give a performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give a performance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the act of presenting an act of sorts (such as a play, musical performance, or dance) to an audience. Example: The drama club will give a performance of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" at the school auditorium next week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Combined with the error analysis, the systematic testing of isolated rotor (top rotor and bottom rotor) is performed to give a performance baseline for the coaxial rotor system.

Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science

He was flying to Prague to give a performance.

The New Yorker

He rented Carnegie Hall to give a performance.

The New York Times

It's very depressing, and you still have to give a performance that night.

The New York Times

One is that a young actor will give a performance that throws off sparks.

The New York Times

He recovered to give a performance of requisite sheen and shine.

The Guardian - Music

"Any sooner, I would have been paralyzed by the need to Give a Performance.

The New York Times

Even when I do actually give a performance," he concludes, "the next day, in the physical sense, it has gone.

Independent

Sonia Turchetta and the Ensemble Recherche give a performance that grows more disturbing and surprising with repetition.

The New York Times - Arts

(The Shins are also scheduled to give a performance at Virgin Records on Union Square tomorrow at 6 p.m).

The New York Times - Arts

[phone] NEW AFRICA CULTURAL CENTER Poet Amiri Barka and Blue Ark Jazz Ensemble give a performance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a planned event, consider using "give a performance" to emphasize the deliberate and prepared nature of the presentation.

Common error

While "give a performance" is widely acceptable, be mindful of using it in overly casual situations. Simpler terms like "play" or "show" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give a performance" functions as a verb phrase where "give" is the main verb and "a performance" acts as the direct object. It indicates the action of presenting a show, play, or other form of entertainment, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "give a performance" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to describe the act of presenting a show or display. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English to describe the act of presenting an act of sorts to an audience. It's found predominantly in News & Media and Science contexts. While widely acceptable, it's best to avoid overuse in extremely informal settings. Consider alternatives like "put on a show" or "perform a piece" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perform a piece

A general term for executing a work of art or music.

put on a show

Emphasizes the theatrical or entertaining aspect of the performance.

stage a production

Implies a more elaborate and organized performance, often theatrical.

deliver a presentation

Focuses on conveying information or ideas, often in a formal setting.

present a recital

Specifically refers to a musical or dance performance.

execute a routine

Highlights the planned and practiced nature of the performance.

enact a scene

Refers to a specific part of a play or dramatic work.

offer a rendition

Suggests an interpretation or version of a piece of music or art.

demonstrate a skill

Highlights the proficiency and ability shown in the performance.

conduct an act

Can imply a single, distinct action within a larger event.

FAQs

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

You can use "give a performance" to describe someone presenting an act, show, or display, as in "The band will "give a performance" at the concert tonight".

What are some alternatives to "give a performance"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "put on a show", "deliver a presentation", or "perform a piece".

Is it correct to say "give a performance"?

Yes, "give a performance" is a correct and commonly used phrase in English to describe the act of presenting something to an audience.

What's the difference between "give a performance" and "do a performance"?

"Give a performance" is more common and generally preferred. "Do a performance" is less frequently used and can sound slightly awkward to native English speakers.