perform some magic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perform some magic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is expected to create a surprising or impressive effect, often in a metaphorical sense, such as in problem-solving or creativity. Example: "With her innovative ideas, she was able to perform some magic and turn the failing project around."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The application essentially lets you text Penn & Teller after which they'll perform some magic over the air.

TechCrunch

It is the same with Manchester City and Sergio Aguero at the moment - they are all players who, like Suarez, can perform some magic in the final third and decide a game on their own.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Lyra and Billie, both 8, performed some magic.

The New York Times

He was fascinated by the art of magic from a young age, and his interest continued to grow when a gypsy man performed some magic during a visit to Aich's family home.

Unicef

Along the same lines, if you are at a busy resort that has a starter and want a preferred tee time, or don't have a tee time, a group of four golfers might want to tip the starter $50 or more should the starter perform some scheduling magic to get you on the golf course at the time you requested.

The New York Times

First he amazes them by performing some number magic with their birthdays, then he uses fruit on a market stall to show how algebra works, and a cafe to demonstrate its practical benefits in the real world.

The Guardian

He kept having these big upheaval gasps, and I got into the bed with him and breathed in his mouth to perform some kind of resuscitative magic, but I think he was dead.

The New York Times

He has a circular theory which suggests 1) you can never directly challenge racist views you don't agree with, and 2) that we have to perform some kind of Freudian magic to get to the heart of people's "true" anxieties.

Vice

If he has performed some sort of magic to spark the Mets in the past six weeks, where was that spark, that touch, that managerial genius for the first 20 weeks?

The New York Times - Sports

Good cachaças perform similar magic.

The New York Times - Food

He doesn't perform any magic with the teenagers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perform some magic" when you want to emphasize the skill or artistry involved in achieving a surprising or positive outcome. It is particularly effective when describing actions that seem almost effortless or defy conventional explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "perform some magic" in highly formal or technical writing. While acceptable in news and general contexts, more precise or professional language might be preferable for academic papers or business reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perform some magic" functions as a verb phrase, with "perform" acting as the main verb and "some magic" serving as the direct object. It describes the act of executing something that seems magical or produces an extraordinary result. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "perform some magic" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe achieving a remarkable or impressive result, often through skill or creativity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to slightly informal contexts like news articles or general discussions, as determined by the source analysis. Alternative phrases like ""work some magic"" or ""create some magic"" offer similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work some magic

Similar meaning, focusing on the act of achieving a desired outcome through skill or ingenuity.

do some magic

Very close synonym, using "do" instead of "perform" to convey the same idea of executing a magical act.

create some magic

Focuses on the act of bringing something magical into existence.

weave some magic

Implies a more delicate or intricate approach to achieving a magical result.

conjure some magic

Suggests bringing magic forth as if from nothing.

cast a spell

Specifically refers to the act of using a magical incantation or ritual.

work wonders

Emphasizes the positive and astonishing effects of an action.

achieve the impossible

Highlights the difficulty and improbability of the accomplishment.

pull off a miracle

Suggests achieving something extraordinary and unexpected.

produce a miracle

Focuses on the act of bringing something miraculous into being.

FAQs

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

You can use "perform some magic" to describe someone skillfully achieving a surprising or impressive result. For example, "The chef managed to "perform some magic" with the limited ingredients."

What are some alternatives to "perform some magic"?

Alternatives include "work some magic", "do some magic", or "create some magic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "perform some magic" formal or informal?

"Perform some magic" leans towards the informal side but is generally acceptable in news, media, and everyday conversation. More formal contexts might require more precise language.

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

"Perform some magic" suggests a skillful or artful act, while "work some wonders" emphasizes the astonishing and positive results achieved. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight the method or the outcome.