a game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a game" is grammatically correct and widely used in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, including describing a physical or mental activity, a competition or match, or even a strategy or plan. Example: "Samantha loved playing a game of chess with her grandfather every Saturday afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A game.

The New York Times - Sports

She's a game designer.

The New York Times - Books

This was a game.

The New York Times - Sports

This is a game.

The New York Times

That's a game changer.

The New York Times

But still a game.

The Economist

Is this a game?

The New Yorker

LET'S play a game.

The Economist

"It's almost a game.

The New York Times

Snap! Scholarship's a game.

The New Yorker

"It's still a game.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add precision, consider specifying the type of game, such as "a board game", "a video game", or "a mind game" to give the reader a clearer picture. This prevents ambiguity and makes your writing more engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "a game" when a more specific term would provide greater clarity. For instance, instead of saying "Let's play a game", specify "Let's play chess" or "Let's play a video game" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a game" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig shows its usage in diverse scenarios, from describing recreational activities to representing strategic interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a game" functions primarily as a noun phrase, denoting an activity for amusement or a situation with strategic elements. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, from informal conversations to formal news reports. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider context for precise usage. For more specific scenarios, consider alternative phrases such as "a match" or "a competition" for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a match

Refers to a specific instance of playing a game or sport.

a play

Emphasizes the act of engaging in a game, often in a less formal context.

a contest

Highlights the competitive aspect of a game or activity.

a competition

Stresses the structured and rule-based nature of a game.

a sport

Indicates a physical game with established rules and traditions.

an activity

A broader term encompassing any form of play or engagement, not necessarily structured.

a pastime

Suggests a recreational activity done for enjoyment and relaxation.

a diversion

Implies a way to distract or entertain oneself, often temporarily.

a recreation

Focuses on the rejuvenating and leisure-oriented nature of the activity.

a pursuit

Highlights the effort and dedication involved in a particular game or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "a game" in a sentence?

You can use "a game" to refer to a specific instance of playing, as in "Let's play "a game" of cards", or to describe something that resembles a game, such as "Life is "a game"".

What are some alternatives to using "a game"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a match", "a play", or "a competition" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "a game"?

While "a game" is generally acceptable, consider whether a more specific term might be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "It's all "a game"", you might say "It's all a competition" to emphasize the competitive aspect.

What does it mean when someone says something is "a game changer"?

When something is described as "a game changer", it means it's a significant shift or innovation that fundamentally alters the dynamics of a situation or industry.