a big play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as sports, business strategies, or significant actions that have a large impact. Example: "The team's decision to sign the star player was a big play that changed the dynamics of the season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A big play.

University of California, Berkeley

Yes, a big play.

The New York Times

"Obviously, it was a big play.

The New York Times

"That's a big play," Burnett said.

The New York Times - Sports

It's like a big play".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a big play in the inning".

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a big play," Mallard said.

The New York Times - Sports

They came up with a big play".

The New York Times

That was a big play for us".

The New York Times - Sports

"That was a big play," O'Brien said.

The New York Times - Sports

And in a 6-point game, that's a big play.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big play", ensure the context clearly indicates the area (sports, business, etc.) to which the phrase refers, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a big play" to describe minor or insignificant actions. Reserve it for situations where the outcome is genuinely impacted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big play" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is used to describe a significant action, event, or decision that has a notable impact within a specific context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big play" is a common phrase used to describe a significant action or event, particularly in sports, business, and strategic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While versatile, it's best used to emphasize criticality. Predominantly found in news and media, its register leans towards neutral but adjusts with context. When writing, remember to reserve this phrase for genuinely impactful situations and clarify the relevant area (e.g., sports, business) to avoid confusion. By considering these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "a big play" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant move

Focuses on the importance of the action taken.

a crucial moment

Highlights the critical timing and importance of the event.

a game-changing event

Emphasizes the transformative impact on the overall situation.

a major turning point

Indicates a shift in direction or outcome due to the event.

an impactful action

Highlights the effect and influence of the action.

a decisive stroke

Suggests a clear and definite action that determines the result.

a strategic maneuver

Emphasizes the planned and tactical nature of the action.

a bold initiative

Highlights the courageous and daring aspect of the action.

a key development

Focuses on the progressive and important nature of the event.

a watershed event

Implies a significant turning point that marks a new course of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big play" to describe a significant action or event, especially in sports or business, for example, "That interception was "a big play" in the game".

What can I say instead of "a big play"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant move", "a crucial moment", or "a game-changing event" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a big play" or "a major play"?

Both "a big play" and "a major play" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on stylistic preference, though "a big play" is more commonly used.

What's the difference between "a big play" and "a strategic maneuver"?

"A big play" generally refers to a significant action with immediate impact, while "a strategic maneuver" implies a planned action designed to achieve a long-term advantage.