appearance of performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appearance of performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how something is perceived in terms of its effectiveness or efficiency, even if the actual performance may differ. Example: "The new marketing strategy created an appearance of performance that impressed stakeholders, even though the results were not as expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human Resources

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Case simulation might not replicate entirely the quality and completeness of the normal exchange occurring during direct observation of a provider with a real client, thus producing lower performance scores and possibly affecting the appearance of performance factors in unknown ways [ 17].

Human Resources for Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Suggestions of what women should and shouldn't wear in the workplace may seem harmless on the surface, but in reality they risk compounding the normalised judgment of women on the basis of appearance instead of performance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In other words the appearance of a performance disappears and only naturalness remains.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Lianne also broods over the appearance of a performance artist known as Falling Man, a not so subtle symbol of the hubris of trying to make art out of horror: "He'd appeared several times in the last week, unannounced, in various parts of the city, suspended from one or another structure, always upside down, wearing a suit, a tie and dress shoes.

The New York Times - Books

Our results suggest governments may engage in political manipulation of government statistics to improve the appearance of government performance.

Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment

Aside from its functionality, Resonant Chamber definitely spices up the appearance of any performance venue.

Vice

Inventories of those machines are said be low, indicating that a refresh of appearance and probably of performance is in offing.

Forbes

The NBA may or may not have a performance enhancing drugs problem, but so far it has avoided the appearance of having a performance enhancing drug problem and, in the end, that might be the only thing that matters.

The Guardian - Sport

Wouldn't a normal person — never mind a family with historic ambitions — go to great lengths to avoid even the appearance of a repeat performance?

Los Angeles Times

Whether branches 1 and 5 were included or not, PBS analyses give the rough appearance of relatively superior performance of ND5, ND4, CYTB, 16SrRNA, and ND2 genes, and on the other hand, of the poor utility of ND3, ND4L and ND1 genes.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

These features, along with a flush-riveted, butt-joined aluminum fuselage, an enclosed cockpit, and power-driven retractable landing gear folding flush into the wing, anticipated the configuration, appearance, and performance of the fighters of World War II.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appearance of performance" when you want to highlight the perceived level of effectiveness, regardless of actual results. This is particularly useful in discussing marketing, politics, or personal branding.

Common error

Avoid using "appearance of performance" when you mean genuine performance. Make sure to differentiate between the perceived image and the actual results to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appearance of performance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the perception or impression of how well something is executed, irrespective of the actual results. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is acceptable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Human Resources

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appearance of performance" effectively describes situations where the perceived level of effectiveness differs from the actual results. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly employed across diverse contexts, including Science, News & Media and Formal & Business settings, and in scenarios where highlighting this discrepancy is crucial. While the phrase itself is neutrally toned, its use often implies a critical perspective, questioning whether the visible success reflects genuine achievement. To avoid misinterpretations, ensure clarity when distinguishing between "appearance" and "reality". Alternatives like "illusion of performance" or "facade of effectiveness" can add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Illusion of performance

Focuses on the deceptive aspect, suggesting a false impression of competence.

Pretense of competence

Highlights the act of feigning skill or ability.

Facade of effectiveness

Emphasizes a superficial display of positive results.

Show of proficiency

Suggests a deliberate exhibition of skill, whether genuine or not.

Impression of capability

Concentrates on the perceived level of skill or talent.

Aura of accomplishment

Highlights the feeling or atmosphere surrounding a perceived achievement.

Image of success

Focuses on the publicly presented view of positive outcomes.

Perception of skill

Emphasizes how ability is viewed or understood by others.

Guise of efficiency

Suggests a misleading outward display of streamlined operation.

Outward showing of competence

Highlights the external and visible display of ability.

FAQs

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

You can use "appearance of performance" to describe situations where something seems effective but might not be. For example, "The company focused on the "appearance of performance" to attract investors, even though their actual profits were low."

What's the difference between "appearance of performance" and "actual performance"?

"Appearance of performance" refers to the outward impression or perception of how well something is doing, whereas "actual performance" refers to the real, measurable results. The two can differ significantly.

What can I say instead of "appearance of performance"?

You can use alternatives like "illusion of performance", "pretense of competence", or "facade of effectiveness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "appearance of performance" a negative or positive term?

"Appearance of performance" is often used in a neutral or slightly negative way, suggesting that the perceived success might not be genuine. However, it can also be used neutrally to simply describe how something is perceived.