What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shown
Example
The results of the experiment were shown to be inconclusive. [shown: past participle]
Example
The presenter showed us a graph to illustrate her point. [showed: past tense]
displayed
Example
The artwork was displayed in the gallery for a month. [displayed: past participle]
Example
The store displayed its products in an attractive manner to attract customers. [displayed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Displayed is more commonly used than shown in everyday language, especially in the context of art, business, and advertising. Shown is more commonly used in academic or scientific writing to describe the act of proving or demonstrating something.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shown and displayed?
Both shown and displayed can be used in formal and informal contexts, but shown may be slightly more formal due to its association with academic or scientific writing.
