Display vs Perform for the chess club

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Display

Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb

Perform for the chess club

Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Display
 DisplayPerform for the chess club
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈspleɪ/","/dɪˈspleɪz/","/dɪˈspleɪd/","/dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈspleɪ/","/dɪˈspleɪz/","/dɪˈspleɪd/","/dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //pəˈfɔːm//🇺🇸 //pərˈfɔrm//
MeaningTo show something so that people can see it.To do something in front of people for an audience.
ExamplePlease display the results on the screen for everyone to see.We will perform for the chess club next Saturday.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsclearly, prominently, proudly, toperform for an audience, perform at an event, perform a task, perform a trick, perform a feat
Antonymsconceal, hide, obscure-
Common mistakesSaying 'displayed for me' instead of 'displayed to me'., Using 'display' as a noun when a verb is required., Confused with 'exhibit' which has a more formal tone.Using 'perform' instead of 'play' for non-theatrical activities., Confusing 'perform' with 'do' in contexts that require a specific action., Overgeneralizing the term without specifying the type of performance.
Usage notesUse 'display' in contexts involving showing information or items. It's appropriate for both written and spoken communication. Avoid in very informal situations where simpler words like 'show' may be preferred.Used when discussing acts such as games or displays. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts but may vary depending on the type of performance.

Frequently asked questions: Display vs Perform for the chess club

What's the difference between Display and Perform for the chess club?

Display: To show something so that people can see it. Perform for the chess club: To do something in front of people for an audience.

Which is more common: Display and Perform for the chess club?

Display is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Display: Please display the results on the screen for everyone to see. Perform for the chess club: We will perform for the chess club next Saturday.

Can I use Display and Perform for the chess club interchangeably?

Not always. Display and Perform for the chess club are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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