sentimental performance

USAGE SUMMARY

"sentimental performance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a performance that evokes strong emotions or sentimentality in the audience. Example: The actress' sentimental performance moved the entire audience to tears.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Ultimately, affect and emotionality are used to maintain and perform the proper feelings for certain architectural structures, manifesting themselves as a sentimental performance of systemic allegiance.

Emotion, Space and Society

"It was a very sentimental performance," the diplomat said.

The New York Times

It was an eloquent and sentimental performance that distilled the way her public and private lives blended.

The New York Times

IN the 1992 film version of "GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS" Jack Lemmon found the pathos of the over-the-hill salesman Shelly Levene in a heartbreaking, almost sentimental performance.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

His bold inside-out unfolding of a framework instead of a story would have been even more audacious if he hadn't sought to camouflage it under sentimental performances.

The New Yorker

The filmmakers hold up for derision the rabbis on hand, their Hebrew school, the rote learning that goes into the Bar Mitzvah ceremony, and the sentimental but empty performance that it becomes — but at the same time, in a parallel plot line, they turn their adult protagonist, Larry Gopnik Michael Stuhlbargg), the boy's father, into a modern-day Job.

The New Yorker

The last minutes of the film get very sentimental, with a performance of Etta James's classic "At Last" set to the backdrop of Civil Rights-era footage, followed by a close-up moment when Beyoncé admits that her life can be overwhelming, although she is blessed, stating "I'm grateful... I'm alive and I'm living my dreams".

Wikipedia

The writer says that she finds it easy to cry at a sentimental movie or theatre performance.

The New Yorker

Marina was embarrassed, and jarred by some false, sentimental note in his performance, which seemed aimed challengingly at his family.

The New Yorker

She had to enter through the lobby and there saw a… The writer says that she finds it easy to cry at a sentimental movie or theatre performance.

The New Yorker

By Cornelia Otis Skinner The New Yorker, January 20 , 1951P. 26 The writer says that she finds it easy to cry at a sentimental movie or theatre performance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sentimental performance" when you want to emphasize the emotional qualities of a performance, whether positive or negative. Be mindful of the context to ensure the sentiment aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

While "sentimental performance" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing where a more objective or nuanced description might be more appropriate. Consider alternative phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sentimental performance" primarily functions as a descriptive term. It combines an adjective ("sentimental") with a noun ("performance") to characterize the nature of the performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English, typically describing performances intended to evoke strong emotions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sentimental performance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe performances marked by emotional depth and an appeal to sentimentality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples primarily from News & Media and Science sources. While the phrase is generally acceptable, writers should consider the context to avoid overuse, especially in formal settings, and be aware that the term can sometimes imply excessive or manipulative emotionality. Related phrases include "emotional display" and "heartfelt presentation", offering alternative ways to convey the emotional characteristics of a performance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotional display

Focuses on the overt expression of emotions during the performance.

touching rendition

Highlights the affecting quality of the performance.

heartfelt presentation

Emphasizes the sincerity and emotional depth conveyed.

moving portrayal

Concentrates on the emotional impact of the character depiction.

affecting interpretation

Highlights the emotional resonance of the performer's understanding.

tearjerking act

Describes a performance designed to evoke sadness or pity.

melodramatic showing

Indicates an exaggerated or overly emotional performance.

mawkish exhibition

Suggests a performance that is excessively sentimental to the point of being unpleasant.

sappy routine

Refers to a performance that is excessively sentimental and often predictable.

saccharine spectacle

Implies an overly sweet and artificial emotional display.

FAQs

How can I describe a performance that evokes a feeling of nostalgia?

You can describe it as a "nostalgic performance", emphasizing its ability to trigger memories and a longing for the past.

What is the difference between a "sentimental performance" and an "emotional performance"?

While both involve emotions, a "sentimental performance" often implies a deliberate appeal to tender feelings, whereas an "emotional performance" simply conveys strong feelings without necessarily aiming for sentimentality.

Is "sentimental performance" always a positive description?

Not necessarily. While it can describe a moving and heartfelt performance, it can also imply that the performance is overly saccharine or manipulative in its emotional appeal.

What are some alternative ways to describe a "sentimental performance" that might be more appropriate for formal writing?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "affecting interpretation", "moving portrayal", or "heartfelt presentation" to maintain a professional tone.