best performance

USAGE SUMMARY

"best performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to describe either the outstanding performance of an individual or group, or the top performance in comparison to others. For example, "The actor was awarded the Oscar for Best Performance in a Leading Role."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It wasn't my best performance.

Independent

The best performance yet.

The Guardian

Main thing wasn't the best performance.

The New York Times

"It was not our best performance".

The New York Times - Sports

This was his best performance for Red Bull".

The New York Times - Sports

"I wanted to give my best performance.

The New York Times - Sports

In 1977 he gave his best performance.

The Guardian

"This wasn't our best performance but it was our best performance in a strong wind".

Independent

"That's probably our best performance".

BBC

It wasn't our best performance.

BBC

Lehman Brothers had the best performance.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the quality of work, be specific about what made it the "best performance". Providing context adds weight and credibility to your assessment.

Common error

Avoid generically labeling something as the "best performance" without providing objective metrics or comparative data. Ensure your assessment is grounded in evidence and clear criteria to avoid sounding biased or unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best performance" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "best" modifies the noun "performance". As Ludwig AI notes, it's used to describe an outstanding or top performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "best performance" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an action or achievement of superior quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used to indicate an outstanding or top performance. It appears frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, with a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using "best performance", ensure your assessment is supported by specific criteria or evidence to enhance credibility. Alternatives like "peak performance" or "optimal performance" can provide nuanced variations depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peak performance

Emphasizes the highest level of achievement or execution, often in a specific instance or event.

top-notch performance

Highlights the superior quality and excellence of the performance.

optimal performance

Focuses on the most effective or favorable outcome achieved through the performance.

outstanding achievement

Stresses the remarkable accomplishment or success resulting from the performance.

stellar performance

Implies an exceptional and brilliant quality to the performance.

finest execution

Highlights the skill and precision involved in carrying out the performance.

superior showing

Emphasizes the advantageous and impressive nature of the performance.

highest caliber performance

Points to the high standard and quality of the performance.

record-breaking performance

Suggests that the performance surpassed previous records or achievements.

season's best performance

Specific to sporting events, highlights best performance in the season.

FAQs

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

You can use "best performance" to describe an action or achievement that surpasses all others in quality or effectiveness. For example, "The athlete delivered their "best performance" at the Olympic games".

What's a formal alternative to "best performance"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "peak performance", "optimal performance", or "superior achievement" as alternatives to "best performance".

Is it always appropriate to use "best performance"?

While generally acceptable, "best performance" should be used judiciously. Ensure that your assessment is supported by evidence and clear criteria to avoid sounding subjective or biased.

What does it mean when someone says they gave their "best performance"?

It typically means they believe they performed at their highest capability, achieving a level of skill, effort, or outcome that surpassed their previous efforts. Alternatively, if it is said of someone else, it means the speaker believes the other person performed at their highest level.