Grammar Lesson: Exhibit vs. Exhibition

And a little Valentine’s Day love

Happy Friday and Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you have something nice planned for the weekend, regardless of your relationship status. I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day, even when I was single—and let me tell you, I have been single many more years of my life than not—because it’s so cute. It’s chouette, in fact. Rather antiquated, misunderstood but delightful if you’re willing to look closely. Today I want to talk to you about something else that is not very chouette, however.

The best photo I’ve ever taken.

Remember when I lamented the misuse of the word aesthetic? Today’s lamentation is about the misuse of the word exhibit. I’ve been hearing it more and more frequently and I’ve reached my breaking point. Let’s start by defining exhibit. According to the dictionary, it means an object or small collection of objects on public display in an art gallery, museum or trade show. Other definitions describe it as referring to an object or small group of objects shown to a small group of people, rather than publicly. There is a bit of disagreement there, but my understanding is that exhibit is singular whereas exhibition is plural. Think “Exhibit A!” versus “Chris Clamp’s exhibition.” A painting is on exhibit, but the entire room of all the paintings comprises the exhibition. Even though there’s a slight disagreement among internet dictionaries, I know I’m right. It drives me nuts when people call the gallery and ask about our current “exhibit.” I hear industry professionals make this gaff, as well as journalists, artists and even critics. Every time, I bristle and wince.

Why does it bother me so much? I think because I used to do it. In my youth, I used to say exhibit, too. I stopped because my mom kept correcting me, citing the singular versus plural rule, and it stuck with me. She doubtlessly had an encyclopedic knowledge of grammar and expert command of the English language. I don’t question anything she ever taught me about these things, so when I hear others make this error, red flags go up. It’s similar to when people say they “graduated” college instead of “graduated from” college. Horrors!

But listen, if you didn’t know the difference between exhibit and exhibition, I won’t tell anyone. Just remember it now that I’ve taught you the rule. Go forth, use the right word in the right way and spread some love—grammatical or otherwise—this Valentine’s Day!