perform magic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'perform magic' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone doing something in an extraordinary or mysterious way. For example, you could say, "The actress' performance was so captivating, it felt like she was performing magic on stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But wizards can perform magic not miracles.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He can't perform magic," Mehrade said.

The New York Times

The shaman may practice medicine, perform magic rites, and lead religious ceremonies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I sometimes perform magic in the store, and we have a Houdini museum there.

The New York Times

But Mosley loved it, teaching himself to juggle and perform magic tricks.

The Washington Post

Can she perform magic that powerful without king's blood as an ingredient?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I'd perform magic tricks at Retiro Park in Madrid, attract a crowd, then make balloon animals and give them away.

The New York Times

(When the children call to Herr Drosselmeier to perform "Magic," they're on their feet, advancing toward him).

The New York Times - Arts

But unless the Expos' proprietors change their stance quickly, Minaya will have to perform magic to keep the team whole.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

We have developed an efficient heat exchanger with a liquid nitrogen consumption rate of only 90 L per day to perform magic-angle spinning (MAS) DNP experiments below 85 K.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance

Specific foods--watermelon, spinach, avocados, tofu, and sesame seeds, to name a few--perform magic and reestablish normal reward responses for natural foods.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perform magic" when you want to suggest an action that appears skillful, mysterious, or exceptionally effective. It is suitable in both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

While "perform magic" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise language that describes the specific action or outcome instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perform magic" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "perform" acts as the verb and "magic" as the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "perform magic" is a versatile expression used to describe both literal acts of magic and figurative displays of exceptional skill or effectiveness. Ludwig AI validates that it's grammatically sound and widely accepted in English. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, with neutral register. While not ideal for highly formal writing, its evocative nature makes it a common and effective choice for a variety of situations. When other alternatives are needed, consider "work wonders", "achieve miracles", or "cast a spell" to fine-tune the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work wonders

Emphasizes positive and impressive results but less on the process.

achieve miracles

Suggests accomplishing something thought to be impossible.

cast a spell

More metaphorical and implies a strong influence or enchantment.

conjure up

Suggests bringing something into existence seemingly from nothing.

produce wonders

Highlights the creation of something astonishing.

pull off a miracle

Implies successfully completing something extremely difficult.

deliver a miracle

Focuses on the act of providing a miraculous outcome.

make something extraordinary happen

A more general phrase for causing something remarkable.

exhibit extraordinary skills

Highlights exceptional talent rather than supernatural abilities.

demonstrate exceptional abilities

Focuses on displaying remarkable skills or talents.

FAQs

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

You can use "perform magic" to describe a literal magic show or, more figuratively, to describe someone doing something in an extraordinary or skillful way. For example: "The magician was able to "perform magic" on stage" or "The chef can "perform magic" with simple ingredients".

What are some alternatives to "perform magic"?

Some alternatives include "work wonders", "achieve miracles", or "cast a spell", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "performed magic" or should I use a different tense?

Both "perform magic" and "performed magic" are correct, depending on the context. "Perform magic" is used in the present or future tense, while "performed magic" is used in the past tense.

What's the difference between "perform magic" and "work magic"?

"Perform magic" typically refers to the act of doing magic, either literally or figuratively. "Work magic" usually suggests that something has a surprisingly positive or beneficial effect.