a performance of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a performance of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to paintings, plays, concerts, or any activity that requires someone to perform. For example, "The band put on an incredible performance of their new song."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a performance of considerable maturity".

Independent

"I remember a performance of [Massenet's] Werther.

The Guardian - Music

Catch a performance of "Saturday Night Fever".

The New York Times

THOUGH a performance of Bach's "St.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a performance of flagrant charm.

The Guardian

Go to a performance of Mozart's Requiem?

MIT Technology Review

This was a performance of supreme musicianship.

The Guardian - Music

She heard a performance of the school's conductorless orchestra.

The New York Times - Magazine

The concert will also include a performance of Sibelius's "Finlandia".

The New York Times - Arts

It was a performance of grit and determination.

The Guardian - Sport

But then this is a performance of touchingly blurred boundaries.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a performance of" to describe events, skills, or actions that are executed in front of an audience or in a public setting. For example: "The concert featured a captivating performance of classical compositions."

Common error

While "a performance of" is versatile, avoid using it when simpler terms like "execution" or "display" could provide a more direct and concise description. Overusing it can make your writing sound verbose. Consider alternatives like "an execution of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a performance of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as a noun modifier or complement within a sentence. It often specifies what is being performed, displayed, or executed. Ludwig examples show its use in describing musical performances, theatrical productions, and even displays of skill or determination. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a performance of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that functions to specify or describe a particular instance of an event, skill, or piece of work being presented or executed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and versatile phrase applicable across diverse writing contexts, including news reports, academic papers, and general descriptions. The phrase is most prevalent in news and media sources, followed by academic contexts. Remember to use it judiciously, opting for more concise alternatives when appropriate to avoid wordiness. By understanding its function and usage patterns, writers can effectively incorporate "a performance of" to enhance the clarity and precision of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an execution of

Focuses on the act of carrying out a task or skill, similar to the act of performing.

a rendition of

Specifically implies an interpretation or version of a song, play, or piece of music.

a display of

Highlights the visible or observable aspects of skill, talent, or ability.

a presentation of

Emphasizes the act of formally showing or introducing something to an audience.

a showing of

Similar to 'display', but can also refer to a movie or theatrical work.

an exhibition of

Implies a public display, often of artistic or skillful works.

a demonstration of

Highlights the act of proving or explaining something through practical examples.

an enactment of

Suggests a role-playing or theatrical interpretation of an event or story.

a delivery of

Focuses on the manner in which something is presented, particularly in speech or music.

an offering of

Suggests something is being presented as a gift or contribution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a performance of" to describe a public presentation or execution of a skill, talent, or work. For example, "The audience was captivated by "a performance of" Hamlet" or "The athlete's incredible performance of the routine earned her a gold medal."

What are some alternatives to "a performance of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "an execution of", "a rendition of", "a display of", or "a presentation of".

Is it always necessary to specify what type of performance it is after "a performance of"?

While it is often helpful to specify the type of performance (e.g., "a performance of Hamlet"), it is not always necessary. The context may already make it clear. For example, "Her performance was outstanding" implies the context is already known.

What is the difference between "a performance of" and "performing"?

"A performance of" refers to the specific event or act, while "performing" is the action itself. You might say, "The orchestra is performing tonight," and "I attended a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5."