about the play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about the play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics, themes, or details related to a specific play in literature, theater, or drama. Example: "The professor gave a fascinating lecture about the play, highlighting its historical context and character development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Tells about the play.

The New Yorker

Tells about the play which opened Jul.

The New Yorker

Pam cares most about the play".

The New York Times

Tells about the play during the Series.

The New Yorker

Pauline and Brian talk about the play.

The New Yorker

"It's about the play principle in nature.

The Guardian - Books

Yet something about the play disturbs me.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But one has to wonder about the play-calling, too.

The New York Times

When told about the play-within-a-play's authorship, her reaction is: "Wow.

The New York Times

That's the great thing about the play-offs, although you hate them when you finish third.

Independent

"Previously, I hadn't cared about the play-in game on Tuesday," Hilby said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing reviews or analyses, use "about the play" to introduce specific aspects like themes, characters, or plot devices, ensuring clarity and focus for your readers.

Common error

Avoid using "about the play" when you intend to discuss the historical context of the playwright or unrelated tangential information. Ensure your discussion remains directly relevant to the play itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about the play" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or verbs to provide context concerning a theatrical work. Ludwig examples confirm it introduces topics, themes, or discussions related to the play.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "about the play" functions as a prepositional phrase to denote a discussion, analysis, or review focusing on a theatrical work. It is considered grammatically correct and very commonly used, especially in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability. While alternatives like "regarding the play" and "concerning the play" exist, the key is to ensure the discussion remains relevant to the play itself. When writing, use this phrase to introduce specific elements of the play and maintain clarity for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the play

Replaces "about" with "regarding", offering a slightly more formal tone.

concerning the play

Substitutes "about" with "concerning", providing a similar meaning with a slightly different emphasis.

on the subject of the play

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the topic of discussion.

related to the play

Focuses on the connection or relationship to the play.

in reference to the play

Indicates that the play is the point of reference for the discussion.

discussing the play

Highlights the act of discussing the play rather than simply being about it.

exploring the play

Suggests a deeper investigation or analysis of the play.

an analysis of the play

Shifts the focus to a structured evaluation or interpretation of the play.

details concerning the play

Emphasizes the specific details and information related to the play.

thoughts on the play

Expresses opinions and reflections about the play.

FAQs

How can I use "about the play" in a sentence?

You can use "about the play" to introduce the main topic or theme of a discussion, such as, "The review is "about the play"'s symbolism and its impact on the audience."

What are some alternatives to saying "about the play"?

Alternatives include phrases like "regarding the play", "concerning the play", or "related to the play", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "about the play" or "on the play"?

"About the play" is generally preferred and more grammatically correct when discussing the content, themes, or aspects of a play. "On the play" might be used, but it's less common and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "about the play" and "in the play"?

"About the play" refers to discussions or information concerning the play's themes, characters, or plot. "In the play" refers to elements that are part of the play itself, such as a character's actions or a specific scene.