put on show

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put on show" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to displaying something for others to see, often in a public or formal context. Example: "The artist decided to put on show her latest collection at the gallery opening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The work of the provocative Californian artist Paul McCarthy, the sculpture was just one of many startling works put on show during the event, which specialises in cutting-edge contemporary art.

BBC

Their conflicting properties – sometimes medicinal and at other times lethal - were put on show for our amusement as we basked in their beauty and cowered from their danger.

Independent

"A lot of veterans get to see the old tanks and military equipment they used once a year when they're put on show during parades," Mr. Stover said.

The New York Times - Science

Duplicates or replaceable items were put on show to be used and handled, an early example of today's ubiquitous hands-on museums.

The Guardian

When they returned home from being "struggled against", they were isolated in separate rooms, though they were put on show again together at another Red Guard rally.

The Guardian

The conservative newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung describes him as among Germany's most promising painters, and last month two of his huge paintings were put on show at a major Berlin exhibition of German and Russian art.

Independent

Few had taken at face value the strenuous bonhomie put on show during the German election campaign by Gerhard Schröder, the chancellor-designate, Oskar Lafontaine, the party's chairman, and Rudolf Scharping, its parliamentary leader.

The Economist

The collection totals 5,000 pieces and the exhibit will be rotated every three years so all the splendours of the Portland collection are put on show, although the Van Dycks and Michelangelo will stay put.

The Guardian - Arts

The museum's invaluable collection of Khmer sculptures is on display here, among them "Big Naga," a massive seventh-century stone sculpture from Angkor in today's Cambodia that had not been assembled and put on show since 1889.

The New York Times - Arts

Restoring the Witch computer Jump to media player The world's oldest working digital computer has been restored and put on show at Bletchley Park.

BBC

This was a night when Brazil's new home was put on show and this entertaining friendly did it justice, although the locals were understandably disappointed by the eventual outcome.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "display" or "exhibit" for a more formal tone, especially in academic or professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "put on show" when a simpler verb like "show" or "display" is sufficient. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound clunky. For instance, instead of "They put on show their skills," you can say "They displayed their skills."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put on show" functions as a phrasal verb, often used to describe the act of displaying or exhibiting something publicly. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. Its primary function is to highlight the action of presenting something for viewing, whether it's art, equipment, or even personal qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put on show" is a commonly used phrasal verb that means to display something publicly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with some use in science and formal business settings. While generally neutral in tone, it may be less suited for strictly formal or academic writing where alternatives like "display" or "exhibit" might be more appropriate. Remember to use it to emphasize the act of making something visible and avoid overusing it to prevent wordiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put on display

A slightly more verbose version of the original phrase, with a similar meaning.

exhibit

Implies a more formal or curated display, often in a museum or gallery setting.

display

A general term for making something visible, without necessarily implying a special event or presentation.

showcase

Suggests highlighting the best features of something, often for promotional purposes.

present

A more formal term for displaying or introducing something to an audience.

unveil

Implies a formal reveal of something new or previously hidden.

stage

Suggests arranging something for viewing, often with a theatrical or performative element.

air

Commonly used in the context of broadcasting or revealing information.

demonstrate

Involves showing how something works or its capabilities.

parade

Often involves some sort of showing off or bragging.

FAQs

How can I use "put on show" in a sentence?

You can use "put on show" when referring to displaying something for public viewing, as in, "The artist decided to "put on show" her latest collection at the gallery opening."

What are some alternatives to "put on show"?

Alternatives include "exhibit", "display", or "showcase", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "put on show" and "display"?

"Put on show" often implies a deliberate act of making something visible after some preparation, while "display" is a more general term for making something visible.

When is it appropriate to use "put on show"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the act of making something visible to the public, often after some effort or planning. It might be too informal for certain professional contexts where "exhibit" or "display" may be better.