a major play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or significant theatrical production, or metaphorically, to describe a significant action or strategy in various contexts. Example: "The director's latest work is considered a major play in the contemporary theater scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Is "Butley" a major play or merely a rampaging opportunity for its main man?

The New York Times - Arts

Could that really have been as satisfying as acting in a major play?

The Guardian

"It would have been a major play in the game," Kentucky Coach Rich Brooks said.

The New York Times - Sports

Live needed a major play from its most feted writer to indicate that it was back.

The Guardian

"Before Breakfast," an O'Neill experiment in audience tolerance for extended monologues, was never a major play.

The New York Times

David Auburn won a Tony for "Proof" in 2001, started writing movies and hasn't produced a major play since.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"When you play a major, you play the golf course, and you play Tiger, Elssaidid.

The New York Times - Sports

Play the A Major.

WikiHow

Richard II is not a "major" Shakespeare play.

The Guardian

This was a major power play.

Huffington Post

But more than that, Tommy was a major Broadway play for years in the 1990s.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a major play" when referring to a theatrical production that has significant impact or importance. Ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're speaking literally about a play or metaphorically about a strategic action.

Common error

Avoid using "a major play" in casual conversation where simpler terms like "big deal" or "important event" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a sense of formality that might sound out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major play" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies something of considerable importance or impact, either in the literal sense of a theatrical production or metaphorically in strategic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a major play" is a versatile expression signifying something of great importance or impact, whether it's a significant theatrical production or a strategic action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase sees frequent usage in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts, indicating its relevance across diverse fields. While it maintains a generally neutral tone, it leans towards formality and should be used judiciously in informal settings. Considering semantically similar alternatives like ""a significant theatrical work"" or ""a key strategic move"" can also enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant theatrical work

Focuses specifically on theater, replacing "play" with a more formal term.

an important dramatic production

Emphasizes the dramatic aspect, substituting "major" and "play" with synonyms.

a key strategic move

Shifts the context to strategy or planning, using "move" as an alternative to "play".

a pivotal action

Highlights the importance of the action, changing the focus from theater to general actions.

a crucial endeavor

Replaces "play" with "endeavor", suggesting a serious undertaking.

a groundbreaking piece of theater

Adds the element of innovation, emphasizing the novelty of the play.

a landmark theatrical event

Highlights the historical importance, framing the play as an event.

a momentous undertaking

Focuses on the scale and impact of the activity, suitable for projects or initiatives.

a noteworthy achievement

Highlights the successful outcome, emphasizing the accomplishment aspect.

a significant strategic initiative

Combines strategic importance with a proactive approach, suitable for business contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major play" to describe a significant theatrical production, like in the sentence: "The new adaptation of Hamlet is considered "a major play" this season." It can also metaphorically refer to an important action or strategy, such as: "The company's acquisition of its competitor was "a major play" in their market dominance strategy."

What are some alternatives to "a major play"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a significant theatrical work" when referring to a play, or "a key strategic move" when describing a strategic action. Other options include "a pivotal action" or "a crucial endeavor".

Is it appropriate to use "a major play" in a business context?

Yes, "a major play" can be used in a business context to describe a significant strategic initiative or action taken by a company. For example, "Their entry into the Asian market was "a major play" to expand their global reach."

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

A play qualifies as "a major play" if it is considered significant due to its critical acclaim, cultural impact, commercial success, or innovative approach to theater. It often involves notable actors, directors, or playwrights and is widely discussed or remembered within the theatrical community and beyond.