Conversation and Short Story Examples

Conversation Example: Here is how “perfunctory” can be used in a casual conversation:

• Susan: Did you notice how quickly he finished that task?
  Mike: Yeah, it was pretty perfunctory, like he just wanted to get it done without caring about the details.

Short Story Example: Let’s see how “perfunctory” can be used in a narrative context:

• Jessica’s morning routine had become perfunctory. She brushed her teeth, dressed, and grabbed her coffee with little thought, each action blending into the next. It wasn’t until she spilled coffee on her shirt that she realized how detached she had become, going through the motions without truly being present in the moment.

Everyday Conversations

Here are examples of how to use “perfunctory” in a sentence during everyday conversations. Each sentence using “perfunctory” shows how it might naturally come up in casual dialogue:

• His apology felt perfunctory, as if he was saying the words just because he had to, not because he meant them.
• The teacher’s perfunctory explanation left the students confused, as she didn’t bother to go into detail.
• She gave a perfunctory wave to her neighbor, not even turning her head to make eye contact.

Business and Professional Settings

Here are sentences using “perfunctory” in a professional setting. These examples of “perfunctory” in a sentence demonstrate how it can be applied in business and work environments:

• The manager’s perfunctory review of the report overlooked several key errors, leading to a flawed presentation.
• During the meeting, his responses were perfunctory, giving the impression that he wasn’t fully engaged with the discussion.

Educational and Academic Examples

These sentences show how “perfunctory” can be used in academic settings. Each sentence with “perfunctory” emphasizes its relevance in educational and scholarly contexts:

• The student’s perfunctory effort on the assignment was evident in the lack of depth and originality in his work.
• Despite his perfunctory approach to studying, he managed to pass the exam, though his grades reflected his lack of effort.

Social and Cultural Contexts

Here are examples of “perfunctory” in a sentence within social and cultural contexts. Each sentence for “perfunctory” highlights its application in discussions about society and culture:

• The traditional greeting had become perfunctory, with people exchanging pleasantries out of habit rather than genuine interest.
• In many cultures, a perfunctory nod or smile is often used as a polite gesture, even if the person isn’t fully engaged.

Part of Speech

Explore how “perfunctory” is used in different parts of speech:

• Adjective: The perfunctory inspection missed several important details that could have prevented future issues.
• Adverb: She nodded perfunctorily, barely listening to what was being said.

Tenses

Examples of “perfunctory” used in different tenses:

• Past Tense: The team gave a perfunctory performance, clearly lacking the enthusiasm they once had.
• Present Tense: His perfunctory responses in class suggest that he isn’t really interested in the subject.
• Future Tense: If you approach your work perfunctorily, it will show in the results.

Moods

How “perfunctory” is used in different moods:

• Imperative Mood: Don’t be perfunctory in your efforts—give it your full attention.
• Interrogative Mood: Is your work becoming perfunctory, or are you still putting in genuine effort?
• Exclamatory Mood: How perfunctory your effort was!

Voices

How “perfunctory” is used in different voices:

• Active Voice: The manager perfunctorily approved the report without a second glance.
• Passive Voice: The review was conducted in a perfunctory manner, leaving many issues unaddressed.

Literary Devices

Examples where “perfunctory” is used as a metaphor, simile, personification, etc.:

• Metaphor: His handshake was as perfunctory as a clock ticking, mechanical and devoid of emotion.
• Simile: Her words were like a perfunctory wave, passing by without any real connection.
• Personification: The day passed perfunctorily, with the sun lazily making its way across the sky.