hell of a performance

USAGE SUMMARY

"hell of a performance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a spectacularly good performance, or one that was significantly better than expected. For example: "He gave the audience a hell of a performance - they were cheering and clapping for a solid five minutes afterward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It's a hell of a performance, what can you say?

The New York Times - Sports

They may be sinking fast, but they still put on a hell of a performance.

The New York Times - Books

It would have been a terrible loss, and also one hell of a performance of "Nearer, My God, to Thee".

The New Yorker

It's a hell of a performance, even before he is lifted on a hydraulic platform spewing tickertape into the audience.

The Guardian - Music

They will have to put in one hell of a performance at next year's event if the arrangement is to be deemed a success.

The Guardian - Sport

"It took a hell of a performance from Wales in the end to win it, so credit to both sides.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He praised Madonna's rendition of the song at the Video Music Awards, calling it "a hell of a VMA performance" and a "killer cinematic throwback".

Wikipedia

Swedish actor Alicia Vikander has had one hell of a year with performances in Testament of Youth and Guy Ritchie's upcoming The Man From UNCLE, both raising her profile.

The Guardian - Film

It was one hell of a strike and another sound performance from the France international.

BBC

And while everyone agrees that past performance says little about future performance, no one disputes that a great track record is a hell of a marketing tool.

Forbes

"It was an incredibly hard-working performance and probably the quickest game we've played in this year". "There is a hell of a long way to go.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hell of a performance" to express strong admiration or surprise at the high quality of an event or action. Ensure the context is appropriate for the slightly informal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "hell of a performance" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral or sophisticated language like "remarkable display" or "exceptional execution" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hell of a performance" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "performance". It intensifies the description, indicating a performance of exceptionally high quality. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hell of a performance" is a commonly used phrase to express strong admiration for an event or action. Ludwig AI confirms that is grammatically correct and widely employed in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While slightly informal, it's acceptable in many situations, though it's best to avoid it in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "remarkable display" or "exceptional execution" for more formal settings. The phrase emphasizes the exceptional quality and impact of the performance, leaving no doubt about the speaker's positive assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable display

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and impressiveness of the performance.

stunning act

Emphasizes the visual and emotional impact of the performance.

outstanding show

Focuses on the overall quality and entertainment value of the performance.

superb rendition

Highlights the quality and artistry of the performance.

exceptional execution

Highlights the skill and precision involved in delivering the performance.

masterful presentation

Emphasizes the skill and expertise displayed in the performance.

incredible feat

Highlights the difficulty and accomplishment involved in the performance.

impressive achievement

Highlights the accomplishment and success of the performance.

magnificent effort

Emphasizes the energy and dedication put into the performance.

extraordinary spectacle

Focuses on the grand scale and visual appeal of the performance.

FAQs

How can I use "hell of a performance" in a sentence?

You can use "hell of a performance" to describe something that was exceptionally good or impressive. For example, "The band put on a "hell of a performance" last night."

What are some alternatives to "hell of a performance"?

Alternatives include "remarkable display", "exceptional execution", or "outstanding show", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "hell of a performance" appropriate for formal writing?

While "hell of a performance" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using alternatives like "exceptional execution" or "outstanding achievement".

What does "hell of a performance" emphasize?

"Hell of a performance" emphasizes the exceptional quality and impact of the performance. It suggests that the performance was surprisingly or impressively good, depending on the context.