hold a performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold a performance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a live performance of some type of performance art, such as a play, a musical, a dance, or a comedy show. For example: The theater is planning to hold a performance of a beloved musical in a few months.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Find space on the cheap (or for free): If you need rehearsal space, but funds are low, offer to hold a performance in that rehearsal space or venue and let them get a share of the takings.

The Guardian

London Broncos head coach Rob Powell says he understands the club's decision to hold a performance review.

BBC

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Barez said they had decided to hold a performance to show people that Herat still wanted live music and people supported it.

BBC

EnThisa Modern Brooklyn DollhouSundayen Would Be Proud Of.

Vice

There is considerable evidence in the K 12 literature that students who hold a performance goal (to get a high grade in the course) will sacrifice opportunities for learning if those opportunities threaten their ability to appear "smart" (Elliot and Dweck, 1988).

CBE Life Sciences Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Last year men, women and children marched in the street before holding a performance of Vagina Monologues - the first time it was ever performed in the Pacific Nation.

The Guardian

"Madonna held a performance yesterday," she continued.

The New York Times

Earlier in the day, Liberate Tate held a performance at the Tate Modern.

The Guardian - Business

CHRISTINE MACK and PHYLLIS MACK.; Feb. 26: The Premiere Commission, an arts and music foundation, held a performance for 125 guests at the Pace Wildenstein Gallery.

The New York Times

Anya Sapozhnikova, 27, a co-founder of the House of Yes, said that after her organization held a performance in the space on Friday, they rented it out to another group.

The New York Times

On May 26 the festival will hold a memorial performance for the singer Jeanne Lee, who died in October 2000.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold a performance", consider the context and choose the most appropriate synonym to convey the specific nuance you intend, such as staging, conducting, or presenting.

Common error

Avoid using "hold a performance" when referring to something that is not a live, staged event. For example, you wouldn't say "hold a performance review"; instead, use "conduct a performance review".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold a performance" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of organizing and presenting a public show or event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It commonly describes theatrical, musical, or other artistic presentations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold a performance" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's employed to describe the act of organizing and presenting a performance, such as a play or concert. While the phrase is versatile, it appears with uncommon frequency, predominantly in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. Alternatives like "stage a performance" or "conduct a performance" can provide more specific nuances depending on the intended meaning. Remember to reserve this phrase for live, staged events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stage a performance

Focuses on the act of putting on or presenting a performance.

give a performance

Focuses on the act of providing or executing the performance.

conduct a performance

Emphasizes the direction or management of the performance.

present a performance

Highlights the act of offering or showcasing a performance to an audience.

organize a performance

Emphasizes the planning and arrangement of the performance.

host a performance

Highlights the role of organizing and providing the venue for the performance.

arrange a performance

Similar to organize, but can imply a more detailed or meticulous preparation.

put on a show

More informal, emphasizing the entertainment aspect of the performance.

produce a performance

Highlights the creative and logistical aspects of bringing a performance to life.

mount a production

Implies a larger scale and more complex theatrical undertaking.

FAQs

What does "hold a performance" mean?

"Hold a performance" means to organize and present a show, play, concert, or other type of live entertainment.

How to use "hold a performance" in a sentence?

You can use "hold a performance" in sentences like, "The school will "stage a performance" of Hamlet next month," or "The community center plans to "host a performance" for local artists."

What are some alternatives to "hold a performance"?

Alternatives to "hold a performance" include "stage a performance", "conduct a performance", "present a performance", or "host a performance".

Is "hold a performance" formal or informal?

"Hold a performance" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, alternatives like "stage a performance" or "present a performance" may be more suitable for formal writing.