a rocky performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rocky performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a performance that was unstable, inconsistent, or not up to expectations, often in contexts like theater, music, or sports. Example: "The band had a rocky performance last night, struggling with technical issues and missing notes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The American Danell Leyva had the top score in qualification and his teammate John Orozco is a contender as well if he can bounce back from a rocky performance in the team competition.

The New York Times

Just past the midway point, goaltender Braden Holtby was beaten by New Jersey's Reid Boucher, whose knuckleball of a wrist shot deflected off the glove of Holtby, who finished with 21 saves in what was a rocky performance.

The Washington Post

Another retailer was less fortunate: Talbots plunged 17.7% after slashing its guidance to indicate it now expects a fourth-quarter loss after a rocky performance at the close of the holiday season.

Forbes

U.S. auto sales were generally higher in January as the economic recovery continued to take hold, but a strong month for Ford Motor and General Motors came at least partially at the expense of a rocky performance from Toyota, which was plagued by a recall and suspended sales on several top models that resulted.

Forbes

After a rocky performance against the Giants in Game 1, Detroit Tigers might not know whether to keep cheering or start booing.

Huffington Post

Unlike Monday evening, when the offense overcame a rocky performance by rookie Julio Urias, the Dodgers could not compensate for Maeda's lapses.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Mr Trump was leading the Republican field according to opinion polls, after Marco Rubio's rocky performance in a debate left Ted Cruz, the Texas senator, as his main rival.

Independent

She couldn't hide her disappointment, and her marks reflected her rocky performance.

The Washington Post

Amid the bargain hunting, some mutual funds may have built up more cash than they needed to meet anticipated redemptions during the market's rocky performance since early September, while others may simply have finished the selling they wanted to do for tax reasons as the end of the fiscal year approaches.

The New York Times

Add to that the government's recent rocky performance, the lack of economic growth and the chaos unfolding in the eurozone, and you have some very worried Conservative MPs. 4. Whoever gets elected, the lasting impression on the public will be that the Tories are squabbling among themselves.

BBC

Bono apologized for the rocky performance at the end of the song, saying "Sarajevo, this song was written for you.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event or activity with "a rocky performance", provide specific examples of what made the performance unstable or inconsistent to give your reader a clearer understanding.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the adjective "rocky" in close proximity to "performance" in your writing. Vary your descriptive language by opting for alternatives like "uneven", "shaky", or "inconsistent" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rocky performance" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "rocky" modifies "performance" to indicate it was unstable or flawed. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing many examples in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rocky performance" is a commonly used phrase to describe an unstable or flawed execution of something, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it is advisable to use more precise language in highly formal or technical settings. Related phrases, such as "a shaky execution" or "an uneven display", can offer subtle variations in meaning and emphasis. Therefore, understanding its nuances and usage patterns can enhance clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shaky execution

Replaces "performance" with "execution", suggesting a focus on the act of carrying something out, maintaining a negative connotation of instability.

a flawed showing

"Showing" is used instead of "performance", which is slightly more informal. "Flawed" directly points out the presence of mistakes.

an uneven display

"Display" is a more general term than "performance", suitable for various contexts. "Uneven" describes inconsistency.

a substandard effort

Replaces the more neutral "performance" with "effort", while "substandard" is a direct assessment of quality.

a disappointing showing

"Showing" is used instead of "performance", with "disappointing" emphasizing the failure to meet expectations.

a difficult presentation

Specifies the type of performance as a "presentation", suggesting challenges faced during the act.

a troubled demonstration

Uses "demonstration" as a substitute for "performance", while "troubled" indicates underlying problems.

a patchy account

"Account" is used in a broader sense of providing details or results. "Patchy" suggests inconsistency in quality.

a lackluster showing

"Showing" is used instead of "performance", with "lackluster" pointing to a lack of enthusiasm or quality.

a bumpy ride

This idiom is an analogy meaning a difficult or unstable experience. It refers to the unpredictable and unpleasant nature of the situation, rather than the performance itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rocky performance" to describe something that had problems or inconsistencies, such as, "The team delivered "a rocky performance" during the first half of the game".

What's the difference between "a rocky performance" and "a shaky performance"?

"A rocky performance" and "a shaky performance" are quite similar. "Rocky" suggests instability and difficulty, while "shaky" emphasizes a lack of confidence or steadiness. Both imply flaws or problems, but "shaky" may refer to nervousness or uncertainty more directly.

What are some synonyms for "a rocky performance"?

Alternatives to "a rocky performance" include "a shaky execution", "a flawed showing", or "an uneven display".

Is it appropriate to use "a rocky performance" in formal writing?

Yes, "a rocky performance" is appropriate in formal writing, especially in contexts like news reports or business analyses. However, be mindful of your audience and the specific tone you aim to achieve. For highly formal settings, consider more precise language.