during my playing days

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during my playing days" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific period in the past when someone was actively involved in playing a sport or game. Example: "During my playing days, I had the opportunity to compete at a national level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I have to say that Alexi Lalas was a mentor during my playing days.

The New York Times - Sports

"Fantex represents a powerful new opportunity for professional athletes, and I wish it were available during my playing days," Mr. Elway, a member of Fantex's board, said in a statement.

The New York Times

When I approached the field to watch pregame warm-ups, I entered through the same tunnel, exchanged pleasantries with the same security guard and heard the welcoming cheers of the same early-to-arrive fans as I had countless times during my playing days.

The New York Times - Sports

"I have Hall of Famers, I have legendary players, I have great regional players and I have something dear to my heart, the people I've crossed paths with during my playing days who had a positive influence on my development as a player and a person," Dmitri told ESPN.com.

The New York Times

It is true it is easier to win an England cap these days than it was during my playing days but that does not change the fact that an international call-up can have a hugely positive effect on a player.

BBC

As a former player who lived in a conservative religious town, my ignorance back during my playing days was an accurate reflection of the overall perception of gay males athletes.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Taking criticism is part of a leading sportsman's job, I know, I took enough during my international playing days.

Independent

He fought with his fists and I never had an issue with that as a referee and a former enforcer during my own playing days.

Huffington Post

There were some pretty special days during my playing career, but I was so focused on what was going on between the white lines that I blocked most of it out.

Independent

I love sports and had some great coaches during my own amateur playing days, and it seemed like I was finally in a position to contribute to a child's life the same way those mentors once did for me.

Vice

To understand the needs of the forwards and adjust things accordingly is a gift (the signals a scrum-half receives are not always as clear as I used to receive from my friend Bill Beaumont, who, during our playing days at Fylde, would say in no uncertain terms: "Kick the bloody thing off the field, Brian, I'm knackered").

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "during my playing days", ensure the context clearly establishes the sport or game you're referring to, especially if you participated in multiple sports.

Common error

Avoid using "during my playing days" when you actually mean to refer to a period of peak performance or success. While related, "playing days" simply refers to the time you were actively involved in playing, not necessarily when you were at your best.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during my playing days" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the time period when the speaker was actively involved in playing a sport or game. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in recalling past experiences and comparing them to the present.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during my playing days" is a correct and usable phrase to reference a past period when someone was actively playing sports. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness. While not overly formal, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media. Remember to use it when drawing comparisons or providing context related to your personal experiences as an athlete. Alternatives like "in my playing career" or "when I was a player" can be used depending on the desired level of formality or emphasis. Ensure the context clearly establishes which sport or game you are referring to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in my former playing days

Adds "former" to explicitly state that the playing days are over.

in my playing career

Replaces "days" with the broader term "career", offering a more encompassing sense of the time involved in playing sports.

when I was a player

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct statement about a past period of being a player.

in my athletic years

Substitutes "playing days" with "athletic years", emphasizing physical activity over specific playing.

during my time on the team

Focuses on being part of a team, suitable when the team aspect is important.

back when I played

Uses a more informal and conversational tone, implying a reminiscence.

in my competitive period

Highlights the competitive nature of the time being referred to.

during my active sports life

Emphasizes an active lifestyle related to sports.

when I used to compete

Focuses on the act of competing rather than just playing.

during my tenure as a player

Uses the more formal word "tenure" to describe the time spent as a player.

FAQs

What's an alternative to saying "during my playing days"?

You can use phrases like "in my playing career", "when I was a player", or "in my athletic years" to convey a similar meaning.

How can I use "during my playing days" in a sentence?

You can say something like, "During my playing days, I learned the importance of teamwork" or "I wish this technology had been available during my playing days".

Is it appropriate to use "during my playing days" in formal writing?

While "during my playing days" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "in my athletic career" or "during my time as an athlete" might be preferred in strictly formal contexts.

Can "during my playing days" refer to any kind of game or sport?

Yes, "during my playing days" can be used to refer to any sport or game in which you actively participated, as long as the context makes it clear what activity you're discussing.