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Prepositions after verbs

Display on or display in?

Display on is common for screens, websites, and surfaces. Display in is used for containers, windows, exhibitions, or places where something appears.

Quick answer

Which preposition goes with display?

Use display on for screens, pages, signs, and surfaces. Use display in for spaces, collections, rooms, or windows where something is shown.

The error message was displayed on the monitor.
Her paintings were displayed in the gallery.
The price is displayed on the website.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
display on + screen/surface

Showing information on a visible surface

Use on when something appears on a screen, board, page, or other surface.

Flight updates are displayed on the airport screens.
The logo was displayed on the front page.
2
display in + place/container

Showing something inside a place or space

Use in for museums, windows, rooms, exhibitions, or other enclosed spaces.

Ancient coins are displayed in a glass case.
The dress was displayed in the shop window.
3
display + object

Showing something without a following preposition

Display can take a direct object with no preposition after the verb.

The museum displays modern sculpture.
The app displayed the results instantly.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
display on
The schedule is displayed on the screen.
used for surfaces, screens, pages, and signs
display in
The sculpture is displayed in the entrance hall.
used for rooms, containers, galleries, and enclosed spaces
display at
The company displayed its products at the trade fair.
used for events or locations where something is presented
display with
The vase was displayed with several rare books.
used to show accompanying items

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using in for screens

For screens, monitors, and pages, on is usually the natural choice.

✕ The message was displayed in the screen. ✓ The message was displayed on the screen.

Using on for enclosed display spaces

Use in for windows, galleries, and cases.

✕ The jewels were displayed on the glass case. ✓ The jewels were displayed in the glass case.

Adding an unnecessary preposition

Display often takes a direct object without a preposition.

✕ The app displayed on the results. ✓ The app displayed the results.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The notice was displayed ___ the main screen.
2. The paintings were displayed ___ the museum lobby.
3. The website displays prices ___ the homepage.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say displayed on television?

Yes. On is standard for television, monitors, and other screens.

Is display in correct for a magazine?

Usually on is more natural for pages and covers: displayed on the cover.

Can display be used without a preposition?

Yes. Display often takes a direct object, as in The app displays maps.

dabble, in, dabble, with "damage to" or "damage by"? dance to, with, on, in or for? "dangle from" or "dangle in"? dare to, for, on, as or at? dash to, into, out, from or on? daydream about, for, in, of or on? "debate in", "debate on" or "debate with"? deceive by, in, into, on or about? "decide on", "decide to" or "decide by"? declare in, by, on, to or as? decline in, by, from, to or for?

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