a specific play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific play" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular theatrical performance or script that is distinct from others. Example: "In our drama class, we will be studying a specific play that highlights the themes of love and betrayal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

People assemble for a specific play, for a very limited time, three to four weeks.

The New York Times

Is there a specific play that after you read it, you felt that you had to direct.

The New York Times

Hotline Miami 2 is, compared to its predecessor, a much more linear experience, regularly pressuring you into a specific play style.

The Guardian - Tech

Smith apparently was not hurt on a specific play, but may have gone into the game with a partial tear that became worse as he played.

The New York Times

During the press conference after the game, when asked to recall a specific play, Brady said, smiling, "There was a lot of shit that happened tonight".

The New Yorker

Asked if there was a specific play Saturday on which he hurt his shoulder, Reid, a safety, shook his head and grinned.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

We explain how each of these player archetypes relates to older player typologies (such as Myers-Briggs), and how each archetype characterizes a specific playing style.

Entertainment Computing

Create a highlights film of all the times you successfully perform a specific maneuver or play.

WikiHow

For podcasts, it can dig up episodes with a specific guest, play shows by title, or even deliver show recommendations, among other things.

TechCrunch

Presented by the Foundry Theater and Bob and Yvonne Rubin; a site-specific play to be performed in private homes across New York City; [phone] or thefoundrytheatre.org.org

The New York Times

Now, Swedish and American researchers have discovered that a specific protein plays a major role.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing theatrical productions, ensure clarity by specifying "a specific play" when distinguishing one performance or script from others, particularly within a broader context of theater or drama.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific play" when referring to theater generally; instead, use it to denote a particular, named production or script. This prevents ambiguity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific play" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "play". It narrows down the scope to a particular theatrical production, rather than plays in general. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific play" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a particular theatrical work. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in a variety of contexts, mostly in News & Media. While alternatives exist, "a specific play" clearly communicates the focus on a distinct dramatic production. When writing, ensure that you're using it to distinguish one performance or script from others, avoiding overuse in general discussions about theatre. Top sources utilizing this expression are The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular drama

Replaces 'specific' with 'particular', emphasizing a distinct drama, but maintains a similar level of formality.

a certain stage production

Substitutes 'play' with 'stage production', which broadens the context to include various forms of theatrical performance, while 'certain' replaces 'specific'.

a designated theatrical work

Uses 'designated' to highlight a play that has been specifically chosen or assigned, adding a layer of intentionality.

a given performance

Replaces 'play' with 'performance', which may refer to any kind of live presentation.

an individual theatrical piece

This alternative emphasizes the uniqueness of the play.

a precise theatrical composition

Highlights the accurate and detailed nature of the play's script.

a detailed dramatic presentation

Focuses on the comprehensiveness and care taken in the play's execution.

a selective theatrical show

Highlights the discerning criteria involved in choosing this theatrical production.

a pinpointed stage act

Emphasizes the exactitude and focused nature of the stage performance.

a considered theatrical undertaking

Emphasizes the thoughtful planning and execution behind the production.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific play" to refer to a particular theatrical work. For example, "The class will analyze "a specific play" by Shakespeare to understand its historical context."

What are some alternatives to "a specific play"?

You can use alternatives like "a particular drama", "a certain stage production", or "a designated theatrical work" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a specific play" or "a particular play"?

Both "a specific play" and "a particular play" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "a specific play" and "a general play"?

"A specific play" refers to a named, individual theatrical work, whereas "a general play" would refer to the concept of plays in general, or a non-specified play. It may be more appropriate to say just "play".