Liquid crystal compositions and displays using the compositions are disclosed. The compositions contains at least one compound represented by the general formula (I), at least one compound represented by the general formula (II), and at least one compound represented by the general formula (III), or as well as the above compounds, at least one compound represented by the general formula (IV) as main components. ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 are independently alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sup.3 and R.sup.8 each may also independently be an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sup.7 may also be an alkoxymethyl group having 1 to 11 carbon atoms; R.sup.5 is H; R.sup.6 is a CN group; are each independently ##STR2## and X is a single bond, --COO--, or --C.ident.C--.