performed

/pəˈfɔːm/ (bre, ipa) · [pɚfˈɔrmd] /pɚˈfɔːrm/ (ame, ipa) · [pɚfˈɔrmd] /pər-ˈfȯrm pə-/ (ame, mw)

performed — verb

  • performedpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • performeds3rd person singular
  • performedding-ing form
  • performeddedpast simple

1. to complete a planned task, procedure, ceremony, or similar piece of work.

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to complete a planned task, procedure, ceremony, or similar piece of work.

例句

The surgeons performed the heart operation just before dawn.

perform + operation

Temple staff performed a short blessing before the fishing boats left.

perform + ritual or ceremony

同義詞
  • carry out

    very close in meaning, especially for plans, orders, and instructions

  • conduct

    especially natural with tests, surveys, experiments, and interviews

  • execute

    more formal and often technical, legal, or military

  • do

    the everyday choice, broader and less formal

文法句型

perform a task

perform a test

perform an operation

perform a ritual

用法筆記

Object is usually something with a clear method, such as a test, operation, check, ritual, or scan. More formal than 'do', and often used in passive sentences when the action matters more than the person who did it.

常見錯誤

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

2. to work or achieve results at a particular level of quality.

2.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to work or achieve results at a particular level of quality.

例句

The old bus performed badly on the mountain road in heavy rain.

perform + badly / poorly

Nina performed well in the math test after weeks of practice.

perform well in + test

同義詞
  • work

    the most everyday choice, especially for machines and systems

  • function

    close in meaning, especially for equipment or systems

  • do

    common for people in exams, business, or sport

  • operate

    focuses more on machinery than on people or teams

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 adverbs such as 'well', 'badly', or 'poorly'. Distinguish from sense 1: 'performed the test' means carried it out, but 'performed well in the test' means got good results.

常見錯誤

❌The engine performed good on the hill.
✅The engine performed well on the hill.
💡use the adverb 'well', not the adjective 'good'.
❌Nina performed the math test well.
✅Nina performed well in the math test.
💡this sense does not take the test itself as the direct object.

3. to appear before an audience with music, acting, dance, or another live show.

3.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to appear before an audience with music, acting, dance, or another live show.

例句

The band performed three old songs at the town festival.

perform + song or piece

At noon, a juggler performed outside the station for tourists.

intransitive: perform + place

同義詞
  • appear

    focuses on being in public, not the exact art form

  • play

    works well for music or theatre, but not every kind of act

  • entertain

    focuses on giving enjoyment to the audience

  • present

    more formal and common for organized shows or programs

文法句型

perform on stage

perform for an audience

perform a song

perform in a play

用法筆記

Can be intransitive when only the event or place is named, and transitive when the song, trick, or other piece is named directly. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense is about giving entertainment, not about how well something worked.

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 the 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.