fascinating performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fascinating performance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a performance that is captivating or holds the audience's attention in a positive way. Example: "The actor delivered a fascinating performance that left the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Film

Music

Theatre

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I regret it".It was a fascinating performance.

The Economist

It was a fascinating performance, though it lacked some lift and lightness.

The New York Times - Arts

The final joyous hymn capped this fascinating performance, as Boulez released the LSO's most impressive playing.

The Guardian - Music

This fascinating performance piece, presented along with Dance Theater Workshop, freezes five dancers in a tableau vivant.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a fascinating performance, because, like her character, she doesn't come to us: we have to read her.

The New York Times

Salonen began with a fascinating performance of Brahms's Haydn Variations, displaying cool restraint, clean textures and avoiding orchestral mass.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Mr. Katsaris gave some fascinating performances here, especially in his Liszt selections, played in honor of the 200th anniversary of that composer's birth.

The New York Times - Arts

A splendid Finnish conductor, Esa-Pekka Salonen, directed the Philharmonia in unerring, fascinating performances of some of the composer's most distinctive works, coupled with pieces by masters who have influenced him, such as Bartok and Ravel.

The Economist

And Bilal, the R & B singer, puts in two eccentric but fascinating performances.(Available from www.freshsoundrecords.com) ISLEY BROTHERS: Ronald Isley's falsetto remains as lovely as ever, but the new album "Soul Kiss" (Dreamworks) mostly provides further evidence of the skill of R. Kelly, who wrote and produced much of the album.

The New York Times - Arts

These fascinating performances can be attributed to the positive synergistic effect between Fe3O4 and rGO.

Electrochimica Acta

Written versions of their fascinating performances are few and far between – and can only ever capture a small part of the experience of listening for yourself.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fascinating performance" to positively describe a display of skill or talent that captures attention and sparks interest. It is particularly effective when emphasizing the unique or unexpected qualities of the performance.

Common error

Avoid using "fascinating performance" as a default compliment. Reserve it for instances where the performance truly exhibits qualities that inspire awe, curiosity, or deep interest, rather than simply meeting expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fascinating performance" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase. It is used to attribute a quality of captivating interest or remarkable skill to a noun, typically a show, act, or presentation, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

16%

Arts

12%

Less common in

Film

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fascinating performance" is a descriptive phrase used to convey strong admiration and interest in a show, act, or display. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and common in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. Its neutral tone makes it adaptable for both formal reviews and casual conversations. When using this phrase, aim to highlight the unique, thought-provoking, or exceptionally skillful aspects of the performance, rather than simply employing it as a generic compliment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

captivating performance

Replaces "fascinating" with "captivating", emphasizing the ability to seize and hold attention.

compelling performance

Substitutes "fascinating" with "compelling", focusing on the power to strongly influence or persuade through the performance.

intriguing performance

Replaces "fascinating" with "intriguing", highlighting the performance's ability to arouse curiosity or interest.

remarkable performance

Emphasizes the exceptional quality and unusual nature of the performance.

outstanding performance

Highlights the performance as being superior or excellent.

impressive display

Shifts the focus from "performance" to "display", while maintaining the sense of something noteworthy.

riveting spectacle

Replaces both words to convey a sense of gripping and visually stunning entertainment.

engrossing portrayal

Focuses on the depth and immersive quality of the actor's representation.

memorable rendition

Highlights the lasting impact and distinctiveness of the performance.

skillful exhibition

Emphasizes the technical prowess and artistry demonstrated in the performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "fascinating performance" to describe any act, show, or display that holds one's attention in a captivating way. For example, "The actor gave a "fascinating performance", drawing the audience into the character's world."

What are some alternatives to "fascinating performance"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives such as "captivating performance", "compelling performance", or "intriguing performance". These options offer similar positive connotations while emphasizing different aspects of the performance.

Is it correct to describe a scientific experiment as a "fascinating performance"?

While "performance" is typically associated with arts and entertainment, describing a scientific experiment as a "fascinating performance" can be appropriate if the experiment is visually striking or reveals unexpected and interesting results. It emphasizes the compelling nature of the demonstration.

What distinguishes a "fascinating performance" from an "adequate performance"?

A "fascinating performance" goes beyond mere competence; it captivates, intrigues, and leaves a lasting impression due to its unique qualities or exceptional skill. In contrast, an "adequate performance" meets basic expectations without eliciting strong emotions or significant interest.