during the spectacle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during the spectacle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific event or performance that is visually impressive or entertaining. Example: "The audience was captivated by the performers during the spectacle, as the lights and music created an unforgettable atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The AFL cleverly agreed to raise rookie salaries immediately during the spectacle to capitalise on interest in the youngsters.

The Economist

During the spectacle, the militants reiterated threats to attack neighboring Kenya, which has sent its soldiers into Somalia to fight the Shabab, as well as Ethiopian troops that habitually crisscross the Somali border.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

So fear of putting too much stress on engines shaped the spectacle during Friday practice in Sepang.

The New York Times

Debates are barbed and sometimes vicious especially during the gladiatorial spectacle of prime minister's questions.

The Economist

THERE are no media throngs filling the grass and concrete area in front of the courthouse known as "the beach" during the Monica S. Lewinsky spectacle.

The New York Times

In the end, no blood was spilled in New Haven during the 1970 May Day spectacle, damage to university property was minimal, few protesters were arrested, many of us inhaled our first doses of tear gas, a colossal volume of gassy rhetoric was spewed.

The New Yorker

This isn't a groundbreaking work; just a smartly played story, enlivened by drama and spiked with passion, the very thing that thinking audiences pine for, especially during the summer spectacle season when theaters are clogged with sticky kids' stuff and television reruns.

The New York Times

Even during the unique spectacle of the Olympic experience, she stayed outside of the Olympic Village, skipped Opening and Closing Ceremonies altogether and ignored the attractions of new countries.

Huffington Post

The islands became a major Allied base during World War II, when the spectacle of free-spending African American troops inspired the transformation of the Jon (or John) Frum cargo cult on Tanna into an important anti-European political movement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Together with the scenes of cruelty he witnessed after he left the camp in Lunghau, China, where he had been interned with his parents during the second world war, the spectacle of desolation in the empty city of Shanghai must have left deep scars.

The Guardian - Books

Audiences responded to the speed, violence, and theatricality of the sport (feuds were often scripted), and the spectacle was hugely popular during the 1940s and '50s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "during the spectacle" to emphasize that an event occurred within the context of a visually impressive or public display. It adds a sense of grandeur or significance to the timing.

Common error

Avoid using "during the spectacle" for mundane events. This phrase is most effective when the event truly involves a notable visual display or performance, not for routine activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during the spectacle" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the timing or context of an action or event. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "during the spectacle" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that an event occurred within the context of a notable visual display or performance. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is accepted and usable in written English. While not frequently used, it's contextually appropriate for adding a sense of grandeur or significance, primarily found in news and media sources. For more informal contexts, alternatives like "amidst the show" may be more suitable. Using "during the spectacle" effectively relies on the event genuinely involving a prominent display or public performance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the performance

More general than spectacle, suits contexts where the event might not be visually grand.

in the midst of the performance

Similar to "amidst the show", but uses "performance" for clarity.

amidst the show

Replaces "spectacle" with a more generic term for a performance, focusing on the environment.

while the event unfolded

Emphasizes the unfolding nature of the event, rather than its visual grandeur.

while the extravaganza was underway

Replaces "spectacle" with a synonym that suggests a large, elaborate event.

as the display occurred

Replaces "spectacle" with "display", highlighting the visual aspect.

throughout the presentation

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the spectacle as a presentation.

in the course of the exhibition

Highlights the duration of the event as an exhibition.

as the pageant proceeded

Uses "pageant" to specify the type of spectacle.

while the ceremony took place

Emphasizes the ceremonial aspect of the spectacle.

FAQs

What does "during the spectacle" mean?

The phrase "during the spectacle" refers to an event or action that occurs while a visually impressive or elaborate display is taking place. It suggests a significant backdrop or context for the event in question.

How can I use "during the spectacle" in a sentence?

You might say, "Negotiations took place "during the spectacle" of the opening ceremony, as world leaders convened." This places the negotiations within the context of the ceremony.

What are some alternatives to "during the spectacle"?

Alternatives include "amidst the show", "in the midst of the performance", or "throughout the event", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "during the spectacle" formal or informal?

The phrase "during the spectacle" leans towards the formal side, best suited for news reports, historical accounts, or situations where a sense of grandeur or importance is desired. Simpler alternatives are more appropriate for informal settings.