Perform vs perfom: two words that look almost identical, but have vastly different meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and when to use each one.
Perform is the correct spelling of the word that means to carry out a task or activity. It can refer to a wide range of actions, from giving a speech to playing an instrument to completing a job. Essentially, any time you’re doing something, you’re performing it.
On the other hand, perfom is not a word in the English language. It’s a common misspelling of perform, but it has no meaning or definition of its own.
Now that we’ve established the difference between perform and perfom, let’s dive deeper into why it’s important to use the correct spelling.
Define Perform
Perform is a verb that means to carry out a task or an action. It involves executing a specific action with the intention of achieving a desired outcome. The action can be physical, mental, or emotional, and it can be performed by an individual or a group of people. Performing can also refer to putting on a show, such as a play, concert, or dance performance.
Define Perfom
Perfom is not a recognized word in the English language. It may be a misspelling of the word “perform.” It is important to use correct spelling in written communication to avoid confusion and ensure clarity of meaning.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the correct spelling of words is essential to ensure that your writing is professional and easy to understand. One common mistake is the confusion between the words “perform” and “perfom”. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.
How To Use “Perform” In A Sentence
The word “perform” is a verb that means to carry out a task or to execute a particular action. Here are some examples of how to use “perform” in a sentence:
- She will perform a solo dance at the recital.
- The doctor will perform the surgery tomorrow.
- I need to perform a system update on my computer.
As you can see, “perform” is used to describe an action that is being carried out.
How To Use “Perfom” In A Sentence
It’s important to note that “perfom” is not a word in the English language. The correct spelling is “perform”. Therefore, there is no need to discuss how to use “perfom” in a sentence.
More Examples Of Perform & Perfom Used In Sentences
In order to gain a better understanding of the differences between ‘perform’ and ‘perfom’, it is helpful to examine more examples of how each word can be used in a sentence. Below are several examples of how ‘perform’ can be used in a sentence:
Examples Of Using Perform In A Sentence
- She will perform in the school play as the lead actress.
- He needs to perform well on the exam in order to pass the class.
- The band will perform their new song at the concert next week.
- The doctor will perform surgery on the patient tomorrow morning.
- The athlete must perform at their best in order to win the race.
- The magician will perform a new trick during his show tonight.
- The dancer will perform in front of a live audience for the first time.
- The singer will perform a cover of a popular song during her performance.
- The actor will perform in a new play that opens next month.
- The orchestra will perform a symphony by Beethoven at the concert hall.
On the other hand, ‘perfom’ is not a recognized word in the English language and should not be used in any context. However, here are a few examples of how ‘perfom’ has been incorrectly used in sentences:
Examples Of Using Perfom In A Sentence
- She tried to perfom the dance routine, but she kept messing up the steps.
- He attempted to perfom the magic trick, but it did not work as planned.
- The athlete was unable to perfom at their best due to an injury.
- The singer decided to perfom a new song she had written during her concert.
- The actor was nervous to perfom in front of a live audience for the first time.
- They asked him to perfom a task that was beyond his abilities.
- The chef was able to perfom a difficult cooking technique with ease.
- She hoped to perfom well on the test, but she did not study enough.
- The software was unable to perfom the necessary functions due to a glitch.
- He was able to perfom the repair on the car himself, saving him money.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
It’s easy to mix up similar words, especially when they sound alike and have similar meanings. One of the most common mistakes people make is confusing “perform” and “perfom.” Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Perfom” Instead Of “Perform”
The word “perfom” does not exist in the English language. It is a common misspelling of “perform.” If you use “perfom” instead of “perform,” it can make you look unprofessional and careless. Always double-check your spelling before publishing your work.
Using “Perform” When “Execute” Is More Appropriate
While “perform” and “execute” are similar, they have slightly different meanings. “Perform” means to carry out a task or action, while “execute” means to carry out a plan or order. If you use “perform” when “execute” is more appropriate, it can make your writing less precise. Be mindful of the nuances of each word and use them appropriately.
Using “Perform” Instead Of “Conduct”
Similar to “execute,” “conduct” is a more appropriate word choice than “perform” in certain situations. “Conduct” means to organize and carry out an activity or event, while “perform” means to carry out a task or action. If you use “perform” when “conduct” is more appropriate, it can make your writing less clear. Consider the context and choose your words carefully.
Tips To Avoid Mistakes
- Proofread your work carefully for spelling and grammar errors.
- Use a thesaurus to find alternative words when you’re not sure which one to use.
- Consider the context and nuances of each word before choosing which one to use.
Context Matters
When it comes to using the words “perform” and “perfom,” context is key. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “perform” and “perfom” might change:
1. Spelling And Grammar
In terms of spelling and grammar, “perform” is the correct spelling. “Perfom” is not a word recognized by the English language. Therefore, if you are writing an academic paper or any formal document, you should always use “perform.”
2. Music And Dance
When it comes to music and dance, the word “perform” is typically used to describe a live performance. For example, “The band will perform at the concert tonight.” However, “perfom” can be used in a more informal context, such as when describing a dance move. For example, “She perfomed a perfect pirouette.”
3. Sports
In sports, both “perform” and “perfom” can be used interchangeably to describe an athlete’s performance. However, “perform” is generally used in a more formal context, such as when describing an athlete’s performance in a competition. For example, “The gymnast performed flawlessly in the Olympic trials.” On the other hand, “perfom” can be used in a more casual context, such as when describing a pickup game with friends. For example, “He perfomed really well in the basketball game last night.”
4. Business And Work
In a business or work setting, the choice between “perform” and “perfom” can depend on the specific industry and job role. For example, in a sales job, “perform” may be used to describe meeting sales targets. For example, “The sales team needs to perform well this quarter.” On the other hand, in a technical job, “perfom” may be used to describe completing a task or executing a command. For example, “The software program was able to perfom the requested action.”
Overall, understanding the context in which “perform” and “perfom” are used is important in order to use the correct word and convey your message effectively.
Exceptions To The Rules
When The Rules For Using Perform And Perfom Might Not Apply
While the rules for using perform and perfom are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to these rules that are worth noting. Here are a few examples:
1. Regional Differences
Depending on the region or country, the rules for using perform and perfom may differ. For instance, in British English, “perform” is the only correct spelling, while in American English, both “perform” and “perfom” are acceptable.
2. Technical Jargon
In technical jargon, “perform” and “perfom” may be used interchangeably to refer to the same action. For instance, in computer programming, “perform” and “perfom” can both be used to describe the execution of a particular function or task.
3. Colloquial Usage
In some cases, colloquial usage may override the rules for using perform and perfom. For example, in certain dialects or informal settings, “perfom” may be used instead of “perform” without any negative consequences.
4. Historical Usage
Finally, historical usage may also impact the rules for using perform and perfom. In some cases, archaic or outdated spellings may still be used in certain contexts. For instance, in older texts or legal documents, “perfom” may be used instead of “perform” due to historical conventions.
Overall, while the rules for using perform and perfom are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to these rules that are worth keeping in mind. By understanding these exceptions, you can use perform and perfom with confidence and precision in your writing.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of perform and perfom is to practice. Below are some practice exercises that can help you do just that:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either perform or perfom:
- The band will _______ at the concert tonight.
- Can you _______ a magic trick?
- She will _______ well in her upcoming dance competition.
- He needs to _______ better on his next exam.
- They have to _______ a play for their drama class.
Answer Key:
- The band will perform at the concert tonight.
- Can you perform a magic trick?
- She will perform well in her upcoming dance competition.
- He needs to perform better on his next exam.
- They have to perform a play for their drama class.
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
- The doctor will _______ the surgery tomorrow.
- a) perform
- b) perfom
- a) perform
- b) perfom
- a) perform
- b) perfom
- a) perform
- b) perfom
- a) perform
- b) perfom
Answer Key:
- The doctor will perform the surgery tomorrow.
- She loves to perform in front of an audience.
- He needs to perform better on his next presentation.
- The dance company will perform a new piece next week.
- Can you perform a song on the guitar?
Exercise 3: Writing Practice
Write a sentence using each of the words perform and perfom:
| Perform | Perfom |
|---|---|
| She will perform a solo at the recital. | He needs to perfom better in his role as team captain. |
| The circus will perform in town next week. | Can you perfom a card trick? |
| He always gives a great performance in his plays. | They need to perfom a safety check before taking off. |
Explanation:
Writing practice can help you cement your understanding of the differences between perform and perfom. By writing sentences using each of the words, you can test your knowledge and ensure that you are using the words correctly in context.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between “perform” and “perfom” is crucial in ensuring proper grammar and language use. Here are the key takeaways from this article:
1. “Perform” Is The Correct Spelling
It is important to remember that “perform” is the correct spelling of the word, and using “perfom” is considered incorrect and may result in confusion or miscommunication.
2. Pay Attention To Spelling And Grammar
Spelling and grammar are important in written communication, and errors can detract from the credibility of the writer. Always proofread your work and use resources such as spell checkers to ensure accuracy.
3. Continual Learning Is Important
Language and grammar are constantly evolving, and it is important to continue learning and improving your skills. Consider taking courses or reading books on grammar and language use to stay up-to-date and improve your writing abilities.
Overall, understanding the proper use of “perform” and other commonly confused words can greatly enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Keep practicing and learning to become a skilled and confident writer.
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.