is he performing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is he performing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inquire about whether someone is currently engaged in a performance or activity, often in a context related to entertainment or work. Example: "I wonder if he is performing at the concert tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Neither is he performing some sort of community service.

The New York Times

HOW, according to Burke, is he "performing a kind of metacriticism"?

The New York Times

"If he's got talent like this," said Ninaad Acharya, an aviation student from Jersey City, "why is he performing here?" Mr. La Roc will play tonight in the concert at Avery Fisher, whose sponsors include The New York Times.

The New York Times

In creating shows that continuously push the sexual boundaries of a prudish broadcasting landscape, is he performing activism?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

As it was, he performed a single concert in a pub with his friend Mike.

The Guardian

During the 60's and 70's he performed with such bands as the Shangri-las.

The New York Times

"The obvious bottom line is he's performed as well, if not better, than expected".

The New York Times

While he is performing, he is not the organizer of the festival.

The New York Times

By the time he was 12, he was performing professionally.

The New York Times

When he's performing he is always switched on.

Independent

Not that he was performing; he was sitting in a chair watching a rehearsal.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is he performing" to inquire about someone's current engagement in an activity, especially in the context of entertainment or skill-based actions. Consider synonyms like "acting", "playing", or "working" based on context.

Common error

Avoid using "is he performing" when referring to involuntary actions or states. It is best suited for scenarios involving deliberate performance or activity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "is he performing" is to form an interrogative clause, specifically a question. It uses the auxiliary verb "is" followed by the subject "he" and the present participle "performing" to inquire about an ongoing action. Ludwig shows examples of it being used in various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is he performing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used interrogative expression to inquire about someone's ongoing performance, especially in contexts related to entertainment or skill demonstration. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears most commonly in News & Media sources. Alternatives like "is he acting" or "is he playing" can be used depending on the context. While versatile, it should be used appropriately for deliberate actions rather than involuntary states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is he acting

Replaces "performing" with a synonym, focusing on acting specifically.

is he on stage

Specifies the location of the performance, implying a theatrical context.

is he playing

Substitutes "performing" with "playing," suitable for musical or theatrical contexts.

is he working

Broadens the scope to any kind of work or activity, not just performances.

is he in action

Suggests someone is actively involved or engaged in something.

is he presenting

Implies a formal delivery of information or entertainment.

is he executing

Focuses on the skill or precision of the action being carried out.

is he operating

Implies control or manipulation of equipment or processes.

is he functioning

Considers whether someone is capable or in a state of working effectively.

is he fulfilling

Highlights the completion or accomplishment of a task or obligation.

FAQs

What does "is he performing" mean?

The phrase "is he performing" inquires whether someone is currently in the act of performing, typically referring to a show, play, concert, or other activity that involves skill or artistry.

What can I say instead of "is he performing"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives like "is he acting", "is he playing", or "is he working".

In what contexts is "is he performing" most appropriate?

The phrase "is he performing" is particularly fitting in contexts related to entertainment, music, theatre, or any scenario where someone is showcasing a skill or talent in front of an audience.

How formal is the phrase "is he performing"?

The phrase "is he performing" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and professional settings.