an intense play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an intense play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a theatrical performance that is emotionally charged or thought-provoking. Example: "The critics praised the production for its powerful performances and gripping storyline, calling it an intense play that left the audience in tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Misterman is indeed an intense play, a physically demanding one-man performance on a vast set that relies for a lot of its atmosphere on an almost constant suggestion of imminent violence.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Trapped together in the office together, over the course of the evening Peggy and Don journey through emotional highs and lows that end up feeling more like watching a particularly intense play than just another episode on a TV show.

Huffington Post

It's a very intense play – I'd like to see some hardcore acting and her stuff is always really interesting.

The Guardian

Almond, slight, singular and always intensely intense, plays an Everyman figure alone in an almost empty city, conjured in director Stewart Laing's nifty design by a forest of music stands with absent musicians, and a stage within stage that suggests not only the closed playhouses, but also the houses in which the infected are walled up.

The Guardian

"It's an edgy and intense play," Ms. Parks said.

The New York Times

In SERS applications, hot spots where the electromagnetic field is particularly intense, play a key role.

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology C: Photochemistry Reviews

So while I can't say I was thrilled when my then-two-year-old son let fly a broad cockney "FACKSAKE" during a particularly intense Play-Doh session, at least I knew I wasn't to blame.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He told me about this short, intense play, where an actor is suspended in utter darkness except for her disembodied mouth spewing a torrent, a stream of consciousness.

The Guardian

There may be no matchup with such intense play and opponents who are more respectful of each other's strengths.

The New York Times

In fact, for me, this time feels more like very intense play than work.

Forbes

It's not just for romantic play, though emotionally intense play of all kinds becomes much more approachable when you know you can opt-out at any time.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a play as "an intense play", provide specific details about what makes it intense. Is it the subject matter, the acting, the direction, or the overall atmosphere?

Common error

Avoid using "an intense play" as a generic descriptor. Instead, use it when the play genuinely evokes strong emotions or deals with serious themes, and provide specific examples to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intense play" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "play". The adjective "intense" describes the play's emotional or dramatic quality. According to Ludwig, this is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an intense play" serves as a descriptor for theatrical productions characterized by strong emotions, serious themes, and impactful performances. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound, although its use is relatively rare. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase benefits from contextual elaboration to specify what makes the play particularly intense. While grammatically correct, remember to provide context to make the description more compelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gripping drama

Focuses on the drama's captivating quality rather than intensity.

a powerful performance

Highlights the strength and impact of the acting.

a thought-provoking piece

Emphasizes the intellectual stimulation the play provides.

an emotionally charged theatrical production

More descriptive, explicitly referencing the emotional impact.

a compelling stage show

Focuses on the overall captivating nature of the show.

a high-impact theatrical work

Highlights the strong effect the play has on its audience.

a dramatic presentation

A more general term referring to the act of presenting a drama.

a deeply moving theatrical experience

Emphasizes the profound emotional effect on the audience.

a hard-hitting play

Emphasizes the direct and forceful impact of the play.

a visceral theatrical event

Focuses on the gut-level emotional response the play evokes.

FAQs

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

You can use "an intense play" to describe a theatrical production that evokes strong emotions or deals with serious themes. For example: "The critics praised the production for its powerful performances and gripping storyline, calling it "an intense play" that left the audience in tears."

What are some alternatives to "an intense play"?

You can use alternatives like "a gripping drama", "a powerful performance", or "a thought-provoking piece" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

What makes a play qualify as "an intense play"?

A play qualifies as "an intense play" if it evokes strong emotions, deals with serious or controversial themes, features powerful performances, or creates a palpable atmosphere of tension and suspense.

Is it appropriate to describe a comedy as "an intense play"?

While less common, it's possible for a comedy to have intense moments or underlying themes. However, the phrase is typically used for dramas or thrillers. Using a different phrase like "a hilarious play" or "a witty performance" may be more fitting.