a smart play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smart play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision or action that is considered clever or strategic in a given context. Example: "Investing in renewable energy is a smart play for the future of our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"And it's a smart play.

The New York Times - Sports

That was not a smart play".

The New York Times - Sports

"It was just not a smart play," Rivers said.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes it's a smart play added to a game plan.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think it was a smart play by my parents," Bob says.

The New Yorker

What he should have said was: "Golden made an outstanding play, a smart play.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"When I look at the potential to create a more unified experience, they are making a very smart play," Ms. Etlinger said.

The New York Times

"Yes We Can," a postmodern, postracial romp by Daniella Shoshan, is a pretty smart play.

The New York Times

It's a pretty smart play when you think of it.

The New York Times

For Mr. Smith to win immunity "is a very smart play by the defense," Mr. Burton said.

The New York Times

This is a very smart play by Facebook (assuming they can pull it off, of course).

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a strategic decision, use "a smart play" to convey both intelligence and practicality. For instance, "Entering the Asian market early was a smart play for the company."

Common error

Avoid using "a smart play" to suggest that a strategy is foolproof. Acknowledge potential risks and limitations, even if the decision seems well-reasoned. Instead of saying "Launching this product is a smart play and will guarantee profits", consider "Launching this product is a smart play, although market conditions could still affect its success."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smart play" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or direct object. It describes an action or decision deemed intelligent or strategic. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts to denote well-considered actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a smart play" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an intelligent or strategic action. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. It conveys an evaluation of decisions or actions, highlighting their strategic value. When writing, use "a smart play" to describe a well-reasoned action but avoid implying guaranteed success. Alternatives include "a clever tactic" or "a strategic move" for varied emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clever tactic

Emphasizes the ingenuity and skill involved in the action.

a strategic move

Highlights the calculated and planned nature of the action.

a wise decision

Focuses on the prudence and good judgment behind the action.

an ingenious scheme

Suggests a creative and inventive plan, often implying complexity.

a canny maneuver

Implies shrewdness and resourcefulness in achieving a goal.

a shrewd move

Highlights astuteness and sharp-wittedness in the decision.

an astute action

Suggests keen awareness and perception in the execution.

a brilliant strategy

Emphasizes the exceptional intelligence and effectiveness of the plan.

a tactical advantage

Focuses on gaining an edge over competitors or opponents.

a strategic advantage

Highlights long-term planning and positioning for future success.

FAQs

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

You can use "a smart play" to describe a clever or strategic action. For example, "Investing in renewable energy is "a smart play" for the future."

What are some alternatives to "a smart play"?

Alternatives include "a clever tactic", "a strategic move", or "a wise decision", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that was not a smart play"?

Yes, it's perfectly correct. It indicates that a particular action was ill-advised or lacked strategic thinking, similar to saying "that was not a good idea".

What distinguishes "a smart play" from "a lucky break"?

"A smart play" implies deliberate planning and skillful execution, while "a lucky break" refers to a fortunate but often unplanned occurrence. One is strategic, the other is accidental.