Sign In Get Started
Prepositions with nouns

How to use “exhibition” with prepositions

The noun exhibition commonly appears with for when something is intended to be shown publicly. The phrase of exhibition is usually not a standard combination.

Quick answer

Which preposition is correct with “exhibition”?

Use for exhibition when describing items intended for display. Of exhibition is generally not used as a fixed phrase in modern English.

The paintings were prepared for exhibition in Paris.
Several sculptures are for exhibition next month.
The gallery selected rare photographs for exhibition.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
for exhibition

Showing intended public display

Use for exhibition when something is meant to be displayed.

The artist shipped the works for exhibition abroad.
These objects are reserved for exhibition only.
2
exhibition of + items

Naming what is displayed

Use exhibition of to introduce the subject of an exhibition.

The museum hosted an exhibition of ancient coins.
We visited an exhibition of modern photography.
3
on exhibition

Describing items currently displayed

On exhibition means publicly displayed.

The original manuscript is on exhibition this week.
Several costumes remain on exhibition at the theatre.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
for exhibition
The paintings were packed for exhibition.
Intended for display.
of exhibition
The phrase of exhibition is not normally used as a fixed expression.
Generally nonstandard in modern English.
exhibition of
an exhibition of local art
Names the content of the exhibition.
on exhibition
The sculpture is on exhibition.
Currently being displayed.

Common mistakes

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

Using of directly before exhibition

English does not normally use of exhibition as a fixed phrase.

✕ items of exhibition ✓ items for exhibition

Confusing for exhibition and exhibition of

For exhibition describes purpose, while exhibition of names the content.

✕ an exhibition for paintings ✓ an exhibition of paintings

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The collection was sent ___ exhibition overseas.
2. We visited an exhibition ___ contemporary design.
3. The jewellery is currently ___ exhibition.

Check your sentence in context

Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

Free to try · No signup required

Frequently asked questions

Is “for exhibition” correct?

Yes. It is used when objects are intended to be displayed publicly.

Can I say “of exhibition”?

Not usually. It is not a common fixed phrase in modern English.

What is the difference between “for exhibition” and “on exhibition”?

For exhibition refers to purpose, while on exhibition refers to current display.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

Write with confidence in Linguix

Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.

Create a free account