an excellent play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an excellent play" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a theatrical performance that is of high quality or particularly enjoyable. Example: "The critics raved about the production, calling it an excellent play that captivated the audience from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

When South took East's king with his ace and led a heart, West made an excellent play, putting up his queen.

The New York Times

Three years ago the Old Vic staged an excellent play by April de Angelis, Playhouse Creatures, about the first generation of Restoration actresses.

The Guardian

"The DAX is unloved and an excellent play on oil and euro weakness," Mr. Abramson wrote in a note to investors.

The New York Times

Bay, who also made an excellent play in the second inning to throw Lee out at the plate on a single by Chris Johnson, said he had spent time with the hitting coach Dave Hudgens before Thursday's game in Denver.

The New York Times - Sports

It's an excellent play - one in which anxieties about race, gender and the rest are felt only by their absence as the white guys tough it out for status.

The Guardian

The iShares Australia offers an excellent play on continued growth Down Under.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"The country has unpatrolled and open borders, so all kinds of extremists who want to fight America have an excellent playing field to do so now".

The New York Times

It was an emphatic, excellent play.

The New York Times - Sports

But in an otherwise excellent play that explores how we alternately demonize, deify and finally ignore our wounded warriors, perhaps one misstep is allowed.

The New York Times

It might just be a really excellent play.

The New York Times

It will be an interesting weekend with names like Sutton, Lehman, Woods, Els and Janzen chasing the biggest purse in golf ($1.08 million) on a course that demands excellent play.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reviewing a play, use "an excellent play" to succinctly convey your positive impression. Ensure your review provides specific examples to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "an excellent play" without providing supporting details. Describe specific aspects such as acting, plot, or staging that made the play exceptional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an excellent play" functions primarily as a noun phrase that includes an adjective ("excellent") modifying the noun ("play"). It is used to describe a specific instance of a theatrical performance or, more broadly, a strategic action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an excellent play" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a positive opinion about a theatrical performance or strategy. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. To enhance your writing, provide specific details to support your claim of excellence and avoid overuse without substance. Consider using alternatives like "a remarkable performance" or "a superb theatrical production" to diversify your vocabulary. Ensure your usage aligns with the intended meaning and context for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkable performance

Focuses on the quality of the performance itself, highlighting its noteworthiness.

a superb theatrical production

Emphasizes the high quality of the theatrical elements.

an outstanding dramatic work

Highlights the dramatic aspects and overall quality of the play.

a first-rate stage show

Focuses on the entertainment value and high quality of the stage production.

a top-notch theatrical experience

Highlights the overall experience of attending a high-quality play.

an impressive dramatic presentation

Emphasizes the skill and impact of the dramatic presentation.

a brilliant piece of theater

Highlights the intelligence and artistry of the theatrical work.

a masterful stage creation

Focuses on the skill and artistry involved in creating the play.

a commendable dramatic effort

Highlights the praiseworthy effort put into creating the play.

a worthy theatrical endeavor

Emphasizes the value and significance of the theatrical undertaking.

FAQs

How can I use "an excellent play" in a sentence?

You can use "an excellent play" to describe a theatrical production that is of high quality and enjoyable. For example, "The critics lauded the production, calling it "an excellent play" that captivated the audience."

What are some alternatives to saying "an excellent play"?

You can use alternatives like "a remarkable performance", "a superb theatrical production", or "an outstanding dramatic work" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "an excellent play" or "a good play"?

"An excellent play" implies a higher level of quality and enjoyment compared to "a good play". The choice depends on the degree of praise you wish to convey.

Can "an excellent play" refer to something other than a theatrical performance?

While primarily used to describe a theatrical performance, "an excellent play" can metaphorically refer to any well-executed plan or strategy. For example, in sports, a well-executed maneuver might be described as an excellent play. The country has unpatrolled and open borders, so all kinds of extremists who want to fight America have "an excellent playing field" to do so now.