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* Have you ever wondered whether to say you “did” a performance or “gave” a performance?
* Do you struggle to find the right words to describe how well a colleague is doing at work?
* Are you looking for more professional ways to discuss results, athletics, or the arts?
Mastering collocations—words that naturally “fit” together—is the fastest way to move from sounding like a student to sounding like a fluent speaker. When you use the word performance correctly, you reduce your language anxiety and communicate your ideas with precision, whether you are in a boardroom or a theater.
Essential Collocations using PERFORMANCE as a Noun
In modern English, “performance” is primarily used as a noun. It refers to how well a person, machine, or organization does a piece of work or an activity. It also refers to the act of presenting a play, concert, or other form of entertainment.
Adjective + Performance (Describing Quality)
- Stellar performance: An exceptionally good or outstanding result.
Example: “The sales team’s stellar performance led to record-breaking profits this quarter.” - Mediocre performance: A result that is just average or not very good.
Example: “Critics were disappointed by the actor’s mediocre performance in the sequel.” - Peak performance: The best possible level of functioning.
Example: “Athletes train for years to reach their peak performance during the Olympics.” - Lackluster performance: Lacking energy, excitement, or effort.
Example: “The stock market saw a lackluster performance due to economic uncertainty.”
Verb + Performance (Taking Action)
- Give a performance: To perform in front of an audience (the most common verb for arts).
Example: “The orchestra will give a performance at the grand hall tonight.” - Monitor performance: To watch or check how something is doing over time.
Example: “Managers use software to monitor performance and identify bottlenecks.” - Improve performance: To make something work better than it did before.
Example: “We need to upgrade the servers to improve performance for our users.” - Assess performance: To evaluate or judge the quality of work.
Example: “The annual meeting is a time to assess performance across all departments.”
Performance + Noun (Compound Nouns)
- Performance review: A formal meeting to discuss an employee’s work.
Example: “I have my annual performance review scheduled for Monday morning.” - Performance metrics: Standards of measurement used to track results.
Example: “We need to establish clear performance metrics before starting the project.” - Performance bonus: Extra money paid for achieving specific goals.
Example: “She received a generous performance bonus after exceeding her sales targets.”
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deliver a performance | Verb + Noun | To carry out or present a performance. |
| Underperformance | Noun (Compound) | Doing worse than expected. |
| High-performance | Adjective + Noun | Capable of working very fast or efficiently. |
| Track performance | Verb + Noun | To record progress over a period. |
| Poor performance | Adjective + Noun | A low level of achievement or quality. |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| Make a performance (for music/acting) | Give a performance / Put on a performance |
| The performance of the car is very speed | The car’s performance is impressive (or high) |
| I had a good performance in the test | I performed well on the test (or my performance was good) |
| Do a performance review | Conduct a performance review |
“During my recent performance review, my manager noted that I had been reaching peak performance consistently. She was particularly impressed by how I monitor performance within my team to ensure we meet our performance metrics. Because I managed to deliver a performance that exceeded expectations, I was granted a performance bonus at the end of the year.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Performance Collocations
Is “performance” a countable or uncountable noun?
It can be both. When referring to a specific show or play (e.g., “The theater has two performances today”), it is countable. When referring to the general quality of work or how a machine functions (e.g., “We are analyzing company performance”), it is uncountable.
What is the difference between “give a performance” and “put on a performance”?
“Give a performance” usually focuses on the individual or group’s acting or playing. “Put on a performance” often implies the organization or effort behind the entire production or show.
Which preposition follows performance: “in” or “of”?
Can I use “performance” as a verb?
No, “performance” is strictly a noun. The verb form is “perform.” For example: “She performed (verb) the song,” vs “Her performance (noun) was beautiful.”
What does “performance-enhancing” mean?
This is a common compound adjective used in sports and biology, usually referring to substances (like drugs) that help an athlete achieve better results than they could naturally.
I'm always confused about 'execute a performance' versus 'give a performance.' Is there a difference, or are they interchangeable in some contexts?
That's a very insightful question, Lena! While 'give a performance' is more common for artistic acts (e.g., 'The band gave a fantastic performance'), 'execute a performance' emphasizes the skill and precision involved in carrying out a task or action. It's more often used in contexts like 'The athlete executed a flawless performance' or 'The team executed a high-level performance under pressure.' They are not always interchangeable, with 'execute' often implying a more technical or skilled completion of a task.
As a non-native English speaking manager, finding the right words to discuss team performance is crucial. This article provides some excellent phrases. Thank you for these practical examples!
This blog is a lifesaver for my essays! I'm always trying to upgrade my vocabulary. What are some good synonyms for 'stellar performance' if I want to avoid repetition?
We're so glad we can help you with your essays, Sofia! To avoid repetition while describing exceptional quality, you could use phrases like 'outstanding achievement,' 'superb execution,' 'exemplary showing,' or 'remarkable display.' Each has a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar high level of success. Good luck with your writing!
Could you provide some more examples of how to use 'performance' in the context of machine or software operations? I often translate technical documents.
Certainly, Chen Wei! In a technical context, you could use 'performance' in phrases like: 'The software's performance improved significantly after the update.' or 'We need to analyze the machine's performance under heavy load.' Also, 'optimize performance' is a very common collocation. It refers to how efficiently and effectively a system or component operates. Hope this helps with your technical translations!
I loved the distinction between 'did' and 'gave' a performance. It's these subtle differences that make English so challenging but also rewarding. Thanks for clarifying!
You've captured the essence of language learning, Olga! It's precisely these subtle distinctions in collocations that differentiate fluent speakers. We're delighted we could clarify this for you and make your English journey more rewarding. Keep an eye out for more tips on our blog!
Can we say 'poor performance' or 'bad performance' interchangeably? Or is one more common/formal than the other?
Great question, Ravi! Both 'poor performance' and 'bad performance' are used and understood. However, 'poor performance' is generally considered more common, slightly more formal, and often preferred in professional or analytical contexts. 'Bad performance' isn't incorrect, but it can sound a little more colloquial or blunt. For formal reports, stick with 'poor performance.'
This article confirms my understanding of 'performance' as a noun. I'm always looking for ways to sound more natural. What about the verb 'to perform'? Any common tricky collocations there?
That's a fantastic follow-up question, Chloe! While this article focused on the noun 'performance,' the verb 'to perform' also has its nuances. Common collocations include 'perform a task,' 'perform an operation' (medical), 'perform a duty,' or 'perform a play/song.' One common mistake is using 'perform good' instead of 'perform well.' Perhaps that could be a future article! Thanks for inspiring us!
I'm curious about 'peak performance.' Does this only apply to physical activities, or can it be used in intellectual or business contexts too? For example, can a company achieve 'peak performance'?
Excellent question, Benjamin! While 'peak performance' is very common in sports and physical activity, it absolutely extends to intellectual and business contexts as well. A student can reach 'peak performance' during an exam, or a company can be operating at 'peak performance' when all its departments are functioning optimally and delivering maximum results. It signifies the highest level of output or efficiency in any field.
I'm a beginner, and this was really clear! Could you also explain if 'performance' is used in American English and British English in exactly the same way, especially for artistic contexts like a play or concert?
That's wonderful to hear, Maria! We strive for clarity for all levels. Generally, 'performance' is used very similarly in both American and British English for artistic contexts (e.g., 'a theatrical performance,' 'a musical performance'). While there might be subtle regional preferences for certain related phrases, the core usage of 'performance' remains consistent across both major variants of English. Excellent question!
This article really highlights why collocations are so important. I used to just translate word-for-word from Japanese, which often led to awkward phrasing. 'Stellar performance' is a great one to add to my vocabulary. Arigato!
You've hit on a crucial point, Kaito! Direct translation is a common pitfall, and mastering collocations is the antidote to sounding 'awkward.' We're delighted you find 'stellar performance' useful and that this article is helping you bridge that gap. Keep practicing, and your English will continue to shine! どういたしまして (Dōitashimashite)!