cannot play with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot play with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is unable to engage in play or interaction with someone or something. Example: "She cannot play with her friends today because she is feeling unwell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Cannot play with them.

The New York Times

We cannot play with just 11 players.

Independent

We cannot play with you any longer".

The New York Times

"I said, 'Man, they cannot play with Shockey,' " Strahan said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Israel cannot play with our dignity," he said.

The New York Times

You cannot play with this music like this - it is sacred to me".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

I think with the history we have, you cannot play games with such issues".

The New York Times

You cannot play basketball with a tennis strategy.

The Washington Post

You cannot play on with muscle injuries; they just tear, tear and tear until they erupt.

The Guardian - Sport

'I am telling you, you cannot play politics with peoples jobs and services,' Mr Kinnock said to further loud applause again mixed with boos.

The Guardian

The Yankees are content to wait for his request, and with no comparables on their side of the negotiation, and no dip in Rivera's performance, they cannot play hardball with him.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cannot play with", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the inability, whether it's due to a rule, physical limitation, or incompatibility. This adds clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot play with" interchangeably with phrases like "should not play with" or "must not play with". The former indicates an inability, while the latter suggests a recommendation or obligation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot play with" functions as a modal phrase expressing inability or prohibition. It indicates that someone is either unable to engage in an activity with something or someone, or is restricted from doing so. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase denotes both physical inability and imposed restrictions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot play with" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that conveys the inability or prohibition to engage in an activity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "unable to interact with" or "not allowed to play with" exist, "cannot play with" directly communicates the lack of capacity or permission. When using this phrase, ensure the reason for the inability is clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to interact with

Replaces "play" with a more general term "interact", broadening the context beyond just recreational activities.

incapable of engaging with

Substitutes "play" with "engaging", emphasizing a lack of capability to participate or involve oneself.

not allowed to play with

Introduces the element of permission, highlighting a restriction rather than an inherent inability.

forbidden from playing with

Emphasizes a prohibition against playing, suggesting a rule or external constraint.

prevented from interacting with

Focuses on the act of preventing interaction, implying an external force causing the inability to play.

cannot handle

Replaces the entire idea of play with the concept of handling. This is less about playing with and more about being able to deal with something.

not suited for

Shifts the focus to the suitability for something. It's less about playing directly and more about compatibility.

incompatible with

Emphasizes a lack of compatibility, suggesting that the inability to play stems from fundamental differences or conflicts.

restricted from using

Highlights a restriction on using something, moving away from the specific act of playing.

barred from participation with

Focuses on barring participation, indicating an exclusion from a specific activity or group.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot play with" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot play with" to indicate an inability to engage in a game or activity with someone or something due to rules, restrictions, or incompatibility. For example, "Children "cannot play with" sharp objects".

What are some alternatives to "cannot play with"?

Alternatives to "cannot play with" include phrases like "unable to interact with", "incapable of engaging with", or "not allowed to play with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "cannot play with"?

Yes, "cannot play with" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a negative statement using the modal verb "can" followed by the verb "play" and the preposition "with".

What's the difference between "cannot play with" and "should not play with"?

"Cannot play with" indicates an inability or restriction, while "should not play with" suggests a recommendation or advice against playing with something. For example, you "cannot play with" something if it's broken, but you should not play with fire because it's dangerous.