What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
showed
Example
She showed me her new dress. [showed: past tense]
Example
He showed great courage in the face of danger. [showed: past participle]
Example
The data showed a significant increase in sales. [showed: past tense]
displayed
Example
The museum displayed a collection of ancient artifacts. [displayed: past tense]
Example
The store displayed its products in an eye-catching manner. [displayed: past tense]
Example
He displayed a great deal of anger when he heard the news. [displayed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Showed is more commonly used than displayed in everyday language, as it is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, displayed is more commonly used in written language, particularly in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between showed and displayed?
Displayed has a more formal connotation than showed, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Therefore, displayed is more appropriate for formal or academic writing, while showed can be used in a wider range of contexts.
