Cool MateDisplay vs We can show you
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Display
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
We can show you
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Display
| Display | We can show you | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈspleɪ/","/dɪˈspleɪz/","/dɪˈspleɪd/","/dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈspleɪ/","/dɪˈspleɪz/","/dɪˈspleɪd/","/dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //wiː kən ʃoʊ juː//🇺🇸 //wi kæn ʃoʊ ju// |
| Meaning | To show something so that people can see it. | We can demonstrate something to you. |
| Example | Please display the results on the screen for everyone to see. | We can show you how to use this software effectively. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | clearly, prominently, proudly, to | show you around, show you how, show you the way, show you something, show you the results |
| Antonyms | conceal, hide, obscure | - |
| 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. | Omitting 'you' at the end of the phrase., Confusing with 'We show you' which is less polite., Incorrect verb tense, using 'showed' instead of 'show'. |
| 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 this phrase in friendly or professional settings when offering to explain or demonstrate something. Avoid it in very informal contexts. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Display vs We can show you
What's the difference between Display and We can show you?
Display: To show something so that people can see it. We can show you: We can demonstrate something to you.
Which is more common: Display and We can show you?
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. We can show you: We can show you how to use this software effectively.
Can I use Display and We can show you interchangeably?
Not always. Display and We can show you 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.