Display vs They're showing a tom mix picture

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

Display

Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb

They're showing a tom mix picture

Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Display
 DisplayThey're showing a tom mix picture
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈspleɪ/","/dɪˈspleɪz/","/dɪˈspleɪd/","/dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈspleɪ/","/dɪˈspleɪz/","/dɪˈspleɪd/","/dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //ʃoʊ//🇺🇸 //ʃoʊ//
MeaningTo show something so that people can see it.They are displaying a movie featuring Tom Mix.
ExamplePlease display the results on the screen for everyone to see.They're showing a Tom Mix picture at the local theater.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsclearly, prominently, proudly, toshow a film, show a picture, show appreciation, show results, show interest
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.Confusing 'show' with 'tell' (which means to explain verbally), Using 'show' for invisible or abstract concepts, where 'present' may be more appropriate, Incorrectly conjugating 'show' in different tenses
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.Use 'show' in contexts where displaying something visually is intended. It is common in both spoken and written English.

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They're showing a tom mix picture

Frequently asked questions: Display vs They're showing a tom mix picture

What's the difference between Display and They're showing a tom mix picture?

Display: To show something so that people can see it. They're showing a tom mix picture: They are displaying a movie featuring Tom Mix.

Which is more common: Display and They're showing a tom mix picture?

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. They're showing a tom mix picture: They're showing a Tom Mix picture at the local theater.

Can I use Display and They're showing a tom mix picture interchangeably?

Not always. Display and They're showing a tom mix picture 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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