a clean play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clean play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as sports or games to describe a play that is executed without fouls or violations. Example: "The referee praised the team for executing a clean play that led to their winning goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"That's a clean play.

The New York Times

"I was just glad Posada was O.K. and it was a clean play," Hinske said.

The New York Times

Even most of the Knicks admitted it was a clean play.

The New York Times - Sports

A clean play, Knoblauch thought; a tough play, in Torre's mind.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a clean play — tough but fair — and it became the crucial moment in the game.

The New York Times - Sports

"I know Kenyon is not a dirty player, but that was not a clean play," Orlando Coach Doc Rivers said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Put your child in a clean protected play space when playing or eating, where he/she cannot access contaminated soil and chicken feces.

Clinical Infectious Diseases

The question has come up ever since Fred Shero's mid-'70s Broad Street Bullies flouted the rules of the game and brawled their way to two straight Stanley Cups — and were then dethroned by a Canadiens dynasty committed to clean play and artistry as an explicit antidote to the Flyers' antics.

The New York Times - Sports

St . Johns lacked focus at times yesterday, and Jarvis has been a stickler for consistent, clean play.

The New York Times - Sports

He was also thought of as a clean player, despite playing in the steroid era, and even advocated for drug testing when the rest of the league was purposely, and lucratively, looking the other way.

Forbes

"This is now bigger than just a clean tech play.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action in sports or games, use "a clean play" to emphasize the absence of fouls, cheating, or unsportsmanlike conduct. It highlights that the action was within the rules and fair.

Common error

Avoid using "a clean play" to describe non-game actions or situations where ethical behavior is expected. Instead, consider using phrases like "fair action" or "ethical decision" for better clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clean play" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "play". Ludwig's examples show that it describes an action in a game or sport that is executed without violating any rules or ethical standards. The adjective "clean" emphasizes the absence of fouls or unfairness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clean play" is a phrase primarily used in the context of sports to describe an action that adheres to the rules and demonstrates fairness. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use, predominantly in news and media reporting. While interchangeable with alternatives like "a fair play" or "a legitimate play", its application is best reserved for situations where adherence to rules and ethical conduct are paramount. Using it metaphorically outside sports contexts requires careful consideration to maintain relevance and clarity. Therefore, when writers mention it, they are intending to communicate the play wasn't illegal or unethical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fair play

Replaces "clean" with "fair", emphasizing impartiality and adherence to rules.

a legitimate play

Substitutes "clean" with "legitimate", highlighting the lawfulness and acceptability of the action.

an honest play

Replaces "clean" with "honest", underscoring the integrity and absence of deceit in the action.

a sportsmanlike play

Adds the dimension of good sportsmanship, implying fairness and respect for the opponent.

a foul-free play

Emphasizes the absence of fouls or violations, directly stating the avoidance of prohibited actions.

a legal play

Focuses on compliance with the rules and regulations, indicating the action is permissible under the given framework.

an above-board play

Implies transparency and openness, suggesting the action was conducted without any hidden or questionable motives.

a regulation play

Highlights adherence to specific regulations, suitable when referring to codified rules or standards.

a by-the-book play

Similar to "regulation play", this emphasizes strict adherence to established rules or procedures.

a clear-cut play

Focuses on the unambiguous nature of the play, suggesting it was straightforward and easily understood as valid.

FAQs

How is "a clean play" typically used in sports?

In sports, "a clean play" refers to an action that follows the rules and does not involve any fouls or unsportsmanlike conduct. It emphasizes fairness and adherence to regulations.

What are some alternatives to "a clean play"?

You can use alternatives like "a fair play", "a legitimate play", or "an honest play" depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is "a clean play" the same as "fair play"?

"A clean play" and "fair play" are very similar. "A clean play" describes a specific action, while "fair play" often refers to the general principle of playing by the rules and respecting opponents.

Can "a clean play" be used in contexts other than sports?

While primarily used in sports, "a clean play" can be metaphorically applied to other situations to describe actions that are straightforward, ethical, and without deceit. However, its usage outside of sports contexts is less common.