patchy performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patchy performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe inconsistent or uneven results in someone's work or a system's functioning. Example: "The team's patchy performance throughout the season raised concerns about their ability to compete effectively in the playoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"They're massive favourites, Wigan, and rightly so," the Australian joked after a patchy performance that was just enough here.

The Guardian - Sport

He has admitted that the instant Olympic bounce he once forecast for London's economy has evaporated, replaced by a "patchy" performance across many important sectors.

The New York Times - Sports

Over six and two-thirds innings, he was bruised for six runs and nine hits, including two long homers, and he could not explain the patchy performance.

The New York Times - Sports

Carvalho, unmarked in the Serbian penalty area, headed in Danny's cross after 10 minutes, putting Portugal on the road to victory despite a patchy performance.

The Guardian - Sport

England cannot afford to take any of these players lightly, though they may be cheered by a patchy performance from India.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was a patchy performance and I hope it is a kick up the backside for the Wasps game," said Mark McCall, Saracens' director of rugby.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Despite patchy performances, the team are considered a tournament favourite.

The Guardian - Sport

But despite their team's patchy performances to date, Real Madrid fans are increasingly confident of their team's chances of success for one simple reason: they have Isco.

BBC

Caroline Frost of the Huffington Post called it a "fitting finale to the series, with writers and actors all saving their best for last", despite the third series' "patchy" performances.

Wikipedia

Anderson was certainly England's best on Thursday in a patchy bowling performance.

The Guardian - Sport

In England's first patchy batting performance, after Morgan won the toss, Vince was starved of the strike throughout but top-scored with 46.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "patchy performance", ensure it is followed by a clear explanation of which specific aspects were inconsistent. For example, "The team's patchy performance was evident in their inconsistent passing and defensive lapses."

Common error

Avoid using "patchy performance" without providing specific details or examples. Saying only "The product had a patchy performance" lacks informative value. Instead, specify which features or functions performed inconsistently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patchy performance" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where 'patchy' modifies 'performance'. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is a correct and usable expression in English. The examples show it describing various subjects, from sports teams to economic forecasts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Sport

36%

Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "patchy performance" is a commonly used phrase to describe inconsistent or uneven results. As verified by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, sports, and business contexts. While generally carrying a negative connotation, it's essential to provide specifics when using it to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "inconsistent execution" or "uneven quality" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to always clarify the areas of inconsistency when using "patchy performance" to provide more informative value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconsistent execution

Focuses on the inconsistent way something is carried out, rather than the overall result.

uneven quality

Highlights the variable standard of different parts of the performance or output.

erratic showing

Suggests unpredictable and irregular instances of display or action.

sporadic display

Emphasizes the occasional and intermittent nature of the performance.

irregular functioning

Implies that something isn't working as it should consistently.

variable output

Indicates that the results produced are not uniform or consistent.

fluctuating results

Highlights the ups and downs in the outcomes achieved.

intermittent success

Focuses on the occasional nature of positive outcomes.

spotty record

Refers to a history with some good and some bad moments or results.

unreliable demonstration

Suggests the performance cannot be counted on to be consistently good.

FAQs

How can I use "patchy performance" in a sentence?

You can use "patchy performance" to describe situations where results or quality are inconsistent. For example, "The team's "patchy performance" throughout the season raised concerns."

What's a good alternative to "patchy performance"?

Alternatives include "inconsistent execution", "uneven quality", or "erratic showing", depending on the specific context.

Is "patchy performance" a negative term?

Yes, "patchy performance" generally has a negative connotation, implying that something is not consistently good or reliable. It suggests that there are areas of weakness or inconsistency.

What does "patchy" mean in "patchy performance"?

In the context of "patchy performance", "patchy" means inconsistent, uneven, or sporadic. It suggests that the performance is not uniformly good but rather has good and bad parts.