a passable performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passable performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a performance that is satisfactory but not exceptional, indicating that it meets the minimum standards. Example: "The actor delivered a passable performance, managing to engage the audience without leaving a lasting impression."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The strings had their ear-catching moments later in the concert, particularly in the last two movements of the Brahms Fourth Symphony, where they played with the kind of passion that makes the difference between a passable performance and an exciting one.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Based on physicochemical properties, PseAAC based features take into account the knowledge of sequence order, achieving a passable prediction performance.

BioMed Research International

As far as Land Rover is concerned, the eD4 isn't just "one for the road"; if any car is going to carry its famous badge, it has to provide at least passable performance over the rough stuff whether it has four-wheel drive or not.

Independent

In one sequence Peggy, Mildred and Bart appear to have dinner without any food being set on the table.It is a lethargic and often dull production, in spite of the good acting by both Genevieve Tobin as Mildred and Miss Wilson as Peggy, Zazu Pitts as a servant and passable performances by some of the other players.

The New York Times

On the last of his many visits to London, Mendelssohn gave Victoria and Albert a private performance, and the Queen, a passable soprano, sang his and his sister's songs.

The Guardian - Music

I am a passable lawyer.

The New Yorker

It was a passable sound bite.

The New York Times

Now he's doing a passable impression.

The Guardian - Film

But what happens if you get a passable appetizer?

Harvard University

Can you do a passable rendition of Fire and Rain?

The Guardian - Film

"He can't even write a passable dance," she added.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a passable performance" to describe something that meets the minimum requirements but does not necessarily excel. For stronger emphasis, consider alternatives like "excellent performance" or "outstanding achievement".

Common error

Avoid consistently using "a passable performance" to describe all situations. It can create a sense of mediocrity. Instead, use a variety of adjectives to accurately reflect the quality, ranging from "adequate" to "exceptional."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passable performance" functions as a noun phrase, where "passable" is an adjective modifying the noun "performance". Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase. It describes the quality of an action or event.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a passable performance" is grammatically correct and serves to describe something that meets a minimum standard without necessarily being exceptional. Ludwig AI indicates this is suitable for use in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. Related phrases include "an adequate showing" and "a satisfactory effort". While acceptable, overusing this phrase should be avoided to prevent conveying a sense of mediocrity. It is considered rare in frequency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an adequate showing

Emphasizes the sufficiency of the performance, suggesting it meets the minimum requirements.

a satisfactory effort

Focuses on the effort put into the performance, implying it was acceptable but not outstanding.

a competent display

Highlights the skill and ability demonstrated in the performance, suggesting it was well-executed but not exceptional.

a fair rendition

Indicates that the performance was a reasonable interpretation or presentation of the material.

a tolerable act

Suggests the performance was barely acceptable, implying it had some flaws but was not entirely unsuccessful.

an acceptable presentation

Focuses on the delivery of the performance, implying it was adequate but not particularly engaging.

a standard execution

Highlights that the performance followed established norms and procedures, suggesting it was unremarkable but technically sound.

a routine showing

Implies that the performance was typical and uninspired, lacking originality or creativity.

an undistinguished exhibition

Suggests the performance was unremarkable and did not stand out in any particular way.

a run-of-the-mill performance

Highlights that the performance was ordinary and commonplace, lacking any exceptional qualities.

FAQs

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

You can use "a passable performance" to describe something that is adequate or acceptable, but not outstanding. For example, "The student gave "a passable performance" on the exam, earning a C grade".

What can I say instead of "a passable performance"?

You can use alternatives like "an adequate showing", "a satisfactory effort", or "a competent display" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a passable performance" or "an adequate performance"?

Both "a passable performance" and "an adequate performance" are similar in meaning. "Passable" suggests meeting a minimum standard, while "adequate" suggests sufficiency. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "a passable performance" imply about the quality?

Saying something is "a passable performance" implies it is neither excellent nor terrible, but rather somewhere in the middle. It is acceptable but not noteworthy.