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Preposition before noun

Display with prepositions

Display commonly appears in the phrase on display and in display of with emotions or qualities.

Quick answer

Which prepositions are used with display?

On display means being shown publicly. Display of introduces something being expressed or shown. At display is not standard with this noun.

The painting is on display this month.
a remarkable display of courage

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
on display

Showing public exhibition

Use on display for objects being shown to others.

The jewellery is on display at the museum.
2
display of + quality

Showing emotion or skill

Display of introduces a quality or behaviour.

a dramatic display of anger
3
display for + audience/purpose

Showing intended use

For can express who the display is meant for.

a special display for children

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
on display
Several sculptures are on display.
being exhibited publicly
display of
Her speech was a display of confidence.
visible expression of a quality
display about
The museum created a display about space travel.
topic of the exhibition
display for
The display for tourists opened today.
intended audience or purpose
at display
The painting was at display.
nonstandard; use on display

Common mistakes

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

Using at display

English uses on display for exhibitions.

✕ The car is at display. ✓ The car is on display.

Confusing display of and display about

Of shows a quality; about shows a topic.

✕ a display about generosity ✓ a display of generosity

Missing an article before display

Countable uses often need a determiner.

✕ Museum opened new display. ✓ The museum opened a new display.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The documents are ___ display in the library.
2. His calm reaction was a display ___ leadership.
3. The museum created a display ___ local history.

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Frequently asked questions

What does on display mean?

It means being exhibited or shown publicly.

Can display of describe emotions?

Yes. English often uses display of anger, courage, or affection.

Is at display correct?

No. Standard English uses on 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"?

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