Cool MateDisplay vs Show
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Display
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Show
High-frequency chunkA1verb
| Display | Show | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈspleɪ/","/dɪˈspleɪz/","/dɪˈspleɪd/","/dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈspleɪ/","/dɪˈspleɪz/","/dɪˈspleɪd/","/dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ʃəʊ/","/ʃəʊz/","/ʃəʊd/","/ʃəʊn/","/ˈʃəʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ʃəʊ/","/ʃəʊz/","/ʃəʊd/","/ʃəʊn/","/ˈʃəʊɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To show something so that people can see it. | to let someone see something |
| Example | Please display the results on the screen for everyone to see. | Can you show me how to solve this math problem? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | High-frequency chunk |
| CEFR level | B2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | clearly, prominently, proudly, to | 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, obscure | hide, conceal, cover |
| Common mistakes | 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. | 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 '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 'show' when presenting something to someone. Avoid in very formal contexts; instead, use 'demonstrate'. Common in everyday conversation. |
Frequently asked questions: Display vs Show
What's the difference between Display and Show?
Display: To show something so that people can see it. Show: to let someone see something
Which is more advanced: Display and Show?
Display is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Display and Show the same CEFR level?
Display: B2, Show: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Display and Show?
Display: verb, Show: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Display: Please display the results on the screen for everyone to see. Show: Can you show me how to solve this math problem?
Can I use Display and Show interchangeably?
Not always. Display 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.