a regular play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a regular play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a performance or production that follows conventional structures or formats typical of theater. Example: "The theater company decided to stage a regular play this season instead of an experimental performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

If I make that play in the regular season, it's just a regular play.

The New York Times - Sports

The glacial pacing, however, doesn't mean that there's less action than in a regular play.

The New York Times - Arts

In 1992, Perry had just waited for people to show up, as they would at a "regular" play.

The New Yorker

"When I go to a regular play, if I sit too far away, I feel removed," Mr. Shawn said.

The New York Times

"When you do a regular play, you're kind of in control, you call the shots," said Tim Douglas, the actor who plays the guide, Robert Wilson.

The New York Times

Creating a monologue, as opposed to playing a character in a regular play, Ms. Redgrave said, involved a whole different relationship with the fourth wall.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I am excited to get back into a regular playing schedule and my team's training environment.

The New York Times

Until that incident the former Aston Villa and Rangers loanee had been a regular, playing five of six games under the Italian before he was dropped for the final match of the season at Tottenham.

BBC

If you're really lame, you can ask for a regular play-by-play from the broadcast booth.

Vice

And that's not the only behind-the-scenes change for "Fairly Legal": In October, it was announced that Ryan Johnson would join the series as a regular, playing Ben Grogan, a hotshot trial attorney known for bringing in big money.

Huffington Post

The Buccaneers had a 3 2 record when regular play resumed, and nearly beat a Chicago Bears team only one season removed from its Super Bowl victory.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When contrasting a typical theatrical production with something more avant-garde or experimental, use "a regular play" to clearly denote the conventional option.

Common error

Avoid using "a regular play" when you actually mean a frequently performed play; regular in this context refers more to structure and conventions rather than repetition or popularity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a regular play" functions as a noun phrase describing a theatrical production that adheres to conventional or standard forms. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a regular play" denotes a theatrical production that adheres to established norms, distinguishing it from more experimental forms. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While uncommon, the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media. To enhance clarity and avoid misinterpretations, consider alternatives like "a standard performance" or "a conventional theatrical piece" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a standard performance

Replaces 'play' with 'performance' to broaden the scope beyond theatrical works, but retains the sense of normalcy.

a typical stage production

Substitutes 'play' with 'stage production' to specifically refer to theater, while 'typical' emphasizes the common nature.

a conventional theatrical piece

Uses 'conventional' to stress the adherence to established norms and 'theatrical piece' to highlight the art form.

an ordinary dramatic work

Replaces 'play' with 'dramatic work', adding 'ordinary' to denote the lack of exceptional qualities.

a run-of-the-mill play

'Run-of-the-mill' directly implies something commonplace and not special, emphasizing the ordinariness of the play.

a common theater show

Uses 'common' to highlight frequency and 'theater show' as a more casual synonym for 'play'.

a textbook drama

Emphasizes adherence to established dramatic conventions, similar to how a textbook presents standard information.

a predictable performance

Highlights the lack of novelty or surprise in the play, focusing on its conformity to expectations.

a formulaic stage presentation

Stresses the use of a set pattern or formula in the play's structure and delivery.

an unremarkable theatrical event

Uses 'unremarkable' to underscore the absence of any distinguishing features, suggesting the play is average.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The theater decided to stage "a regular play" this season, focusing on classic themes and traditional staging techniques."

What's a good alternative to "a regular play"?

Consider using "a standard performance" or "a conventional theatrical piece", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a regular play" different from an experimental theater production?

Yes, "a regular play" generally follows established theatrical conventions, whereas an experimental production often challenges or subverts these norms.

What does "regular" imply in the phrase "a regular play"?

The term "regular" implies that the play adheres to standard dramatic structure, themes, and staging, lacking significant deviation from traditional theater practices.