a respectable performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a respectable performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a performance that is commendable or worthy of respect, often in contexts such as sports, arts, or work-related achievements. Example: "The team delivered a respectable performance, showcasing their skills and teamwork throughout the match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The orchestra gave a respectable performance of the Rachmaninoff.

The New York Times - Arts

Sir Menzies appeared to have silenced critics with a respectable performance at his party conference.

The Guardian

But even if the orchestra sometimes threatened to outweigh her, she gave a respectable performance.

The New York Times - Arts

Bond funds also turned in a respectable performance, up 7.6percentt.

The New York Times

But for a house of this size, it was a respectable performance.

The New York Times - Arts

The fund has managed a respectable performance, outperforming its MSCI EAFE world stock benchmark during the October and November turbulence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"This ranks as a thoroughly respectable performance … In an extremely challenging quarter, BarCap's performance proved more resilient than many of its peers," said Ian Gordon, at Evolution.

The Guardian - Business

But, oddly, he is now safer than at any time in the past six months.Partly this is because the Conservatives' private polling is suggesting that they should, against all odds, put up a fairly respectable performance next Thursday.

The Economist

— he did very well in all the major categories, a highly respectable performance in terms of those who follow such things, but far more important, it was good enough to win his office Oscar pool.

The New York Times

The stock has put in a very respectable performance, having gained more than 13% since the beginning of 2009.

Forbes

However, the underdog Scots had not let themselves down and after a very respectable performance they walked off the pitch with heads held high.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a respectable performance" to acknowledge an outcome that meets expectations without necessarily being exceptional. It's suitable when aiming for a balanced and objective tone.

Common error

Avoid using "a respectable performance" when describing truly outstanding or exceptional achievements. It can downplay the impact and convey a sense of understatement where enthusiasm is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a respectable performance" functions as a noun phrase, where "respectable" modifies the noun "performance". Ludwig shows it's used to describe the quality or nature of an action or event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a respectable performance" is a commonly used phrase to describe an action or outcome that is satisfactory and worthy of respect, though not necessarily exceptional. Analysis from Ludwig indicates it is grammatically correct, with a neutral to slightly formal tone, suitable for use across diverse contexts such as news reporting, business communication, and scientific writing. The phrase is generally well-regarded and considered appropriate for acknowledging efforts and achievements while maintaining an objective perspective. While it is not suited for overstating achievements, Ludwig's AI confirms its broad usability and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decent showing

Indicates a performance that is satisfactory but not necessarily outstanding.

a commendable showing

Emphasizes the act of displaying skill or ability, differing slightly in focus from the overall result.

a solid execution

Focuses on the quality of carrying out the task or performance, implying competence and skill.

a creditable display

Highlights the praiseworthiness of the performance, focusing on its positive qualities.

a satisfactory result

Focuses on the outcome of the performance rather than the process itself.

an adequate effort

Suggests the performance meets the minimum requirements or expectations, implying a less enthusiastic assessment.

an estimable feat

Suggests the performance is worthy of admiration and respect, highlighting its difficulty and accomplishment.

a noteworthy achievement

Emphasizes the significance and memorability of the performance, suggesting it stands out in some way.

a laudable effort

Stresses the praiseworthiness of the attempt, often in the face of challenges or limitations.

a reasonable attempt

Highlights the effort made, implying the outcome might not be exceptional but the attempt was worthwhile.

FAQs

What does "a respectable performance" mean?

It means a performance that is adequate, satisfactory, or worthy of respect, though not necessarily outstanding. It suggests a decent level of achievement.

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

You might say, "Despite the challenges, the team delivered "a respectable performance"," indicating they achieved a commendable outcome.

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

You can use alternatives like "a decent showing", "a creditable display", or "a satisfactory result" depending on the specific context.

Is "a respectable performance" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral to slightly formal and is appropriate for use in professional, news-related, and academic contexts.