believable performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "believable performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an acting or presentation that is convincing and realistic, often in the context of film, theater, or other performances. Example: "The actor delivered a believable performance that truly captured the essence of the character."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The role of Mark Dolson is played by Fred Maliszewski, who gives a taut, believable performance as the intense seminarian.

The New York Times

The baritone Matthias Goerne gave a terrifyingly believable performance; he made himself a baffled, agitated hulk of a man, his limbs going every which way as if they had minds of their own.

The New Yorker

With Ms. McCollough's tough, believable performance as Jolene, there's little question that from the play's point of view she did act in self-defense and doesn't come close to deserving the death penalty.

The New York Times

Roman Reigns looks like a cut-price Dothraki with a stylist, Drake's best and most believable performance as either MC or actor will always be that commercial where he plays a robot powered by Sprite.

The Guardian - Music

And Sherry Stringfield gives a dignified, believable performance as Sandra Boss, the high-powered business consultant who lived with "Rockefeller," supported him financially and had a daughter with him -- the daughter he would eventually kidnap, an act for which he's now in prison in Massachusetts.

The New York Times

Yet whatever strange magic The Wicker Man possessed, few could deny that its terrifically infernal power was more a result of Anthony Shaffer's "thoroughly nasty" script, Edward Woodward's terrifyingly believable performance and Seamus Flannery's majestically inspired art design than Hardy's weirdly off-kilter auteurial influence.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

(Occasionally the dialogue slips over the edge.) Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Slattery give deeply believable performances.

The New York Times - Arts

Offsetting its outlandish premise with believable performances, "Rage (Rabia)" delivers a heavy-handed metaphor for immigrant invisibility.

The New York Times

3. Bolshoi Ballet's "Coppelia": An antique ballet can feel intensely alive if it is given believable performances like these, led by a brainy heroine who rejects victimhood and solves her problem with style.

The Washington Post

But the film's boundless heart and the believable performances of Mr. Foster and some of the other young actors elevate the project beyond the merely commendable to the exemplary.

The New York Times - Arts

Boasting utterly believable performances that ensure no one is cast as either devil or angel, this is a mesmerising depiction of everyday madness in which social repression and religious dogma lead to terrible tragedy, both physical and metaphysical.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "believable performance" when you want to emphasize the realism and authenticity of a depiction, rather than just its entertainment value.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a performance was a "believable performance" without providing supporting evidence. Explain why it was believable by referencing specific elements of the acting, direction, or writing that contributed to its authenticity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "believable performance" functions as a descriptive term, typically serving as an adjective-noun combination to modify and characterize the quality of a presentation or acting. As shown by Ludwig, it expresses that an action is perceived as authentic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "believable performance" is used to describe presentations, actions, or acting that come across as authentic and realistic. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts. To enhance clarity, specify which elements contribute to a performance's believability, instead of simply stating it is believable. Alternatives to "believable performance" include "convincing acting" and "realistic portrayal", as well as "authentic representation" for acting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

convincing acting

Focuses on the acting aspect, emphasizing the quality of persuading the audience.

realistic portrayal

Highlights the authenticity and lifelikeness of the depiction.

authentic representation

Emphasizes the genuine and faithful nature of the depiction.

credible display

Highlights the trustworthiness and plausibility of the performance.

plausible depiction

Stresses the believability and likelihood of the representation.

genuine rendition

Focuses on the sincerity and truthfulness of the interpretation.

faithful interpretation

Emphasizes the accuracy and adherence to the original material.

persuasive enactment

Highlights the ability of the performance to convince and sway the audience.

compelling acting

Highlights the gripping and captivating nature of the performance.

lifelike interpretation

Focuses on the vividness and realism conveyed by the performance.

FAQs

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

You can say "The actor gave a "believable performance", capturing the character's vulnerability." or "The film's success hinged on the "believable performance" of the lead actress."

What are some synonyms for "believable performance"?

Alternatives include "convincing acting", "realistic portrayal", or "authentic representation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What contributes to a "believable performance"?

A "believable performance" often results from a combination of factors, including the actor's commitment, the script's authenticity, and the director's vision.

Is "believable performance" only used in the context of acting?

While commonly used to describe acting, "believable performance" can also apply to other areas where a sense of realism is important, such as presentations, simulations, or even athletic displays.