at play

USAGE SUMMARY

"at play" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use it in the following sentence: "The children were at play in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Demographics are also at play.

The New York Times

Several factors are at play.

The New York Times

Other issues are at play.

The New York Times - Sports

There weren't egos at play.

The New York Times

Grown-up children at play.

The New York Times - Sports

There's more imagination at play.

The New York Times

Other connections were at play.

The New York Times - Sports

There's a metaphor at play.

The New York Times - Arts

Hooded Merganser ducklings at play.

The New Yorker

Several forces are at play.

The New York Times

Desire isn't at play here.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at play" to indicate the presence or influence of factors, forces, or dynamics in a particular situation or context.

Common error

Avoid using "at play" when simply describing someone's location. "At play" implies involvement in an activity or the influence of certain elements, not just physical presence. Instead of saying "He was at play in the garden" when you mean he was simply in the garden, it is better to say "He was playing in the garden".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at play" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or clause to indicate that something is active, influential, or in operation. Ludwig examples show its use in describing various factors or forces that are currently affecting a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at play" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that factors, forces, or dynamics are active or influential in a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While alternatives like "in effect" or "in action" exist, "at play" maintains its unique ability to convey the dynamic presence of underlying influences. Avoid misusing it to describe simple location. "At play" is a common and useful phrase, offering a clear and concise way to highlight the forces shaping events or circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in effect

Emphasizes the operative or influential nature of something.

in action

Highlights the active or operational status.

in operation

Focuses on the functional aspect.

in motion

Stresses ongoing activity or progress.

underway

Implies a process is currently happening.

in the works

Suggests active development or planning.

at work

Highlights the presence of effort or labor.

operative

Focuses on the functional or influential nature of something.

influential

Highlights the power to affect something.

in progress

Emphasizes the continuing status of a process or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "at play" in a sentence?

Use "at play" to indicate that something is active, in motion, or exerting influence in a given situation. For example, "Several factors are "at play" in the current economic climate."

What are some alternatives to using "at play"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "in effect", "in action", or "underway" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "in play" instead of "at play"?

While "in play" is used in specific contexts, particularly in sports, "at play" generally refers to the influence or operation of forces or factors. They are not interchangeable in all situations.

What does it mean when someone says "There are egos at play"?

It suggests that personal pride, self-importance, or competitive desires are influencing actions or decisions, often negatively. For example, "There weren't egos "at play"; it was all for the common goal."