Are you confused about whether to use “perform” or “does” in your writing? It’s a common dilemma, but fear not! In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and when to use each one.
First off, let’s define our terms. “Perform” means to carry out a task or action, often with skill or expertise. “Does” is a form of the verb “do,” which means to perform an action or activity.
So, which one should you use? Well, it depends on the context. In general, “perform” is used when referring to a specific task or action that requires a certain level of skill or expertise. For example, a musician might “perform” a concert, or a surgeon might “perform” a surgery.
On the other hand, “does” is a more general term that can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, you might say “he does his homework every night” or “she does a great job at her job.”
Now that we’ve clarified the difference between these two words, let’s explore some specific examples of when to use each one.
Perform
Perform is a verb that means to carry out a task or action with skill and efficiency. It involves executing a specific action or set of actions to achieve a desired outcome. Performing can be applied to various fields, including music, sports, and business. In music, for example, performing involves playing an instrument or singing in front of an audience. In sports, performing involves executing specific movements and techniques to achieve a goal. In business, performing involves carrying out tasks and responsibilities to achieve specific objectives.
Does
Does is a verb that means to perform an action or carry out a task. It is a general verb that can be used in various contexts. For example, it can be used to describe the performance of a specific task or action, such as “he does his homework every night.” It can also be used to ask questions about actions or tasks, such as “does he play guitar?” In this context, does is used to inquire about the performance of a specific action or task.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
In order to communicate effectively, it is important to use the correct words in a sentence. This section will provide guidance on how to properly use the words “perform” and “does” in a sentence.
How To Use “Perform” In A Sentence
The word “perform” is a verb that means to carry out a task or action. It is often used in professional or formal settings, such as in the workplace or in academic writing. Here are some examples of how to use “perform” in a sentence:
- She will perform an experiment to test her hypothesis.
- The surgeon will perform the operation tomorrow morning.
- He is expected to perform well in his new role.
As you can see, “perform” is often used to describe a specific action or task that is being carried out. It is important to use this word accurately in order to convey a clear message to your audience.
How To Use “Does” In A Sentence
The word “does” is a verb that is used to form questions, negatives, and to emphasize a point. It is a common word that is used in everyday conversation and writing. Here are some examples of how to use “does” in a sentence:
- Does she like chocolate?
- He does not eat meat.
- She does love to dance.
“Does” is often used to form questions in the present tense. It can also be used to form negatives by adding “not” after the verb. Additionally, “does” can be used to emphasize a point, as in the third example above. It is important to use “does” correctly in order to effectively communicate your message.
More Examples Of Perform & Does Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between “perform” and “does”, it’s important to see how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples:
Examples Of Using Perform In A Sentence
- He will perform a magic trick for us later tonight.
- The band will perform at the festival next month.
- The surgeon will perform the operation tomorrow morning.
- The actor will perform in the play next week.
- The athlete will perform at the Olympic Games this summer.
- The singer will perform her new song at the concert tonight.
- The magician will perform a disappearing act.
- The dancer will perform a solo routine.
- The comedian will perform his stand-up routine at the comedy club.
- The orchestra will perform Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
Examples Of Using Does In A Sentence
- She does her homework every night.
- He does the dishes after dinner.
- They do their laundry on the weekends.
- The company does not offer health insurance to part-time employees.
- My boss does not like it when I arrive late to work.
- She does not enjoy going to the dentist.
- He does not have enough money to buy a new car.
- They do not know how to speak Spanish.
- The computer does not respond when I click on the icon.
- The car does not start when it’s cold outside.
By examining these examples, it becomes clear that “perform” is used to describe an action that is intentional and often done for an audience, while “does” is used to describe a routine or habitual action.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to the English language, there are many words that are often used interchangeably, even though they have different meanings. Two such words are “perform” and “does.” Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using these words interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. In this section, we will highlight some common mistakes people make when using these words interchangeably, and offer tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future.
Using “Perform” And “Does” Interchangeably
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “perform” and “does” interchangeably. While both words can be used to describe actions, they are not always interchangeable.
For example, “perform” is often used to describe actions that are intentional or planned, such as performing a song or a dance. On the other hand, “does” is often used to describe actions that are habitual or routine, such as “he does his homework every day.”
Another common mistake is using “perform” when “do” would be more appropriate. For example, saying “I will perform the dishes” instead of “I will do the dishes.”
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the different meanings of “perform” and “does.” Here are some tips:
- Use “perform” when describing intentional or planned actions
- Use “does” when describing habitual or routine actions
- Be mindful of using “perform” when “do” would be more appropriate
By following these tips, you can avoid making these common mistakes and communicate more effectively in your writing and speech.
Context Matters
When it comes to using the words “perform” and “does,” context is key. The choice between these two words can depend on the specific context in which they are being used. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “perform” and “does” might change:
1. Job Descriptions
In a job description, the word “perform” is often used to describe the duties and responsibilities of a particular role. For example:
- The Marketing Manager will perform market research to identify new opportunities.
- The Sales Associate will perform customer outreach to generate leads.
On the other hand, the word “does” is typically not used in job descriptions, as it can sound too casual or informal. Using “perform” in this context conveys a sense of professionalism and seriousness.
2. Everyday Conversation
In everyday conversation, the choice between “perform” and “does” can depend on the level of formality. For example:
- Formal: “I will perform a thorough analysis of the data before making any decisions.”
- Informal: “I’ll do a quick check to see if there are any obvious errors.”
In this context, “perform” is more appropriate for formal situations, while “does” can be used in more casual conversations.
3. Technical Writing
In technical writing, the choice between “perform” and “does” can depend on the specific subject matter. For example:
| Subject Matter | Example |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | “The program does not perform as expected when the input is invalid.” |
| Engineering | “The machine must perform a safety check before starting.” |
| Medicine | “The doctor will perform a physical examination to assess your overall health.” |
In this context, “perform” is often used to describe specific actions or functions, while “does” can be used to describe more general behaviors or outcomes.
Overall, the choice between “perform” and “does” can depend on a variety of factors, including the specific context, level of formality, and subject matter. By understanding these nuances, you can use these words more effectively in your writing and communication.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “perform” and “does” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. Here are a few cases where the rules might not apply:
1. Passive Voice
In passive voice sentences, the subject of the sentence is the receiver of the action, rather than the doer. In these cases, “perform” is often used instead of “does.” For example:
- Incorrect: The experiment was not done correctly.
- Correct: The experiment was not performed correctly.
In this case, “done” would be incorrect because it implies that someone did the experiment incorrectly. However, in passive voice, the experiment was the receiver of the action, so “performed” is the correct verb to use.
2. Idiomatic Expressions
There are some idiomatic expressions where “does” is used instead of “perform.” These expressions are often used in informal speech and can be confusing for non-native speakers. Here are a few examples:
- What does he do for a living?
- She does yoga every morning.
In these cases, “perform” would not be used because it is not part of the idiomatic expression.
3. Technical Jargon
In some technical fields, “perform” and “does” can have specific meanings that differ from their general usage. For example, in computer programming, “perform” is often used to describe the execution of a specific task, while “does” is used to refer to the behavior of a program or system. Here’s an example:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Perform | To execute a specific task |
| Does | To describe the behavior of a program or system |
It’s important to be aware of these technical meanings when using “perform” and “does” in a technical context.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the differences between perform and does, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these verbs in sentences.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of perform or does.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She _____ well under pressure. | performs |
| 2. _____ your friend like to dance? | Does |
| 3. He _____ his job with enthusiasm. | performs |
| 4. _____ this shirt look good on me? | Does |
| 5. The band _____ a great show last night. | performed |
| 6. _____ your sister speak Spanish? | Does |
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentences
Rewrite the sentences using the opposite verb (perform or does).
- She does a great job on her homework. → She performs well on her homework.
- He performs magic tricks at children’s parties. → He does magic tricks at children’s parties.
- Does your cat like to play with toys? → Performs your cat like to play with toys?
- The athlete performed a new record in the race. → The athlete did a new record in the race.
These exercises should help you feel more confident in your use of perform and does. If you have any questions or would like further practice, don’t hesitate to seek out additional resources or ask for help.
Conclusion
After exploring the nuances of “perform” and “do,” it is clear that these two verbs are not always interchangeable. While “perform” implies a certain level of skill or expertise, “do” is more general and can refer to any action or task. It is important to consider the context and intended meaning when choosing between these verbs.
Additionally, this article highlights the importance of understanding grammar and language use. Improper word usage can lead to confusion and miscommunication, which can have serious consequences in both personal and professional settings. By continuing to learn and improve our language skills, we can become more effective communicators and avoid common mistakes.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.