Play example sentences
Related (15): game, sport, recreation, entertainment, performance, amusement, activity, fun, participate, engage, perform, act, compete, leisure, pastime
"Play" Example Sentences
Common Phrases
- play a role
- play it safe
- play along
- play by the rules
- play your cards right
- play it cool
- play the field
- play both sides
- play for keeps
- play into someone's hands
- play dead
- play hooky
- play hardball
- play second fiddle
- play the game
Examples by Level
A1
- Children play with toys in the classroom.
- Do you play football?
A2
- My sister plays the violin and she's really good at it.
- We play games together every weekend at my house.
B1
- I used to play tennis in high school, but I haven't picked up a racket in years.
- She's been playing it cool around him, but I know she likes him.
B2
- The way he plays the victim in every situation is exhausting — nobody buys it anymore.
- They've been playing a dangerous game with their finances and it's finally catching up with them.
C1
- What fascinates me about how children play is how they instinctively understand the boundary between imagination and reality in ways adults have largely forgotten.
- He'd spent years playing the role of the dutiful son, but beneath the surface was a man suffocating under expectations he never agreed to.
C2
- There's something almost tragic about watching someone play it safe their entire life, only to realize at the end that the real risk was never taking any.
- The orchestra's interpretation of the piece revealed layers of meaning that most conductors never even attempt to play — a masterclass in restraint and precision.
Examples by Scenario
🏠 Everyday Life
- The kids play outside until it gets dark, and honestly it's the only time I get peace and quiet.
- My neighbor's dog wants to play with mine every single morning, which is sweet but exhausting.
💼 Workplace
- He's been trying to play office politics, but everyone can see right through him.
- We play background music during meetings to keep the energy up, though some people find it distracting.
📊 Business
- The startup decided to play the long game instead of chasing quick profits.
- Our competitors are playing hardball with pricing, so we need to adjust our strategy.
🛒 Buying / Shopping
- I'm trying to play it smart and compare prices before I buy the new laptop.
- The store plays upbeat music to keep shoppers in a good mood while they browse.
✈️ Travel
- We play travel games in the car to keep the kids entertained on long drives.
- The hotel plays ambient music in the lobby that somehow makes you feel instantly relaxed.
📚 Education
- Teachers play an important role in shaping how kids see themselves and their potential.
- Students play different roles in group projects, and it teaches them collaboration.
❤️ Relationships
- After the breakup, we both tried to play it cool when we ran into each other at the grocery store.
- He's been playing games with her emotions, and she finally realized she deserves better.
📰 News / Politics
- The politician tried to play both sides of the issue, but voters saw through the contradiction.
- Media outlets play a crucial role in how the public understands current events.
💻 Technology
- The app lets you play music from multiple streaming services in one place.
- I can't play videos on this website — it keeps buffering no matter what I do.
📝 Formal Writing
- Research indicates that children who play regularly demonstrate improved cognitive development and social skills.
- The regulatory framework plays a significant role in determining how companies operate within the industry.