a single performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one instance of a performance, such as in theater, music, or sports. Example: "The actor received a standing ovation for a single performance that left the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Camphuis estimates a performer can make anywhere from $200 to $3,500 for a single performance.

BBC

Opposition to the piece, which was performed in hotel windows, led to its cancellation after a single performance.

Los Angeles Times

"I never missed a single performance".

The Guardian - Film

Aligning policy along a single performance indicator can be damaging.

The Guardian

Prices for a single performance range from $11.75 to $22.

The New York Times - Travel

She's just finished Blithe Spirit in London's West End and didn't miss a single performance.

The Guardian

Hard-nosed editing could surely reduce the content to a single performance.

The Guardian

A dalang of high acclaim can charge as much as $5,000 for a single performance.

The New York Times

But until this month, they have given only a single performance together in an opera house.

The Guardian - Music

An established comedian could earn about 100,000 rupees (£1,000) from a single performance.

The Guardian

It's not quite the same as National Theatre Live, where cinemagoers vicariously attend a single performance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event that happened only once, use "a single performance" to emphasize its uniqueness and non-repeatability.

Common error

Avoid using "a single performance" when you actually mean a series of performances or a recurring event. Be precise about whether you are referring to one instance or multiple instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single performance" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes a one-time event. For example, "His name is usually raised in connection with a single performance on a Sunday afternoon at the Polo Grounds in October 1952."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a single performance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote an event occurring only once. As Ludwig AI points out, it's often found in news, scientific and encyclopedic content. When writing, ensure you're accurately portraying a one-time event and not misusing it for recurring events. While the phrase is acceptable, consider alternatives like "one performance" or "a solo performance" to enhance clarity or emphasis based on your specific context. The high expert rating and authoritative sources confirm its reliable usage across varied writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one performance

This alternative replaces "a single" with "one", offering a more concise expression while maintaining the same meaning.

a solo performance

This emphasizes the individual nature of the performance, suggesting it involves only one performer.

a unique performance

This highlights the distinctiveness or exceptional quality of the performance.

a one-time performance

Focuses on the performance occurring only once and not repeated.

a solitary performance

Emphasizes the isolated or singular aspect of the performance.

an individual performance

Highlights that the performance is considered on its own merits.

a singular showing

Replaces "performance" with "showing", which can apply to displays or presentations.

a lone performance

Suggests the performance stands alone, without similar or related events.

an isolated event

Shifts the focus from the performance itself to it being a single, detached occurrence.

a standalone rendition

Uses "rendition" as a synonym for "performance", implying an interpretation or version of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single performance" to describe a one-time event, such as "The actor was praised for "a single performance" that moved the audience to tears."

What are some alternatives to "a single performance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "one performance", "a solo performance", or "a unique performance".

Is it correct to say "a single performance only"?

While understandable, saying "a single performance only" is somewhat redundant. "A single performance" already implies that it happened just once. You can simply say "a single performance".

What is the difference between "a single performance" and "multiple performances"?

"A single performance" refers to one instance of a show or event, while "multiple performances" indicates that the show or event was presented more than once.