a brilliant play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brilliant play" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a theatrical performance that is exceptionally well-written, directed, or acted. Example: "The critics raved about the production, calling it a brilliant play that captivated the audience from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It was a brilliant play.

The New Yorker

"Take back control" was a brilliant play on people's fears.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a brilliant part in a brilliant play.

The Guardian - Film

Dvorak made the goal happen with a brilliant play.

The New York Times - Sports

"A fake New Yorker writer would have been a brilliant play," he said.

The New Yorker

If you came to me with a brilliant play, I imagine I'd try to do it.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

There's a brilliant play-by-play analysis of how a young boy becomes obsessed with football - his love affair with Chelsea is the most touching relationship in the book.

The Guardian - Books

He is a person who combines technical expertise as part of the coaching staff of the England team and a brilliant playing career at Manchester United and his team.

Independent

And Wales are buckling all of a sudden: brilliant play by Kearney.

The Guardian - Sport

Suppose we are playing ice hockey and you make an extraordinarily brilliant play to set me up for a goal.

SEP

Boos at Milan's San Siro stadium have far outnumbered the cheers he receives for an occasional brilliant play.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a play as "a brilliant play", be specific about what aspects make it brilliant. Is it the writing, the acting, the direction, or the overall impact?

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a brilliant play" as your only descriptor. Use varied vocabulary to describe different aspects of the play's merits for a more engaging and informative review.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brilliant play" functions as a descriptive phrase, where 'brilliant' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'play'. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is typically used to express high praise for a theatrical production.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Sport

11%

Books

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brilliant play" is a phrase used to express high praise for a theatrical production. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently used in News & Media. While suitable for various contexts, being specific about what makes the play brilliant can enhance your description. Remember to explore synonyms to diversify your writing and avoid overuse. Ludwig's examples and the overall analysis emphasize the phrase's effectiveness in conveying strong admiration for a play's quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a masterful theatrical work

Elevates the play to the level of a carefully crafted and expertly executed piece.

a remarkable piece of theater

Highlights the theatrical nature and impressiveness of the play.

a tour de force performance

Emphasizes the exceptional skill and artistry demonstrated in the play.

a stellar piece of theater

Emphasizes the high quality and impressive nature of the play in a more informal tone.

an outstanding performance

Focuses on the execution and delivery of the play rather than its intrinsic quality.

an ingenious dramatic creation

Focuses on the cleverness and originality of the play's construction.

an exceptional stage production

Emphasizes the production aspect and high quality of the play.

a first-rate theatrical production

Implies high quality and professional execution of the play.

a superb dramatic presentation

Highlights the dramatic and presentational aspects of the play's quality.

a dazzling display of skill

Shifts the focus to the actors' skill rather than the play itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brilliant play" to describe a theatrical performance that is exceptionally well-written, directed, or acted. For example, "The critics raved about the production, calling it "a brilliant play" that captivated the audience from start to finish".

What are some alternatives to "a brilliant play"?

You can use alternatives like "an outstanding performance", "a remarkable piece of theater", or "a masterful theatrical work" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a brilliant play" or should I use another adjective?

The phrase "a brilliant play" is perfectly correct and widely used. However, varying your language with alternatives like "an exceptional stage production" can make your writing more engaging.

What makes a play qualify as "a brilliant play"?

A play may be considered ""a brilliant play"" due to a combination of factors, including its innovative writing, compelling performances, insightful direction, and overall emotional or intellectual impact on the audience.