at this play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at this play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific performance or theatrical production, often in the context of discussing events or actions occurring during that performance. Example: "The actors delivered their lines with such emotion that the audience was completely captivated at this play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

There are two ways of looking at this play.

The Guardian

(There's a hilarious moment where she barks, "Race you to the bar!," her club audience played, in effect, by those of us in attendance at this play).

The New York Times - Arts

Both players were hand fighting and when you look at this play in real time, there's not enough to call pass interference against either player.

The New York Times

"He didn't predict that, but if you look at this play closely, it suggests that if you're looking for another kind of earthly empire, it would be of a fascistic nature".

The New York Times

This gamble means that anyone sufficiently masochistic to return for a another look at this play stands a 50-50 chance of being bored in the same way yet again.

The New York Times

"You look at this play and you say, 'Yes, of course.' " As they talk, one senses that this conscious approach to life may be their secret to the nearly 45-year marriage that defies Hollywood's tradition of short-lived love affairs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

And, with so many of Wrexham's first-choice selections back in action, apart from an early block by home keeper Chris Maxwell to deny Malbon, it was the Red Dragons, beaten in at this play-off semi-final stage in both the last two seasons, who carried the first-half threat.

BBC

And yet one can't help wondering at times why this play exists at all.

The New Yorker

Or, at least, with this play.

The New York Times - Arts

She and Lee took a closer look at how this plays out among Berkeley Haas MBA students.

University of California, Berkeley

The difficult thing is to look at how this plays out in us.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine it with vivid verbs to describe actions or emotions witnessed, enhancing the reader's engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "at this play" when you intend to discuss the play's overall themes or literary merit. Instead, reserve it for describing specific moments or occurrences during a performance. Use phrases like "in this play" for broader analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at this play" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to specify the location or timing of an event within the context of a theatrical performance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at this play" serves as a prepositional phrase that specifies the context of an event or observation within a theatrical performance. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable, predominantly appearing in news and media sources. While not exceedingly common, it provides valuable contextual information, grounding narratives and analyses within the setting of a play. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates you are referring to a specific performance, and avoid using it for general thematic analyses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during this play

Replaces the preposition "at" with "during", focusing on the timeframe within the play's duration.

in this play

Uses "in" instead of "at", highlighting containment within the play's world or narrative.

within this play

Similar to "in this play", but emphasizes the internal elements and events of the play.

throughout this play

Highlights events that occur from beginning to end of the play

in the course of this play

More formal alternative, indicating events happening during the play's unfolding.

during the performance

Shifts focus to the performance aspect rather than the play itself.

while watching this play

Emphasizes the act of watching and experiencing the play.

as this play unfolds

Highlights the progression of events as the play progresses.

at the time of this play

Focuses on a specific moment or period related to the play's setting or creation.

regarding this play

Shifts the context to a discussion or analysis about the play.

FAQs

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

Use "at this play" to refer to specific events or observations made during a performance. For example, "The tension was palpable "at this play" when the main characters confronted each other."

What's the difference between "at this play" and "in this play"?

"At this play" typically refers to specific moments or occurrences during a performance, while "in this play" is used for broader analysis of themes or characters. "The actors were amazing "at this play"," versus "The theme of betrayal is central "in this play"."

What are some alternatives to "at this play"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "during this performance", "in this production", or "while watching the play".

Is it correct to say "during this play" instead of "at this play"?

Yes, "during this play" is a valid alternative and often interchangeable. It emphasizes the timeframe of events within the play's duration, similar to how "at this play" is used.