perform

/pəˈfɔːm/ (bre, ipa) · /pərˈfɔːrm/ (ame, ipa) · /pər-ˈfȯrm pə-/ (ame, mw)

perform — verb

  • performpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • performshe / she / it
  • performedpast simple
  • performing-ing form

1. to complete a planned task, duty, test, ritual, or other piece of work.

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to complete a planned task, duty, test, ritual, or other piece of work.

例句

Dr. Huang will perform the knee operation early tomorrow morning.

perform + operation

The lab performs safety checks on every toy before shipping.

perform + checks / test-like task

同義詞
  • carry out

    close in meaning and common for plans, orders, and instructions

  • conduct

    especially used for tests, surveys, experiments, and interviews

  • execute

    more formal and often technical, legal, or military

  • do

    the everyday verb, much broader and less formal

文法句型

perform a task

perform an operation

perform a test

perform a ritual

用法筆記

Object is usually a task with a clear procedure, such as an operation, test, duty, ritual, or calculation. More formal than everyday 'do', and very common in passive sentences when the action matters more than the person doing it.

常見錯誤

❌The lab performed on the test yesterday.
✅The lab performed the test yesterday.
💡this sense takes a direct object, not 'on'.
❌We performed our homework after dinner.
✅We did our homework after dinner.
💡'perform' sounds too formal for ordinary homework.

2. to work at a good or poor standard when a person, machine, business, or system i

2.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to work at a good or poor standard when a person, machine, business, or system is doing its job.

例句

The new printer performed badly after the power cut yesterday.

perform + badly / poorly

Ken performed well in the driving test despite the heavy rain.

perform well in + test

同義詞
  • function

    fits machines and systems especially well, but is less common for people

  • work

    the most everyday choice, especially for machines or plans

  • do

    very common with people, especially in exams, business, or sport

  • operate

    focuses more on machinery or equipment than on people or shops

反義詞
  • fail

    suggests not working or not reaching the expected standard

文法句型

perform well

perform badly

perform poorly

perform better than

用法筆記

Usually has no direct object and most often appears with words such as 'well', 'badly', or 'poorly'. Distinguish from sense 1: 'perform a test' means carry it out, but 'perform well in a test' means get good results.

常見錯誤

❌The engine performed good on the hill.
✅The engine performed well on the hill.
💡use an adverb, not the adjective 'good'.
❌Ken performed the driving test well.
✅Ken performed well in the driving test.
💡without a task object, this sense means the result or quality.

3. to appear before an audience to sing, act, dance, play music, or present a show.

3.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to appear before an audience to sing, act, dance, play music, or present a show.

例句

Mina performed two jazz songs at the school concert.

perform + song / piece

A street band was performing outside Taipei Main Station at noon.

intransitive: perform + place

同義詞
  • appear

    focuses on being on stage or in public, not the exact art form

  • play

    works for music or theatre pieces, but not every type of show

  • entertain

    focuses on giving people enjoyment, not just presenting a work

  • present

    more formal and common for organized concerts, plays, or programs

文法句型

perform on stage

perform for an audience

perform a song

perform in a concert

用法筆記

Can be intransitive when you only mention the event or place, and transitive when you name the piece being presented. Subject is usually a person, group, or trained animal rather than a machine or organization.

常見錯誤

❌The singer performed in the song at the wedding.
✅The singer performed the song at the wedding.
💡name the music as a direct object.
❌The dancers performed for the stage at eight.
✅The dancers performed on the stage at eight.
💡use 'on stage' or 'on the stage' for the place.