at a performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an event where a show, concert, play, or similar activity is taking place. Example: "I had a wonderful time at a performance of the local theater's latest play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Ms. Vishneva will perform Béjart's classic "Boléro" at a performance in her honor on Saturday).

The New York Times

He ate an entire pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving while I was at a performance of "Phantom".

The New Yorker

But at a performance, multiple sights and sounds engage us.

The New York Times

Description of a rehearsal & then attendance at a performance.

The New Yorker

(He lives in Florida and works at a performance space).

The New Yorker

Once she tucked the baby in at a performance.

The New York Times - Arts

No such luck at a performance by James Taylor, though.

The New York Times - Health

Note the regal lobby and, at a performance, one of the powerfully grand theaters.

The New York Times - Arts

Wearing a sunflower dress, a pro-democracy symbol, at a performance in Taiwan.

The New York Times

By looking at a performance appraisal form, can you derive the strategy of the business?

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

So the designers threw that out – not an easy sacrifice for the engineers at a performance-driven company like Porsche.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms or related phrases if you are repeating "at a performance" many times. For example, replace with "during the show" or "while watching the play".

Common error

Avoid using "at a performance" when referring to rehearsals or practice sessions. The phrase implies a public presentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a performance" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the location or time an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. For example, "He ate an entire pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving while I was at a performance of 'Phantom'."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a performance" is a common prepositional phrase used to indicate presence or activity during a show, play, or concert. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it's versatile, it's important to use it in the correct context, avoiding reference to rehearsals or private practice. Alternatives like "during the show" or "while watching the play" can provide variety. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and its neutral register makes it appropriate for a wide range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the show

Focuses on the time when the show is happening.

during a presentation

Indicates the time when a presentation is happening.

while watching the play

Specifies the activity of watching a play.

while the concert was ongoing

Focuses on the ongoing nature of a concert.

in the course of the concert

Highlights the progression of a concert.

attending the event

Refers to being present at a more general event.

seeing the spectacle

Emphasizes the visual aspect of the performance.

viewing the presentation

Highlights the act of viewing something presented.

present at the recital

Indicates being present at a formal recital.

on show night

Refers specifically to the night of a performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a performance" to describe your location or experience during a show, such as, "I felt a lot of adrenaline "at a performance" of the rock band".

What are some alternatives to "at a performance"?

You can use alternatives like "during the show", "while watching the play", or "attending the event" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in a performance" instead of "at a performance"?

While "in a performance" can sometimes be used, it usually refers to being involved as a performer, not as an audience member. "At a performance" is generally better for describing the audience's perspective.

What's the difference between "at a performance" and "backstage at a performance"?

"At a performance" generally refers to being in the audience or viewing area. "Backstage "at a performance"" indicates being in the areas behind the stage, usually reserved for performers and crew.