

being presented

Emphasizes the act of offering something for consideration or inspection, suitable for a wider range of contexts.

open to the public

This focuses on who can access the exhibited material, highlighting its availability to everyone.

being unveiled

Indicates a formal or ceremonial showing, often for the first time.

FAQs

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

Use "on exhibit" to describe something that is currently being displayed for public viewing. For example, "The newly discovered artifacts are "on exhibit" at the museum".

What's a good alternative to "on exhibit"?

Alternatives include "on display", "being showcased", or "available for viewing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in exhibit" instead of "on exhibit"?

No, the correct phrase is "on exhibit". "In exhibit" is grammatically incorrect and not commonly used. Stick to ""on exhibit"" to indicate something is being publicly displayed.

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

While both phrases are similar, "on exhibit" often implies a more formal or curated presentation, such as in a museum or gallery. "On display" can be used more broadly for anything that is being shown.