captivating performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "captivating performance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a spectacular or enthralling performance by someone or a group. For example: "The band's captivating performance left the audience mesmerized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

And at its heart is a likable character and an oddly captivating performance from Davies.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Logan Frances Kruger, Durell R. Comedy, Kristen Foote and Dante Puleio were all handsome and evocative on Wednesday, with Ms. Foote offering an especially captivating performance.

The New York Times - Arts

This is proved by the audiences for Greg Doran's powerful modern-dress revival in which Tennant turns in an extremely captivating performance.

Independent

Danny Huston, who is also in The Constant Gardener, gives a brutally captivating performance as the seriously dangerous outlaw Arthur Burns.

The Guardian - Film

Ms. Marshall's captivating performance of "Ne Me Quitte Pas," sung in the original French and with heart-stirring transparency, represents Brel at his best.

The New York Times

Last night, he took another move towards cementing superstar status, not just because he won two awards but because his rendition of The Hills was probably the night's only effortlessly captivating performance.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The British music world is in mourning for the tenor Philip Langridge, who delivered captivating performances earlier this season at the Met.

The New Yorker

The program offered accomplished and captivating performances of five works written between 1985 and 2011, impressive pieces that made a case for Britain today as a hotbed of musical innovation and achievement.

The New York Times - Arts

Last night's BET Awards showcased various captivating performances from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Miguel, and Charlie Wilson among others at Los Angeles' Nokia Theater.

Huffington Post

Behind this palpable political edge are some captivating performances from the cast.

The Guardian

But the set includes his captivating performances of 31 "Lyric Pieces" by Grieg.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "captivating performance" to describe a performance that not only holds the audience's attention but also evokes a strong emotional or intellectual response. Be specific about what made the performance captivating.

Common error

Avoid using "captivating performance" as a generic compliment. Instead, analyze and describe the specific elements (e.g., nuanced acting, innovative choreography, powerful vocals) that made the performance truly captivating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "captivating performance" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "captivating" modifies the noun "performance". It's typically used to describe a performance that is highly engaging and holds the audience's attention. Ludwig AI confirms this usage based on numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "captivating performance" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe an engaging and impressive act. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys appreciation and highlights the positive aspects of a performance. While versatile, it's recommended to be specific about what makes a performance truly "captivating". The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, indicating its accessibility and neutral tone. Consider alternatives like "arresting performance" or "gripping performance" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arresting performance

Emphasizes the powerful and attention-grabbing nature of the performance.

gripping performance

Highlights the performance's ability to hold the audience's attention tightly.

intriguing performance

Suggests that the performance is interesting and arouses curiosity.

thrilling performance

Indicates that the performance is exciting and produces a sense of exhilaration.

fascinating performance

Highlights the performance's ability to deeply interest and charm the audience.

riveting performance

Emphasizes the performance's ability to completely absorb the audience's attention.

enthralling performance

Similar to captivating, but suggests a more magical or spellbinding quality.

capturing performance

Highlights the performance's ability to seize and hold the audience's attention.

mesmerizing performance

This phrase suggests a hypnotic and spellbinding effect on the audience.

compelling performance

Suggests that the performance is persuasive and evokes interest or admiration.

FAQs

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

You can use "captivating performance" to describe a performance that holds the audience's attention and evokes a strong response. For example, "The actor's captivating performance brought the character to life".

What are some alternatives to "captivating performance"?

You can use alternatives like "arresting performance", "gripping performance", or "enthralling performance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "captivating performance" formal or informal?

The phrase "captivating performance" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and style of your writing. However, avoid using it generically; provide specific details to support your assessment.

What makes a performance "captivating"?

A "captivating performance" typically involves a combination of elements such as skillful execution, emotional depth, originality, and the ability to connect with the audience on a personal level.