an impressive showing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an impressive showing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a notable performance or display in various contexts, such as sports, presentations, or competitions. Example: "The team delivered an impressive showing at the championship, securing their place in the finals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was an impressive showing, nonetheless.

The New Yorker

Pork belly makes an impressive showing.

The New York Times - Food

Young and relatively inexperienced animators also made an impressive showing.

The New York Times

The Fighting Irish boldly announced their arrival with an impressive showing at the Garden.

The New York Times - Sports

The Never-Ending Language Learning system, or NELL, has made an impressive showing so far.

The New York Times - Science

Ms. Saunders accomplished an impressive showing in her first race, against a councilman.

The New York Times

The women's varsity fencing team had an impressive showing against very difficult competition last Saturday at Duke University.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was an impressive showing but, as it turned out, merely a warm-up for what came later.

The New York Times - Sports

He was second in this category with a 41.1-yard mark in 1973, an impressive showing for a rookie.

The New York Times - Sports

It was an impressive showing by Venus, who is unseeded and drew a tough first-round foe.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite that, it was an impressive showing for Mongoose, a 4-year-old son of Broad Brush.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an impressive showing" to positively describe a performance, result, or display that exceeds expectations. It's particularly effective when highlighting achievements in competitive contexts, such as sports, elections, or academic competitions.

Common error

While versatile, "an impressive showing" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "did great" or "performed well" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an impressive showing" functions as a noun phrase, where "impressive" modifies the noun "showing." It is used to describe a performance or result that is notably good or successful. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an impressive showing" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to commend a performance or outcome that exceeds expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Primarily found in news and media, with significant presence in academia and science, it maintains a neutral to formal register suitable for professional communication. When aiming for similar expressions, consider alternatives like "remarkable performance" or "outstanding display" to add nuance. Remember to use it judiciously in informal settings, opting for simpler language when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkable performance

Emphasizes the quality and memorability of the performance.

an outstanding display

Focuses on the visual or observable aspects of the performance.

a strong performance

Focuses on the strength and effectiveness of the performance.

a striking demonstration

Highlights the impact and visibility of the demonstration.

a commendable effort

Highlights the positive attributes and praiseworthiness of the attempt.

a creditable showing

Highlights the respectability and worthiness of the performance.

a significant accomplishment

Emphasizes the importance and weight of the achievement.

a noteworthy achievement

Emphasizes the significance and accomplishment of the result.

an admirable feat

Emphasizes the skill and excellence demonstrated.

a sterling effort

Stresses the high quality and value of the endeavor.

FAQs

How can I use "an impressive showing" in a sentence?

You can use "an impressive showing" to describe a performance or result that is notably good or successful. For example, "The team had an impressive showing at the tournament, winning all their games."

What are some alternatives to "an impressive showing"?

Alternatives include "remarkable performance", "outstanding display", or "strong performance", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an impressive showing" in formal writing?

Yes, "an impressive showing" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing achievements, results, or performances in a professional or academic setting.

What's the difference between "an impressive showing" and "a good effort"?

"An impressive showing" suggests a performance that was not only well-intentioned but also yielded positive results, while "a good effort" (/s/a+good+effort) simply acknowledges the attempt without necessarily implying success.