it performs like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it performs like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the performance of one thing to another, often in a technical or evaluative context. Example: "This new software update is impressive; it performs like a high-end application despite being free."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"It doesn't look like a sports car, but it performs like one".

The New York Times - Travel

Audi, especially, has shown that luxury buyers will happily accept a modern 4-cylinder if it performs like a 6.

The New York Times

Over all, the Hypermotard seems rather aptly named, since it performs like a supermotard with super powers.

The New York Times

Starting out nonchalantly in the US, UK plus patches of Latin America and Europe this weekend, if it performs like Anchorman 2 ($173.6m on a $50m budget), director Ben Stiller will be more than happy.

The Guardian - Film

And at Procter & Gamble, a line featuring new products that cost $42 to $62 each — a far cry from the price of a bar of Ivory soap — is getting a value designation because, ads assert, it performs like product lines costing much more.

The New York Times

As for driving the Escape, it performs like an absolutely ordinary vehicle, save for a few hybrid-like tendencies.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

As Disney prepared Iron Man 3 for release, the question was always: would it perform like the first two instalments in the Tony Stark series, or could it fly close to the astonishing success of The Avengers last summer?

The Guardian - Film

It performed like a champ in the crosswinds on the ultra-long Tappan Zee Bridge over the Hudson River.

Forbes

The strategy to generate new individuals is to use only the mutation operator, blue which what makes it perform like a local search.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Thus, from days four to 10, it performed like exploitation, and during these days they both outperformed the other methods (SVM-Margin and random selection).

Security Informatics

It is descended from weapons designed for the battlefield, and it performed like it.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing performance, be specific about what aspect of performance you are referring to. For example, instead of saying "it performs like a sports car", specify "it accelerates like a sports car" or "it handles like a sports car".

Common error

Ensure that your comparison is clear and avoids ambiguity. Saying "it performs like X" without context can leave the reader wondering what specific attributes are being compared. Be specific to enhance clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it performs like" functions as a comparative expression, indicating a similarity in the way something operates or behaves. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is indeed correct and usable. Examples in Ludwig illustrate how this phrase is used to draw parallels between different items based on their functional characteristics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it performs like" is a versatile phrase used to draw comparisons, primarily based on functional characteristics or behavior. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and widely usable. It's commonly found in news articles, scientific papers, and business communications, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the aspect of performance being compared to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include alternatives like ""it functions similarly to"" and "it behaves like", each with slightly different nuances. Understanding these nuances can greatly enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it functions similarly to

Focuses on the similarity in function or operation.

it behaves like

Emphasizes the similarity in behavior or conduct.

it operates in the same manner as

Highlights the equivalent way of operating or working.

it mimics the performance of

Indicates that the performance imitates another.

it emulates the action of

Highlights the fact that action is copied.

it mirrors the functionality of

Stresses that functionality is reflected.

it provides comparable results to

Highlights that results are very similar.

it yields similar outcomes as

Emphasizes that the outcomes are equivalent.

it stands up to par with

Focuses on comparable standing and level.

it measures up against

Highlights that it can be compared on some metrics.

FAQs

How can I use "it performs like" in a sentence?

Use "it performs like" to compare the functionality or behavior of something to something else. For example, "This budget-friendly laptop performs like a high-end model."

What's a formal alternative to "it performs like"?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives like "it functions similarly to" or "it operates in the same manner as".

Is "it performs like" suitable for technical writing?

Yes, "it performs like" is suitable for technical writing when comparing the characteristics of different systems, components, or algorithms.

How does "it performs like" differ from "it is similar to"?

"It performs like" specifically refers to the functional behavior, while "it is similar to" is a broader comparison that can encompass appearance, design, or other attributes beyond performance.