rehearsal

USAGE SUMMARY

'rehearsal' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used when referring to a practice session for an upcoming event or performance such as a play, dance, or concert. Example sentence: The cast of the play had one last rehearsal before the opening night.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Film

Theatre

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Watching the choreographer in rehearsal, it's clear how much he honours that style.

The Guardian

It was just a fill-in, something to pass a few moments in a rehearsal tea break.

The Guardian

After the bear outfits finally came out, at the first dress rehearsal, Jane "walked out of the Barclay Centre shaking and crying".

The Guardian

Come dress rehearsal, dead librettists are vastly preferred to living ones who have just spotted a line they would like to change.

The Guardian

This ignorance is often exposed by inquisitive actors in rehearsal rooms.

The Guardian

In the mid-1960s, the space was used as a rehearsal room, with a bar at one end.

The Guardian

I went on to a rehearsal at the Belarus Free Theatre, the dissident Belarussian theatre group.

The Guardian

A weekend dress rehearsal went well and the forecast looks good for Tuesday.

The Guardian

Driving his car through the busy streets of Argentina's capital, he seems slightly lost, far away from the quiet night skies and open horizons of his home, asking for directions, on his way to a rehearsal for a television show he will be performing on.

The Guardian

Don't get too depressed in the first stage and orchestra rehearsal, when you hear your favourite line has disappeared Enlightened opera house education departments and music academies occasionally offer short courses – such as the Jerwood opera-writing course run by Aldeburgh Music every four years – which pair up composers new to opera with writers keen to explore the genre.

The Guardian

I thought I was doing well until, at the end of the first dress rehearsal, the director took me aside.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a performance, be specific about the type of "rehearsal" (e.g., dress rehearsal, technical rehearsal) to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid thinking of a "rehearsal" merely as a repetition exercise; it's an opportunity for refinement, problem-solving, and building synergy among performers.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rehearsal" is as a noun. It typically refers to a session where performers practice for a future event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and common. For example, "the first dress rehearsal" or "a rehearsal dinner".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Music

15%

Film

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

8%

Theatre

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "rehearsal" is a very common noun used to describe the practice or preparation for a performance or event. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Music, and Film contexts. When writing about "rehearsals", it's important to be specific about the type of "rehearsal" being discussed (e.g., dress "rehearsal", technical "rehearsal") to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "practice session" or "run-through" can be used for variety, though "rehearsal" itself is a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dress rehearsal

A full rehearsal with costumes and makeup, close to the actual performance.

run-through

Suggests a complete performance without stopping.

practice session

Focuses on the act of practicing.

dry run

An informal term for practicing without the pressure of the real event.

trial run

Emphasizes testing the process before the actual event.

training session

Highlights the aspect of learning and improvement.

preparatory session

Emphasizes the session's purpose of preparing for something.

walk-through

Suggests a step-by-step review of the performance.

practice drill

Focuses on repetitive practice to improve skills.

technical preparation

Highlights the technical aspects of preparing for a performance.

FAQs

How can I use "rehearsal" in a sentence?

You can use "rehearsal" in sentences like: "The band had their final rehearsal before the concert", or "The actors spent weeks in rehearsal preparing for the play".

What's the difference between a "rehearsal" and a "performance"?

A "rehearsal" is a practice session in preparation for a performance. The "performance" is the actual presentation to an audience.

What can I say instead of "rehearsal"?

You can use alternatives like "practice session", "trial run", or "run-through" depending on the context.

Is "dress rehearsal" different from a regular "rehearsal"?

Yes, a "dress rehearsal" is a full rehearsal where performers wear their costumes and makeup, simulating the actual performance conditions, while a regular "rehearsal" may focus on specific parts or aspects.