A1 noun Neutral #4,707 most common

game

/ɡeɪm/

A game is an activity that people do for fun or competition, usually following a set of rules. It can involve physical effort, like sports, or mental skill, like board games or video games.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Let's play a board game this weekend.

Let's participate in a fun activity using a board this weekend.

2

The official rules of the game must be followed by all athletes.

The formal regulations of the competition must be followed by all players.

3

That was an awesome game last night!

That was a very good match last night!

Word Family

Noun
game
Verb
game
Adverb
gamely
Adjective
gaming
Related
gamer
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'G' in Game as a 'Goal' you want to reach while having fun.

Quick Quiz

Football is my favorite ____ to play with my friends.

Correct!

The correct answer is: game

Examples

1

Let's play a board game this weekend.

everyday

Let's participate in a fun activity using a board this weekend.

2

The official rules of the game must be followed by all athletes.

formal

The formal regulations of the competition must be followed by all players.

3

That was an awesome game last night!

informal

That was a very good match last night!

4

Researchers often use game theory to understand human behavior.

academic

Scientists use the logic of structured play to understand how people act.

5

We need to stay ahead of the game to remain profitable.

business

We need to remain in a leading position in the industry to make money.

Word Family

Noun
game
Verb
game
Adverb
gamely
Adjective
gaming
Related
gamer

Common Collocations

play a game to participate in a game
video game a game played on an electronic device
win a game to be the victor in a competition
lose a game to be defeated in a competition
board game a game played on a physical board

Common Phrases

the name of the game

the most important part of an activity

give the game away

to reveal a secret

fair game

someone or something that is okay to criticize or target

Often Confused With

game vs play

Play is usually a verb (the action), while game is the noun (the structured activity).

game vs match

Match is often used specifically for organized sports events between two sides.

📝

Usage Notes

At the A1 level, 'game' is most commonly used with the verb 'play'. It is a countable noun, so you can have 'one game' or 'many games'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'make a game' when they should say 'play a game'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'G' in Game as a 'Goal' you want to reach while having fun.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'gamen', meaning joy, fun, or amusement.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: game (singular), games (plural) Commonly follows verbs like 'play', 'win', or 'lose'
🌍

Cultural Context

In many English-speaking countries, attending a 'ball game' (like baseball or American football) is a quintessential social experience.

Quick Quiz

Football is my favorite ____ to play with my friends.

Correct!

The correct answer is: game

More Sports words

football

A1

A popular team sport played with a round ball where two teams try to kick the ball into the other team's goal. It can also refer to the specific ball used to play this game.

basketball

A1

Basketball is a sport played by two teams of five players on a rectangular court. The objective is to score points by throwing a large orange ball through a raised hoop called a basket.

baseball

A1

Baseball is a team sport played with a bat, a ball, and gloves on a field with four bases. Two teams of nine players take turns hitting the ball and trying to run around the bases to score points called runs.

tennis

A1

Tennis is a popular racket sport played on a rectangular court between two players or two pairs. The goal is to hit a ball over a net into the opponent's side of the court using a racket.

volleyball

A1

Volleyball is a team sport played by two teams on a court separated by a high net. Players use their hands or arms to hit a ball back and forth over the net, trying to make the ball touch the ground on the opponent's side.

swimming

A1

Swimming is the activity or sport of moving through water using your arms and legs. It is a popular form of exercise and a competitive sport practiced in pools or open water.

running

A1

The activity or sport of moving fast on foot, often done for exercise or in a race. It involves a pace faster than walking where both feet are briefly off the ground at the same time.

cycling

A1

Cycling is the activity of riding a bicycle for exercise, sport, or travel. It involves using your legs to push pedals that turn wheels to move forward.

wrestling

A1

Wrestling is a sport where two people fight by holding and throwing each other to the ground. It does not involve hitting or kicking and usually takes place on a soft mat.

martial arts

A1

Martial arts are sports that involve fighting or self-defense, such as karate, judo, or kung fu. They are practiced for many reasons, including fitness, competition, and mental discipline.

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