A1 verb Neutral #119 most common

play

/pleɪ/

To engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than for a serious or practical purpose. It is also used to describe participating in a sport or performing music on an instrument.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The children play with their toys in the garden every afternoon.

The children play with their toys in the garden every afternoon.

2

The orchestra is scheduled to play a classical symphony at the gala.

The orchestra is scheduled to play a classical symphony at the gala.

3

Hey, do you want to play some video games at my house?

Hey, do you want to play some video games at my house?

Word Family

Noun
play
Verb
play
Adverb
playfully
Adjective
playful
Related
player
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Player' on a 'Playground' having fun while they 'Play'.

Quick Quiz

Every weekend, my brother and I ___ soccer in the park.

Correct!

The correct answer is: play

Examples

1

The children play with their toys in the garden every afternoon.

everyday

The children play with their toys in the garden every afternoon.

2

The orchestra is scheduled to play a classical symphony at the gala.

formal

The orchestra is scheduled to play a classical symphony at the gala.

3

Hey, do you want to play some video games at my house?

informal

Hey, do you want to play some video games at my house?

4

Sociologists often study how children play to understand social hierarchies.

academic

Sociologists often study how children play to understand social hierarchies.

5

Innovation plays a vital role in our company's long-term strategy.

business

Innovation plays a vital role in our company's long-term strategy.

Word Family

Noun
play
Verb
play
Adverb
playfully
Adjective
playful
Related
player

Common Collocations

play soccer play soccer
play the piano play the piano
play a game play a game
play music play music
play a role play a role

Common Phrases

play it safe

play it safe

play fair

play fair

play a trick

play a trick

Often Confused With

play vs game

'Play' is the action (verb), while 'game' is the activity or event (noun).

play vs do

Use 'play' for team sports with balls (play football), but use 'do' for individual exercises (do yoga).

📝

Usage Notes

When talking about musical instruments, always use 'the' before the instrument name (e.g., play the guitar). For sports, do not use 'the' (e.g., play basketball).

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'play a sport' for everything, but you shouldn't use it for activities like swimming or gymnastics; use 'go' or 'do' instead.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Player' on a 'Playground' having fun while they 'Play'.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English 'plegan', meaning to move rapidly, occupy oneself, or exercise.

Grammar Patterns

play + [sport/game] play + the + [musical instrument] play with + [person/object]
🌍

Cultural Context

In many English-speaking cultures, 'playing sports' is a primary way children and adults socialize and build community.

Quick Quiz

Every weekend, my brother and I ___ soccer in the park.

Correct!

The correct answer is: play

Related Words

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C1

A noun referring to an entity, substance, or abstract concept that resists being shaped, structured, or categorized into a standard mold. It is often used in technical or philosophical contexts to describe something inherently chaotic or unstructured that defies traditional organization.

overpedery

C1

Describes a state or quality of being excessively concerned with minor details, formal rules, or displaying academic knowledge in a tedious way. It is typically used to criticize someone for being 'too much of a pedant' in their approach to a task or subject.

entractery

C1

Describing something that occurs during or pertains to an intermission or the interval between main acts of a performance. It is often used to characterize supplementary entertainment, music, or transitional activities that fill the gap between primary events.

nonceddom

C1

To designate or treat an entity, such as a word or a technical variable, as a temporary 'nonce' item created for a single, specific occasion. It involves isolating a concept so it does not become a permanent part of a system or vocabulary.

misvertible

C1

To incorrectly convert, transpose, or invert a sequence, data set, or logical statement. This verb describes the specific act of failing to maintain accuracy during a transformation process, resulting in a flawed output.

perivestance

C1

The state or act of surrounding an object or entity, often providing a protective, decorative, or atmospheric layer. It refers to the encompassing environment or the 'clothing' of a central core with external elements.

obscribic

C1

To write over existing text or markings in order to conceal, invalidate, or replace them. It specifically refers to the act of using new writing to obscure what was previously written on a surface.

abflexism

C1

To consciously or unconsciously contract the abdominal muscles and core as a response to physical or psychological stressors. This verb describes the act of adopting a rigid internal posture to display strength, maintain stability, or resist external pressure.

interarchship

C1

Relating to the structural or functional relationship existing between two dental or physiological arches, typically the upper and lower jaws. It describes the state of alignment, spacing, and interaction between these opposing structures in a clinical or biological context.

trimarship

C1

Describing a state of balanced three-way coordination or a structure characterized by tripartite leadership. It is typically used to define systems where three distinct entities share equal power or responsibility to maintain stability.

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