The verbs "do" and "perform" are often confused, but they have distinct meanings. "Do" is a very general verb, used for actions and tasks that are not specified. "Perform," on the other hand, suggests a more formal, often skillful execution, typically of something planned or rehearsed. Think of "perform" as a more specific and deliberate action.

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:

• Do:

  • "I do my homework every day." (Meaning: I complete my homework.)
  • "Did you do the dishes?" (Meaning: Did you complete the task of washing the dishes?)
  • "I do yoga in the morning." (Meaning: I practice yoga.)

• Perform:

  • "The band performed a beautiful concert." (Meaning: The band gave a planned musical presentation.)
  • "She performed a complex dance routine." (Meaning: She executed a planned sequence of dance moves.)
  • "He performed surgery on the patient." (Meaning: He executed a planned medical procedure.)

Notice how "perform" implies a more formal and skillful execution, whereas "do" simply indicates the completion of a task. Sometimes you can use either verb, but the nuance of meaning changes. For example, "I did a dance" is less formal than "I performed a dance." Using "perform" usually suggests a more polished or professional execution.

Here's another example showing the difference in nuance:

• "I did the experiment." (Simple statement of completion.)
• "I performed the experiment meticulously." (Emphasizes the care and precision.)

Remember, while there is overlap, "perform" suggests a more planned, formal action, often involving skill and precision. "Do" is more general, simply implying the completion of an action.

Happy learning!