a very close play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very close play" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in sports contexts to describe a situation where the outcome is uncertain or where the decision could go either way, often referring to a play that is difficult to judge. Example: "The referee had to make a tough call on that last play; it was a very close play that could have gone either way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Toronto had evened the score in the fifth on a very close play.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a very close play, with the ball entering the first baseman's mitt at nearly the exact same time that Cervelli's foot hit the base.

The New Yorker

The look does not come through in overt gestures, like the fury of Paul O'Neill, who thought he was robbed of a ball four on Wednesday and then was called out at first on a very close play.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

We played a very close game in Russia and I suppose it will be the same thing".

The Guardian - Sport

I played the dutiful Vietnamese son playing tribute to a very close family member in time of sorrow.

Huffington Post

Playing Barbados in the final, Trinidad won a very close match by 13 runs.

Wikipedia

It will be a very close call.

Independent

"We've had a very close relationship".

The New York Times

"It's a very close friendship.

The New York Times

"It will be a very close series.

BBC

It was a very close game.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sporting events, use "a very close play" to add vividness and emphasize the tension of a moment.

Common error

Avoid using "a very close play" repeatedly in the same context. Vary your language with synonyms like "tight play" or "close call" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very close play" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as an adjective modifying the noun "play". It describes the nature of the play, indicating that the outcome was decided by a very small margin, see Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very close play" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a tense situation, typically in sports, where the outcome is narrowly decided. While not extremely common, its usage is appropriate and easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Consider employing synonyms such as "tight play" or "close call" for stylistic variation. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for broad communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tight play

Replaces "very close" with "tight", indicating a situation with little margin.

a close call

Indicates a narrow escape or decision.

a near thing

Emphasizes the narrowness of avoiding a negative outcome.

a narrow escape

Emphasizes the avoidance of a negative outcome by a small margin.

a photo finish

Implies the outcome was so close it required detailed examination.

a hair's breadth

Emphasizes how small the margin was.

a squeaker

Suggests a win by the narrowest of margins.

a cliffhanger

Highlights the suspense and uncertainty of the situation.

a nail-biter

Focuses on the anxiety and excitement caused by the closeness of the play.

a touch-and-go situation

Highlights the uncertainty and precariousness of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a very close play" in a sentence?

You can use "a very close play" to describe a situation in sports where the outcome is uncertain or the decision could go either way. For example: "The umpire had to make a tough call; it was "a very close play" that could have gone either way".

What can I say instead of "a very close play"?

You can use alternatives like "a tight play", "a near thing", or "a close call" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a very close play" or "a close play"?

Both ""a very close play"" and "a close play" are grammatically correct, but "a very close play" emphasizes the narrow margin of the play.

What's the difference between "a very close play" and "a close game"?

"A very close play" refers to a specific instance or action within a game, while "a close game" describes the overall competition as being tightly contested.