Cool MateExhibit vs Show
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Exhibit
FormalTop 2,000 (common)B2verb
Show
High-frequency chunkA1verb
Most formal: ExhibitMost common: Show
| Exhibit | Show | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪɡˈzɪbɪt//🇺🇸 //ɪɡˈzɪbɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/ʃəʊ/","/ʃəʊz/","/ʃəʊd/","/ʃəʊn/","/ˈʃəʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ʃəʊ/","/ʃəʊz/","/ʃəʊd/","/ʃəʊn/","/ˈʃəʊɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To show something publicly. | to let someone see something |
| Example | The museum will exhibit ancient artifacts from Egypt. | Can you show me how to solve this math problem? |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | High-frequency chunk |
| CEFR level | B2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | exhibit art, exhibit evidence, exhibit a collection | clearly, conclusively, convincingly, appear to, seem to, go to, to, a chance to show something, clearly, conclusively, convincingly, appear to, seem to, go to, to, a chance to show something, clearly, conclusively, convincingly, appear to, seem to, go to, to, a chance to show something, clearly, conclusively, convincingly, appear to, seem to, go to, to, a chance to show something, clearly, conclusively, convincingly, appear to, seem to, go to, to, a chance to show something, hardly, begin to, let something, hardly, begin to, let something, clearly, conclusively, convincingly, appear to, seem to, go to, to, a chance to show something, clearly, conclusively, convincingly, appear to, seem to, go to, to, a chance to show something, clearly, conclusively, convincingly, appear to, seem to, go to, to, a chance to show something |
| Antonyms | conceal, hide, suppress | hide, conceal, cover |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'display' - 'display' is more common in everyday usage., Using 'exhibit' when referring to personal belongings - it's typically for art or science displays., Using 'exhibited' instead of 'exhibited' in past contexts. | Confused with 'exhibit' in formal contexts, Using incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb, Confusing the past tense 'showed' with 'shown' |
| Usage notes | Use 'exhibit' in formal contexts like museums or academic presentations. It may sound too elaborate in casual conversations. | Use 'show' when presenting something to someone. Avoid in very formal contexts; instead, use 'demonstrate'. Common in everyday conversation. |
Frequently asked questions: Exhibit vs Show
What's the difference between Exhibit and Show?
Exhibit: To show something publicly. Show: to let someone see something
Which is more formal: Exhibit and Show?
Exhibit is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Exhibit and Show?
Show is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Exhibit and Show?
Exhibit is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Exhibit and Show the same CEFR level?
Exhibit: B2, Show: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Exhibit and Show?
Exhibit: verb, Show: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Exhibit: The museum will exhibit ancient artifacts from Egypt. Show: Can you show me how to solve this math problem?
Can I use Exhibit and Show interchangeably?
Not always. Exhibit and Show 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.