performances

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "performances" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of performing, or to one or more individual performances that have taken place. For example: The play received rave reviews for its impressive performances.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Music

Film

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There will be national plays and performances staged.

The Guardian

What are they made of – plywood?" At the launch of the party's general election campaign at the Royal Society of Arts in London, Bennett was asked whether she was letting her party down with such media performances.

The Guardian

"At first the Germans thought they were being generous to the Jews, allowing us to play," says Anka. "Then they saw how wonderfully the music was played, and presumably had the idea to stage performances, and make films, for the outside world".

The Guardian - Music

I now realised that this is what happened every night, during the two years in the West End and in countless performances the length and breadth of the country.

The Guardian

While the practice has mainly been restricted to finishing off performances of actors who died midway through filming – such as Paul Walker in Fast and Furious 7 – it has also been utilised by advertisers, keen to attach famous faces to their brands.

The Guardian

Reading festival, 2000, and on the main stage one of the most punk-rock performances in living memory is taking place.

The Guardian - Music

Critics may worry that she is too tribally Labour and that her media performances are too wooden at a time when politicians are under pressure to show a bit more personality, reach out to a broader audience and show a willingness to say what they really think.

The Guardian

There is much doubling, which helps close the generational gap, and excellent performances - especially from the women in the cast.

The Guardian

This was the beginning of what she now calls "live cinema": performances that come alive somewhere between the chaotic scramble on stage and the smooth, cinema-quality output on the screen.

The Guardian

It is The Theory of Everything and The Imitation Game which are the two films expected to predominate at this year's Baftas, the weirdly fortuitous pairing of two distinguished, intelligent, slightly theatrical performances and two brilliant British scientists cursed with the traditional qualities glibly associated with genius: shyness, loneliness, and disability of various sorts.

The Guardian - Film

This year's Rite of Spring centenary has certainly unleashed a flood of tribute performances.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing artistic endeavors, use "performances" to refer to live acts like plays, concerts, and dance recitals. For recorded media, consider "renditions" or "interpretations".

Common error

Avoid using "performances" when referring to routine business or mechanical operations; instead, opt for words like "operations", "functions", or "executions" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

"Performances" primarily functions as a plural noun. It denotes multiple instances of a public presentation or execution of an activity, typically in the arts or sports. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Music

10%

Film

8%

Travel

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "performances" functions as a plural noun referring to acts of public presentation or execution across various fields, notably in arts, sports, and business. Ludwig highlights the phrase's grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It maintains a neutral register, fitting in both formal and informal settings. To enhance precision, consider related phrases like "presentations", "shows", or "renditions" depending on the specific nuance required. The word is very common in the press.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presentations

Focuses on the act of presenting something, often in a formal setting.

shows

Emphasizes the entertainment aspect, suitable for theatrical or musical contexts.

displays

Highlights the visual or exhibitory nature of the event.

renditions

Refers specifically to interpretations or versions of a musical piece or artistic work.

executions

Focuses on the manner in which tasks or activities are carried out.

operations

Relates to the functioning or working of something, often in a technical or business context.

functions

Highlights the purpose or activity of something, generally more formal.

workings

Emphasizes the process or manner in which something operates or functions.

achievements

Stresses the successful completion of tasks or goals.

accomplishments

Highlights notable successes or feats achieved.

FAQs

How can I use "performances" in a sentence?

You can use "performances" to describe theatrical acts, musical recitals, or sporting events. For example, "The play received rave reviews for its impressive performances."

What are some alternatives to saying "performances"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "presentations", "shows", or "renditions" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "performances" formal or informal?

"Performances" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject. It fits well in news reports, academic papers, and casual conversations.

How does "performances" differ from "achievements"?

"Performances" generally refer to specific events or acts, whereas "achievements" refer to completed goals or accomplishments. One relates to an act, the other to a result.