put on shows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put on shows" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of organizing or presenting performances, events, or exhibitions, typically in a theatrical or entertainment context. Example: "The theater group plans to put on shows every weekend throughout the summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He did radio broadcasts, put on shows, wrote about it, dreamed about it.

The New York Times

There was no money for drama school, so she put on shows outside her family's home.

The Guardian - Film

They also put on shows, sometimes in dialect, in the theatre at the back.

The Guardian - Travel

So when such galleries put on shows, it's worth taking a peek.

The New York Times - Arts

He has put on shows other than musicals, but has no apologies for his current slate of old favorites.

The New York Times

The fact that we put on shows of pottery, and small personal objects and musical instruments, tends to say to people out there: 'Hello!

The New York Times - Arts

"We put on shows in the old New York Coliseum for 17 years, every winter from December through March," she continued.

The New York Times - Arts

Museums put on shows like "Chocolate," a meandering, mildly educational tribute to the beloved bean, whose genus name, Theobroma, means "food of the gods".

The New York Times - Arts

"We go swimming in the town pool, we go to the beach and the park, and we put on shows and sing songs.

The New York Times

Within six months in 1936, he put on shows by Braque, Picasso, Seurat, Monet and Matisse.

BBC

Prada, Gucci and Armani put on shows, too, but it was the Ralph Lauren line that made the front page of the International Herald Tribune the next day.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events that involve a strong element of entertainment or performance, using the phrase "put on shows" can add a vivid and engaging tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "putting on a show" when you mean to describe the act of staging multiple performances. "Putting on a show" typically implies deception or pretense, while "putting on shows" simply means organizing and presenting performances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put on shows" functions as a verb phrase, where "put on" acts as a phrasal verb and "shows" is the direct object. It describes the action of organizing and presenting performances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Arts

25%

General

20%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put on shows" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of organizing and presenting performances or events. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and the arts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid confusing it with "putting on a show", which implies deception. Alternative phrases like "stage performances" or "organize events" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Overall, "put on shows" is a versatile and effective expression for describing the presentation of entertainment and cultural experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

present performances

This is a direct synonym, focusing on the act of offering performances to an audience.

produce performances

This emphasizes the work and effort involved in creating and staging a show.

create productions

Similar to 'produce performances', highlighting the creation aspect.

stage performances

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of presenting a theatrical work.

arrange performances

Focuses on the planning and coordination aspects of putting on a show.

conduct performances

This is a more formal way to express the act of presenting a show, often used in academic or professional contexts.

orchestrate events

Implies a more complex and carefully managed event.

organize events

This is a broader term, encompassing any type of organized event, not just performances.

host events

Similar to 'organize events', but with an emphasis on welcoming and providing for guests.

mount exhibitions

Specifically refers to the staging of exhibitions, often in museums or galleries.

FAQs

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

You can use "put on shows" to describe the act of organizing and presenting performances, for example: "The community theater group plans to "put on shows" every weekend throughout the summer."

What can I say instead of "put on shows"?

You can use alternatives like "stage performances", "organize events", or "present performances" depending on the context.

Is "put on shows" formal or informal?

The phrase ""put on shows"" is generally considered to be neutral in formality. It is suitable for both casual and professional contexts.

What is the difference between "put on a show" and "put on shows"?

"Put on a show" usually implies deception or pretense, while ""put on shows"" refers to the act of organizing and presenting performances or events.