alike play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alike play" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is unclear what context you intend to use it in, as "alike" typically describes similarity, but it does not fit well with "play." Example: "The two performances were not alike play, as one was a tragedy and the other a comedy."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I wonder if any two contests have ever been exactly alike, play for play.

The New Yorker

Kansas and Maryland look alike, play alike and will face each other in the second semifinal game Saturday at the Georgia Dome.

The New York Times - Sports

Residents and scientists alike play a waiting game in California, uneasily trying to foretell when the big fault itself will go, setting off another geologic convulsion like the one that destroyed San Francisco in 1906.

The New York Times

If you ever wanted to know the exhilaration of otherworldly talents — the ability to shoot balls of electricity from your fists, to soar impossibly from rooftop to rooftop — while rendering the omnipotent judgment of a godling on the innocent and evil alike, play Infamous.

The New York Times - Arts

Attention is therefore granted to the unspoken as well as the spoken, whispers, sideways glances and gestures alike play an integral role to the interpretations that are shared.

Video Journal of Education and Pedagogy

Covering a wide array of subjects, including cultic rituals and the use of magical objects and symbols, votive traditions in Greek sanctuaries, funerary portraits, and Iron Age pottery, Tradition reveals how culture inheres in each, and how actions and objects alike play a role in culture's continuation and change.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Ferrari and Maserati, once fierce Italian rivals, now share and share alike, playing nice within the Fiat family.

The New York Times

On a banal level, his recollection about landing the role underscores that each of us — actor and zoophile and doubtless filmmaker alike — plays a role.

The New York Times

Woods sent a very loud message to the leaders and followers alike, playing by far his best golf since returning to the game at the Masters in a round that featured a blistering 30 on the back nine topped off by consecutive birdies at the 16th, 17th and 18th holes.

The New York Times

Maybe by the time Gavin is 16, there will be community centers attracting boys and girls alike — playing cool music (whatever frightful sounds that may entail in 2022) and offering video games — and boys won't feel the need to dump cases of empties on their neighbors' lawns.

The New York Times

In any neighborhood you go, you'll find kids and men alike playing the game passionately, as though great kingdoms depend on the outcome.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, avoid the construction "alike play". Instead, opt for phrases like "play similarly" or "perform in a similar fashion" to ensure grammatical correctness and avoid potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "alike" directly before "play" as if it were an adverb modifying the verb. "Alike" typically functions as an adjective describing a state of similarity or as part of constructions like "A and B alike".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alike play" attempts to modify the verb "play" with the adjective "alike", which is grammatically unusual. It typically suggests a similarity in how something is performed or enacted, but the construction is awkward. As Ludwig AI highlights, the usage of "alike" is not standard.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

24%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "alike play" is grammatically questionable and not a standard expression in English. Although it appears across various sources, as pointed out by Ludwig AI, it's best to avoid this construction in favor of clearer alternatives like "play similarly" or "perform in a similar fashion". While the intent is to convey similarity in action, its usage is uncommon and can lead to misinterpretations. Stick to grammatically sound phrases to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

play similarly

Emphasizes the similarity in the manner of playing or performing an action.

play in a similar fashion

Focuses on the comparable style or method of playing.

perform alike

Highlights the comparable execution or action.

act in similar ways

Describes comparable behaviors or actions.

play in comparable manners

Emphasizes the equivalent style or technique.

act in a like manner

Focuses on equivalent conduct or action.

perform in a comparable way

Highlights the similar approach to doing something.

exhibit similar behavior

Emphasizes comparable conduct or actions.

operate in a similar fashion

Describes the comparable methods of functioning or working.

function alike

Focuses on the similar manner of operation or performance.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "alike" with "play" in a sentence?

Instead of "alike play", use phrases like "play similarly" or "perform alike" to ensure grammatical accuracy.

What does it mean when something is said to "play alike"?

Saying that two things "play alike" means they operate or function in a similar manner. However, it's grammatically better to say they "play similarly".

Is "alike play" considered grammatically correct in English?

No, "alike play" is not typically considered grammatically correct. Better alternatives include using phrases like "play in a similar fashion" or other similar constructions.

What's a better way to express the idea of "alike play" in formal writing?

In formal writing, opt for clearer and more grammatically sound phrases such as "perform in a comparable way" or "act in similar ways" to convey the intended meaning effectively.