perform in public

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perform in public" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone performing publicly, such as playing music, singing, dancing, or acting on stage. Example sentence: The dance troupe was excited to perform in public for the first time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The drama program stresses technique and performance; students must perform in public at least twice a year.

Wikipedia

Stable openness: perform in public, help others.

Harvard Business Review

A few refuse to perform in public altogether.

The Washington Post

JIDDA, Saudi Arabia — They cannot perform in public.

The New York Times

She was 14 when they began to perform in public.

The New York Times - Arts

In Singapore troupes occasionally perform in public theatres as well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Looking at art may be the most unguarded action that we perform in public.

The New Yorker

He never had the desire to record, go on radio, or perform in public….

The New Yorker

"It was because of how early they started to perform in public," she says.

The New York Times - Arts

In addition, some male pop singers have been permitted to perform in public under certain circumstances.

The New York Times - Arts

"And I never got through anything, because I was so frightened to perform in public".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's debut or initial experiences, use "perform in public" to emphasize their first exposure to a live audience. This adds context to their development and growth as performers.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice when describing who is performing. Instead of saying "The song was performed in public", specify who performed it: "The band performed the song in public". This makes the sentence more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perform in public" functions as a verb phrase, where "perform" is the main verb and "in public" acts as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb. It describes the action of executing a skill or talent before an audience. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perform in public" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of showcasing a skill or talent before an audience. According to Ludwig, it's widely used and understood. It carries a neutral tone, fitting for various contexts, from news reports to everyday conversations. While seemingly straightforward, being mindful of sentence structure and avoiding passive voice can enhance clarity. Remember to use "in" rather than "at" when referring to performing in public. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources, but it can be also found in Academia, Encyclopedias and other various resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give a public performance

Highlights the act of presenting a performance to the public.

showcase talent publicly

Emphasizes the display of skill or talent to an audience.

perform for the masses

Highlights performing to a large audience.

appear on stage

Focuses specifically on stage appearances, implying a formal setting.

take the stage

Emphasizes the act of going onto a stage to perform.

present to an audience

Broader term that encompasses any form of presentation before a group.

play before a crowd

Specifically refers to musical performance in front of an audience.

entertain publicly

Focuses on providing entertainment to an audience.

make a public appearance

Highlights the act of appearing before the public, which can include performances.

go on display

Focuses on the visibility and showing of something to the general public, like art or skills.

FAQs

How can I use "perform in public" in a sentence?

You can use "perform in public" to describe the act of showcasing a skill or talent before an audience. For example, "The musician was nervous to "perform in public" for the first time".

What are some alternatives to "perform in public"?

Alternatives include "give a public performance", "appear on stage", or "showcase talent publicly", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "perform at public" instead of "perform in public"?

No, the correct preposition is "in". You "perform in public", not at public. "At" typically refers to a specific location or event, while "in" refers to a broader environment.

What's the difference between "perform in public" and "make a public appearance"?

"Perform in public" specifically refers to showcasing a talent or skill, while "make a public appearance" is a more general term for being present in a public setting, often for promotional or social reasons. A public appearance might not necessarily involve a performance.