a cautious performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cautious performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a performance that is careful, measured, or restrained, often to avoid risks or mistakes. Example: "The actor delivered a cautious performance, ensuring that every line was delivered with precision and thoughtfulness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That can produce a cautious performance.

Forbes

Ken Tucker from Entertainment Weekly noticed that Madonna delivered a "joyous, unironic, openhearted" show, instead of resorting to a cautious performance.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Miserly Internazionale recorded their eighth Serie A win of the season, all of them by single-goal margins, when they beat Torino 1-0 on Sunday to briefly go top – until Fiorentina's 2-0 win over Sampdoria later on Sunday – with a typically cautious performance.

The Guardian - Sport

That a true Norma voice had arrived was confirmed in 2010 when Ms. Meade sang a sumptuous if cautious performance of the role in a complete "Norma" at the Caramoor Festival in 2010.

The New York Times - Arts

Another is the sodden presence and cautious performance of Jean Desailly in François Truffaut's recently re-released "The Soft Skin".

The New Yorker

Successful navigation within the men's spaces required instead a cautious interplay in performances between the researcher's ethnic, personal/familial and public (or professional) identities and roles.

Ageing and Society

Yet there was a cautious quality to her performance.

The New York Times - Arts

While financial institutions will continue to address such issues, there is a cautious optimism now about bank performance.

The New York Times

Despite its recent strong performance, Greene King also struck a cautious note about the future.

The Guardian - Business

In short, additional data, further refinement of the method and the use of a cautious classifier could lead to a test performance nearer 90%.

Bioinformatics

The party leader, Charles Kennedy, called it "a good night", a cautious phrase echoed at Labour HQ in Millbank where officials spoke of "a solid performance".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cautious performance" when you want to describe a presentation or act that is delivered with great care, avoiding risks and potential mistakes. It can be used in contexts ranging from sports to arts, or in business settings to convey careful deliberation.

Common error

Avoid using "a cautious performance" when you intend to describe a bold, innovative, or emotionally charged act. This phrase can imply a lack of passion or originality, so consider alternatives that better convey enthusiasm or daring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cautious performance" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "cautious" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "performance". It describes the manner or quality of the performance itself, characterizing it as careful and measured. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cautious performance" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an act executed with care and a focus on avoiding risks. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English. While not highly frequent, it appears in various contexts, notably in News & Media and Science. When considering alternatives, focus on synonyms that accurately reflect the nuance of care and risk avoidance. The phrase is best suited for describing situations where precision and safety are prioritized over boldness or innovation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a restrained performance

Emphasizes the control and suppression of emotions or actions in the performance.

a careful showing

Highlights the attention to detail and avoidance of mistakes during the performance.

a guarded act

Suggests a performance characterized by defensiveness and self-protection.

a circumspect presentation

Implies a thoughtful and prudent approach to the performance, considering all possible outcomes.

a conservative display

Focuses on the avoidance of risks and adherence to traditional methods.

a prudent execution

Highlights the wisdom and good judgment shown in carrying out the performance.

a tentative rendition

Indicates a hesitance or lack of confidence in the performance.

a low-key enactment

Emphasizes the subtlety and lack of extravagance in the performance.

an unadventurous showing

Highlights the lack of boldness or originality in the performance.

a measured delivery

Focuses on the deliberate and controlled pace of the performance.

FAQs

What does "a cautious performance" mean?

The phrase "a cautious performance" describes an act, showing, or execution that's characterized by carefulness and a deliberate effort to avoid mistakes or risks. It suggests a lack of spontaneity and a focus on precision.

How can I use "a cautious performance" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company delivered "a cautious performance" during the earnings call, focusing on stability over growth," or "The athlete gave "a cautious performance", prioritizing accuracy over speed".

What are some synonyms for "a cautious performance"?

Alternatives to "a cautious performance" include "a restrained performance", "a careful showing", or "a guarded act". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to describe something as "a cautious performance"?

It's appropriate when describing a situation where care and risk avoidance are emphasized. This is true particularly in contexts where mistakes could have significant consequences. It's less fitting for situations where boldness or creativity is valued.