What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
show
Example
The museum is hosting a new art show this month. [show: noun]
Example
The magician put on an incredible show for the audience. [show: noun]
Example
Let's go see a show at the theater tonight. [show: noun]
performance
Example
The orchestra gave a stunning performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. [performance: noun]
Example
She received high marks for her performance on the exam. [performance: noun]
Example
The new software has improved performance compared to the old version. [performance: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Show is more commonly used than performance in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and can be used in both formal and informal situations. Performance is more commonly used in professional or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between show and performance?
Performance is generally considered more formal than show, as it is often used in professional or technical contexts to describe the execution or quality of something. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
