a few plays

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few plays" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of theatrical performances or scripts. Example: "During the summer, I plan to attend a few plays at the local theater."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Indeed, Cixous wrote a few plays herself).

The Guardian

We really only ran a few plays".

The New York Times - Sports

Yet a few plays later, I began to lose interest.

The New York Times

Jerry Rice scored a few plays after that.

The New York Times - Sports

"But after a few plays it wasn't there.

The New York Times - Sports

A few plays later, U.S.C. blocked the next punt attempt.

The New York Times - Sports

A win on Sunday and a few plays from Harvin just might reinvigorate this franchise.

Independent

A few plays later, Matt Bryant kicked the game-winning 40-yard field goal.

The New York Times

I just try to go out there and make a few plays.

The New York Times

Goodwin was able to flash his world-class speed on a few plays today.

The New York Times

A few plays later, the Tigers scored on a run play.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events in sports, use "a few plays" to indicate a short sequence of actions that significantly impacted the game.

Common error

In formal writing, consider using more precise language like "several performances" or "a limited number of productions" instead of the more casual phrase "a few plays".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few plays" primarily functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a small, indefinite quantity of theatrical works or actions in a game. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few plays" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a small number of theatrical performances or key sequences of action, particularly in sports. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across news, sports reporting, and general conversation. While versatile, it's advisable to opt for more formal alternatives like "several performances" or "a limited number of productions" in academic or professional contexts. Ludwig's examples and analysis confirm its broad applicability and ease of understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a few plays

Adds emphasis on the limited nature of the plays.

only a few plays

Similar to "just a few plays", stressing the scarcity of the plays.

several plays

Emphasizes a small but indefinite number of plays, suggesting more than just a couple.

a couple of plays

Indicates exactly two plays, offering a more precise quantity than the original phrase.

a small number of plays

Highlights the limited quantity of plays using more formal language.

a handful of plays

Implies a quantity that can be easily counted, like what you can hold in your hand.

limited number of plays

Stresses the restriction on the quantity of plays.

some plays

A more general term, indicating an unspecified quantity of plays.

a few theatrical productions

Uses more formal language to refer to plays, emphasizing the performance aspect.

selected plays

Focuses on the selection of plays rather than just the quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "a few plays" in a sentence?

"A few plays" can be used to describe a small number of theatrical works, such as, "I've seen "a few plays" by Shakespeare."

What's the difference between "a few plays" and "several plays"?

"A few plays" suggests a smaller number than "several plays". "Several" indicates more than two or three, while "a few" often implies a smaller quantity.

What can I say instead of "a few plays"?

You can use alternatives like "several performances", "a couple of plays", or "a handful of shows" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a few plays"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in everyday language. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of "a few plays".