does not play with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not play with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is not engaging in play or interaction with someone or something. Example: "She does not play with her toys anymore since she has grown up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

All that New York stuff does not play with me.

The Guardian - Film

He does not play with head metaphorically bowed in reverence to the canon.

The Guardian - Music

The United States still does not play with the same technical expertise as Japan and France.

The New York Times - Sports

He knows the children in his neighborhood, but does not play with them.

The New York Times - Arts

He does not wear sunglasses or headphones and does not play with his mobile during the interview.

The Guardian - Sport

The music may be nuanced, but the choreography does not play with its rhythm or beat and is severely limited by it.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"The ball doesn't play with you".

The New York Times - Sports

But Humphreys doesn't play with this possibility.

The New York Times - Books

When he goes forward he doesn't play with fear.

BBC

Make sure your doesn't play with string, etc.

WikiHow

and she doesn't play with toys either.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not play with", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a literal lack of play or a more figurative lack of engagement or interaction. For example, differentiate between "The child does not play with toys" and "The politician does not play with the truth."

Common error

Avoid assuming that "does not play with" always refers to children or games. The phrase can apply to abstract concepts, strategies, or even emotions. Ensure the surrounding words make the intended meaning obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not play with" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of engagement or interaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English. Examples range from literal play to more abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

31%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Arts

6%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not play with" is a versatile expression indicating a lack of engagement, interaction, or participation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While generally neutral in register, it appears more frequently in news, media, and wiki contexts. When writing, be mindful of whether the context is literal or figurative. Consider alternatives like "does not interact with" for more formal settings or when greater clarity is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not interact with

Replaces "play" with a more formal term, emphasizing a lack of general interaction.

does not engage with

Similar to "interact", but suggests a more active form of participation that is absent.

avoids playing with

Indicates an active decision to stay away from playing with someone or something.

refuses to play with

Highlights a deliberate refusal to participate in a game or activity.

doesn't associate with

Shifts the focus from playing to general association, implying a broader social distance.

is not involved with

Indicates a lack of participation or connection in a specific activity or group.

doesn't fool around with

Implies a lack of serious engagement and a rejection of frivolous or playful behavior.

keeps away from

Emphasizes maintaining distance, either physically or emotionally, from something or someone.

stays clear of

Similar to "keeps away from", suggesting an avoidance of potential issues or problems.

has nothing to do with

Indicates a complete lack of involvement or connection with something.

FAQs

How can I use "does not play with" in a sentence?

You can use "does not play with" to indicate a lack of interaction, engagement, or participation. For example, "He does not play with the other children" or "The company does not play with unethical practices".

What's a more formal alternative to "does not play with"?

Alternatives include "does not interact with" or "does not engage with", which are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is "does not play with" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "does not play with" might be perceived as informal in certain contexts. Consider using alternatives like "does not associate with" or "is not involved with" for a more professional tone.

How does "does not play with" differ from "refuses to play with"?

"Does not play with" simply indicates a lack of interaction, whereas "refuses to play with" implies a deliberate choice to avoid playing, suggesting resistance or unwillingness.