as the play progresses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the play progresses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the development or unfolding of events within a play over time. Example: "As the play progresses, the characters reveal their true motivations and conflicts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

As the play progresses, mystery continues to envelop Robbie.

The New York Times

The sizable wall of years separating the two becomes, as the play progresses, increasingly permeable.

The New Yorker

As the play progresses, the artifice of the theater becomes increasingly clear.

The New York Times

As the play progresses, they keep breaking character, commenting on the script's confusion and shallowness.

The New York Times

And as the play progresses, she dresses more and more and more.

The New York Times

As the play progresses, its scenes grow longer and more engrossing.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

As the play progressed, the number and size of the derricks grew.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the play progressed, though, I began to miss the perspective of Lear as a man in physical and mental decline.

The Guardian

As the play progressed, decorative elements were added - a scarlet feather, a striking ruff, a ridiculous hat - until the scene gradually became a carnival of colour.

The Guardian

As the play progressed, as Judas turned to the dark side, the bandanas would come off covertly, with some of the people in the audience probably not even realizing it.

The New York Times

He now had ten sure tricks and made 12 by crossing to the heart ace, cashing clubs, and leading a diamond to establish two tricks in that suit As the play progressed Hamman realized that leading his partner's heart suit originally would have removed a key entry to the dummy before South could unblock clubs.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as the play progresses" to smoothly transition between descriptions of early and later events, enhancing clarity and flow. For example, "As the play progresses, the initial lighthearted tone shifts to one of somber reflection."

Common error

Avoid using "as the play progresses" too frequently within a single paragraph or scene description. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and detract from the narrative's impact. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the play progresses" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something occurs in relation to the unfolding events of a play. It introduces a temporal element, specifying that the action or state being described happens during the play's runtime. Ludwig confirms this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as the play progresses" is a versatile tool for describing the unfolding events within a play. Grammatically sound and frequently used, as Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to provide temporal context, helping audiences track changes in plot, character, and theme. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it offers a neutral register suitable for both journalistic reviews and academic analyses. While the phrase is valuable, overuse should be avoided in writing. Alternatives like "as the story develops" or "as the drama unfolds" can add variety and maintain reader engagement. Its consistent use across reputable sources underscores its reliability in conveying the evolution of a theatrical narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the drama unfolds

Replaces "play" with "drama" and "progresses" with "unfolds", emphasizing the unfolding nature of the story.

as the story develops

Substitutes "play" with "story" and "progresses" with "develops", focusing on the narrative's evolution.

as the plot thickens

Emphasizes the increasing complexity and intrigue of the play's storyline.

as the act continues

Focuses on the continuation of a specific act within the play.

over the course of the play

Highlights the duration and progression of the entire play.

as the performance evolves

Replaces "play" with "performance" and "progresses" with "evolves", focusing on the development of the enactment.

during the play's advancement

Uses a more formal tone to describe the play's forward movement.

with the play's progression

Highlights the sequential development of the play's events.

in the course of the theatrical work

Adopts a highly formal and academic tone, replacing common words with more sophisticated vocabulary.

as the scenes advance

Focuses specifically on the forward movement of individual scenes within the play.

FAQs

How can I use "as the play progresses" in a sentence?

You can use "as the play progresses" to describe changes, developments, or revelations that occur during the course of a play. For example, "As the play progresses, the protagonist's true motives become clear."

What are some alternatives to "as the play progresses"?

Alternatives include "as the story develops", "as the drama unfolds", or "over the course of the play", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "as the play progresses"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Ludwig AI also confirms that "as the play progresses" is correct and usable in written English.

How does the meaning change if I use "as the play develops" instead of "as the play progresses"?

The meaning remains very similar. "Develops" ("as the play develops") focuses more on the evolution of the story and characters, while "progresses" simply indicates the forward movement in time and events.