the performance was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the performance was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe or evaluate a specific performance, such as in a play, concert, or any other event where performance is relevant. Example: "The performance was captivating, leaving the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The performance was okay.

Independent

The performance was unmemorable.

Independent

The performance was masterly.

The New York Times - Arts

The performance was over.

BBC

The performance was dazzling.

The New York Times - Arts

The performance was exquisite.

The New York Times - Arts

The performance was riveting.

The New Yorker

Still, the performance was tentative.

The New York Times - Arts

The performance was a shambles.

The Economist

The performance was well timed.

The New York Times - Sports

The performance was fatally undermined.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a performance, follow "the performance was" with a specific and descriptive adjective to convey your evaluation effectively. For example, "the performance was captivating" or "the performance was underwhelming".

Common error

Avoid using generic adjectives like "good" or "bad" after "the performance was". Instead, opt for more precise words that communicate the nuances of the performance, such as "riveting", "flawless", or "disappointing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the performance was" functions as a sentence subject followed by a linking verb, establishing a connection between the performance and a descriptive attribute. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase commonly prefaces an evaluation or description of an event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Arts

15%

Sports

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science & Research

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the performance was" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an evaluation, description, or factual detail about a specific event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, followed by arts and sports contexts. To use it effectively, avoid vague adjectives and instead, opt for descriptive words that communicate the nuances of the performance. Considering the frequency and adaptability across various contexts, it's an expression you can confidently use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the presentation seemed

This alternative uses "presentation" instead of "performance" and "seemed" instead of "was", changing the focus and verb.

the rendition appeared

This substitutes "performance" with "rendition" and uses "appeared" which softens the statement.

the showing proved

This uses "showing" instead of "performance" and indicates a result with "proved".

the display turned out

This uses "display" instead of "performance" and "turned out" to suggest a final result.

it played out as

This uses a more idiomatic expression focusing on how something unfolded, rather than a direct assessment of performance.

the production seemed to be

This alternative uses "production" suggesting a larger scale and "seemed to be" softens the statement.

the execution felt

This shifts the focus to the execution aspect, using "felt" to describe the impression.

the act came across as

This refers to a specific "act" and how it was perceived using "came across as".

the delivery came off as

This focuses on the delivery aspect and its perceived quality.

the effort resulted in

This looks at the "effort" behind it and focuses on the end result, which is quite different from evaluating the performance itself.

FAQs

How can I use "the performance was" in a sentence?

You can use "the performance was" to describe your impression or evaluation of an event. For example, "the performance was electric" or "the performance was tentative".

What are some alternatives to "the performance was"?

Some alternatives include "the show was", "the act was", or you could rephrase to say "it played out as" depending on the context.

How do I avoid vague language after "the performance was"?

Instead of saying "the performance was good", try to use descriptive adjectives that convey specific qualities, such as "the performance was riveting" or "the performance was a shambles".

Is it always necessary to provide my own opinion after using "the performance was"?

While it's not always required, adding your impression enhances the sentence. You could also state a fact, such as "the performance was held Jan. 29th" if you are only providing information.