Opening play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Opening play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to games, sports, or performances, referring to the initial move or action taken at the beginning of a game or event. Example: "The opening play of the football match set the tone for the rest of the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

Games

Sports

Performances

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Her sterling opening play was capped by a fascinatingly accurate endgame.

The New York Times

On the Giants' opening play, he corralled a Collins pass with one hand and turned it into a 22-yard scamper.

The New York Times - Sports

Here's one for Premier League fans: of the five goals scored from opening play, two came from Roberto Soldado and Iago Aspas.

The Guardian - Sport

Villanova will get two extra days' rest before their conference tournament opener, not opening play at Madison Square Garden until Thursday.

The New York Times - Sports

The Tigers recovered to beat Villanova 1-0 Sunday; Princeton is now all but an honorary member of the Big East after opening play with five members of the conference (and going 2-3).

Princeton University

Murray, 27, received a rapturous reception as he fulfilled the tradition of returning men's champions by opening play on Centre Court.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The team won 11 games in 2014 to earn a play-off spot, but the injury-plagued Cardinals who were starting a third-string quarterback by the postseason lost their opening play-off contest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After both players parred the opening play-off hole they returned to Riviera Country Club's par-four 10th.

BBC

However, the Rays lost their opening play-off series in both 2010 and 2011.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Vancouver returned to the postseason the following season but was upset in its opening play-off round.

Britannica

In 2013 the Braves won their first division title in eight years but were again eliminated in their opening play-off series.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In a theatrical context, consider using "opening play" to describe the first scene or act of a production to set the stage for what's to come.

Common error

Avoid using "opening play" when you mean "opening night". "Opening play" refers to the first action in a game or performance, while "opening night" refers to the first public performance of a show.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening play" typically functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. For example, "Her sterling opening play was capped by a fascinatingly accurate endgame."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opening play" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe the initial actions in various contexts, from sports to chess to theatrical productions. Ludwig AI indicates that it is considered appropriate for use in written English. It functions primarily as a noun phrase and serves to set the stage or establish the tone for what follows. While commonly found in news and media, it also appears in academic and scientific discussions. When using the phrase, it's important to distinguish it from similar terms like "opening night" and select the alternative that best captures the specific meaning you intend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initial move

Focuses on the act of starting, removing the 'play' connotation.

First move

Directly indicates the order of action, similar to "opening play".

Inaugural play

Replaces 'opening' with 'inaugural', suggesting a formal start.

Starting action

General term for the beginning of an activity or event.

Lead off

Sports-related, indicates the first play or action.

First act

Emphasizes the start of an activity or performance.

Opening gambit

Strategic beginning, often in chess or negotiations.

First pitch

Baseball-specific, referring to the initial throw.

The kickoff

Specifically for sports where a kickoff starts play.

Curtain raiser

More common in theater, but relates to the beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "opening play" in a sentence?

You can use "opening play" to describe the initial action in a game or performance. For example, "The team's success was determined by their "opening play"".

What's an alternative to "opening play"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "initial move", "first move", or "starting action".

Is "opening play" formal or informal?

The term "opening play" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language.

What does "opening play" mean in chess?

In chess, "opening play" refers to the initial moves made by both players at the start of the game, setting the stage for the middlegame and endgame.