it was performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was performance" is grammatically correct but may lack clarity without context.
You can use it when referring to a specific performance that has already occurred, possibly in a discussion about art, theater, or any evaluative context. Example: "After watching the play, I realized it was performance that truly captivated the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But the "it was performance art" line ranks pretty high in the all-time most innovative excuses or explanations for questionable behaviour.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was performance art".

The Guardian - Tech

A lot of it was performance, and doesn't survive.

The New York Times - Arts

For Gerry Potter it was performance poetry and directing.

The Guardian

But it was performance art.... Anywhere I went, people would call me Pee-wee.

The New Yorker

Hendrick had been concerned with "having to manage Dale Earnhardt Jr., the superstar," but in fact it was performance that was the issue.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"But that was not our main motivating factor in doing it; it was performance-based".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's performance art".

The New York Times - Science

It's performance that tells you.

Independent

It's performance energy," she says.

The Guardian - Film

It's performance that break into life".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "it was performance" with more descriptive phrases to enhance clarity and provide more specific information about the nature of the performance.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it" without clarifying what "it" represents each time. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was performance" functions as a statement identifying or characterizing something as a performance. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various contexts, emphasizing the act or event being described.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was performance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to identify or classify something as a performance, as per Ludwig AI. Although correct, "it was performance" can be vague, so ensure it is clear and unambiguous what "it" refers to. The phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts and can benefit from more descriptive alternatives in formal writing. The analyzed examples demonstrate the phrase's use across different scenarios, though it is relatively uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it constituted a performance

This alternative emphasizes the act of performing and characterizing it.

it embodied performance

This suggests the act fully represented or showed performance.

it represented a performance

This alternative focuses on the depiction or presentation of a performance.

it functioned as a performance

This alternative highlights the role or purpose that the act served as a performance.

it served as performance

This alternative emphasizes the role that the act filled.

it played out as a performance

This suggests the event unfolded like a performance.

it came across as performance

This focuses on the impression or perception of the act.

it was essentially a performance

This alternative implies that, at its core, the event was a performance.

it amounted to a performance

This suggests the event was equal to or resulted in a performance.

it had the hallmarks of performance

This emphasizes the characteristics or typical features of a performance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was performance" for variety?

You could use phrases like "it represented a performance", "it came across as performance", or "it served as performance" to add nuance.

Is "it was performance" too vague for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was performance" can be vague. In formal contexts, consider specifying what kind of performance it was, for example, "it was an outstanding performance".

What does "it was performance" mean in the context of art?

In art, "it was performance" suggests that an action, event, or behavior was intended as an artistic expression, often challenging conventional artistic boundaries. See the example "But "it was performance art" line ranks pretty high in the all-time most innovative excuses or explanations for questionable behaviour."

When should I avoid using "it was performance"?

Avoid using "it was performance" when the subject 'it' is unclear or ambiguous. Always ensure the context makes it immediately clear what 'it' refers to to prevent confusion.