a guest appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a guest appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a situation where someone, often a celebrity or notable figure, makes a brief appearance in a performance, show, or event. Example: "The show was exciting, especially with the surprise of a guest appearance by a famous actor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cyd Charisse makes a guest appearance.

The New York Times

Rachmaninoff even made a guest appearance, of sorts.

The New York Times

Expect a guest appearance by the English chef Gordon Ramsay.

The New York Times

How about a guest appearance by John Lennon?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What next: A guest appearance on Coronation Street.

The Guardian

Sammy Davis Jr., the black entertainer, made a guest appearance.

The New York Times - Arts

Pete Seeger is to make a guest appearance.

The New York Times - Arts

On one visit, Ms. Ewers noted a guest appearance by callaloo, a spinachlike green from Jamaica.

The New York Times - Food

At the Iganga seminar, Stephen Wante, the mayor of Bugembe, made a guest appearance.

The Guardian

I felt like Bear Grylls making a guest appearance on The Truman Show.

Independent

A guest appearance by Mitchell herself, Hancock's accommodating playing, and Shorter's solos are highlights.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a guest appearance" when you want to emphasize that someone notable is briefly participating in an event or performance. It's a good way to add interest and excitement to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a guest appearance" if the person is playing a substantial or recurring role. This phrase is specifically for brief, often one-time, contributions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a guest appearance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., 'make', 'feature', 'include'). According to Ludwig AI, the phrase refers to a brief appearance in a performance, show, or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

42%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a guest appearance" is a common noun phrase used to describe a brief participation by a notable person in an event or performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted, particularly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the appearance is indeed brief and special to avoid misuse. Consider alternatives such as "cameo role" or "special appearance" for nuanced meanings. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cameo role

Focuses on the brevity and often non-essential nature of the appearance.

a special appearance

Emphasizes the unique and noteworthy aspect of the appearance.

a walk-on role

Highlights the brief and often silent nature of the appearance.

a one-off appearance

Stresses that the appearance is a singular event and not recurring.

a surprise appearance

Adds the element of unexpectedness to the appearance.

a featured spot

Implies that the appearance is a prominent part of the event.

a short stint

Focuses on the limited duration of the participation.

a brief engagement

Highlights the temporary nature of the involvement.

a fleeting visit

Emphasizes the short and insubstantial nature of the appearance.

a bit part

Focuses on the small and often insignificant role played.

FAQs

How to use "a guest appearance" in a sentence?

You can use "a guest appearance" to describe a brief participation of a notable person in an event, for example: "The show featured "a guest appearance" by a famous actor".

What can I say instead of "a guest appearance"?

You can use alternatives like "cameo role", "special appearance", or "walk-on role" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "make a guest appearance"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "make "a guest appearance"" is a common and accepted way to describe someone briefly participating in a show or event.

What is the difference between "a guest appearance" and "a cameo"?

While similar, ""a guest appearance"" generally refers to any brief participation, whereas a "cameo" often involves a celebrity playing themselves or a very minor role, usually uncredited.