Cool MateDemonstration vs Display vs Exhibition vs Explanation vs Show
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Demonstration
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
Display
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Exhibition
Top 3,000 (common)B1noun
Explanation
Top 2,000 (common)A2noun
Show
High-frequency chunkA1verb
| Demonstration | Display | Exhibition | Explanation | Show | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌdemənˈstreɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌdemənˈstreɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈspleɪ/","/dɪˈspleɪz/","/dɪˈspleɪd/","/dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈspleɪ/","/dɪˈspleɪz/","/dɪˈspleɪd/","/dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌeksɪˈbɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌeksɪˈbɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌekspləˈneɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌekspləˈneɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ʃəʊ/","/ʃəʊz/","/ʃəʊd/","/ʃəʊn/","/ˈʃəʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ʃəʊ/","/ʃəʊz/","/ʃəʊd/","/ʃəʊn/","/ˈʃəʊɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | A public event to show or explain something. | To show something so that people can see it. | A public show where things like art or products are displayed. | A statement or description that makes something clear. | to let someone see something |
| Example | The teacher gave a clear demonstration of the scientific experiment. | Please display the results on the screen for everyone to see. | The art exhibition showcased several contemporary artists. | The teacher gave a clear explanation of the difficult concept. | Can you show me how to solve this math problem? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) | High-frequency chunk |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 | B1 | A2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | noun | verb | noun | noun | verb |
| Collocations | big, huge, large, hold, organize, stage, take place, call for something, greet, at a/the demonstration, during a/the demonstration, demonstration against, physical, practical, live, conduct, do, give somebody, clear, convincing, dramatic, provide | clearly, prominently, proudly, to | big, large, small, have, hold, host, open, close, end, area, centre/center, floor, on exhibition, exhibition of, exhibition on | convincing, credible, good, have, give (somebody), offer (somebody), lie, emerge, occur to somebody, in explanation, without explanation, explanation about, an attempt at explanation, by way of explanation, convincing, credible, good, have, give (somebody), offer (somebody), lie, emerge, occur to somebody, in explanation, without explanation, explanation about, an attempt at explanation, by way of explanation | 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 | concealment, hiding | conceal, hide, obscure | concealment, secret | confusion, mystification | hide, conceal, cover |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'demonstrate' as a verb., Using in overly casual settings., Mixing up with 'presentation' which is more formal. | Saying '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. | Confusing 'exhibition' with 'exhibit' when they have different grammatical uses., Using 'exhibition' in non-public contexts where 'show' or 'display' might be more suitable., Omitting necessary articles (e.g., 'the exhibition') before 'exhibition'. | 'Explanation' is often confused with 'explanation' versus 'explanatory'., Sometimes learners forget to use 'an' before 'explanation'., Using 'explain' instead of 'explanation' in noun forms. | 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 'demonstration' in contexts like events, teaching, or when showing how something works. Avoid using in informal contexts. | Use '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. | Use 'exhibition' in contexts related to art, trade shows, or public displays. It's appropriate in both casual and formal discussions, but avoid in everyday conversation when simpler words can suffice. | Use 'explanation' in neutral contexts. It’s suitable for formal writing, but can also be used in conversation. Avoid it in very casual or slang contexts. | Use 'show' when presenting something to someone. Avoid in very formal contexts; instead, use 'demonstrate'. Common in everyday conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Demonstration vs Display vs Exhibition vs Explanation vs Show
What's the difference between Demonstration, Display, Exhibition, Explanation, and Show?
Demonstration: A public event to show or explain something. Display: To show something so that people can see it. Exhibition: A public show where things like art or products are displayed. Explanation: A statement or description that makes something clear. Show: to let someone see something
Are Demonstration, Display, Exhibition, Explanation, and Show the same CEFR level?
Demonstration: B2, Display: B2, Exhibition: B1, Explanation: A2, Show: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Demonstration, Display, Exhibition, Explanation, and Show?
Demonstration: noun, Display: verb, Exhibition: noun, Explanation: noun, Show: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Demonstration: The teacher gave a clear demonstration of the scientific experiment. Display: Please display the results on the screen for everyone to see. Exhibition: The art exhibition showcased several contemporary artists. Explanation: The teacher gave a clear explanation of the difficult concept. Show: Can you show me how to solve this math problem?
Can I use Demonstration, Display, Exhibition, Explanation, and Show interchangeably?
Not always. Demonstration, Display, Exhibition, Explanation, 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.