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Preposition before noun

“On show” or “of show”?

On show is a standard expression meaning displayed to the public. Of show is not a normal English combination.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

Use on show when something is being displayed or exhibited. Of show is not idiomatic in current English except inside larger noun phrases such as the end of the show.

The paintings are on show this week.
Rare jewellery was on show at the museum.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
on show

Displaying something publicly

Use on show for exhibitions, museums, shops, and public displays.

The new collection is on show until Friday.
Ancient coins were on show in the gallery.
2
on show at + place

Naming the location of an exhibition

Use at to say where the items are displayed.

The sculpture is on show at the city museum.
Her designs were on show at the fashion fair.
3
show of + noun

Using of after show in a different structure

Of can follow show when show means display or demonstration in a larger phrase.

The event was a show of support.
They made a show of confidence.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
on show
The photographs are on show this month.
correct expression meaning displayed publicly
of show
the end of the show
of does not normally combine directly with show in the sense of exhibition
show of
a show of strength
different structure meaning a display or demonstration
on a show
She appeared on a show about cooking.
different meaning related to television or entertainment

Common mistakes

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

Using of show for exhibitions

Of show is not a standard phrase for public display.

✕ The paintings are of show. ✓ The paintings are on show.

Confusing on show with in show

Use on show, not in show, for exhibitions.

✕ The jewellery is in show. ✓ The jewellery is on show.

Using show of instead of on show

Show of has a different meaning.

✕ The cars are show of this weekend. ✓ The cars are on show this weekend.

Omitting the preposition

The fixed phrase needs on.

✕ The collection is show at the gallery. ✓ The collection is on show at the gallery.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The designer's work is ___ show this month.
2. They made a show ___ unity.
3. Rare books are on show ___ the national library.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “on show” mean?

It means displayed publicly, often in a museum, gallery, or shop.

Is “of show” correct English?

Not as a fixed phrase. It appears only inside other structures such as the title of the show.

Can “show of” be correct?

Yes. A show of support or show of strength means a public display of something.

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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