every single play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "every single play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something applies to all instances or occurrences, particularly in contexts related to sports, theater, or any situation involving actions or performances. Example: "The coach analyzed every single play from the last game to identify areas for improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

You win or lose every single play".

The New York Times - Sports

Every single play was 10%% football and 90%% debate.

The New Yorker

The rookies put their hearts into every single play.

The New York Times

"Every single play, every single second," said Westhoff, the Jets' special-teams coordinator.

The New York Times - Sports

Over all, you have every player focused on every single play and going hard.

The New York Times - Sports

"He may not be the most talented player, but he plays every single play," Krzyzewski said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

I monitor every single N.F.L. play as it happens.

The New York Times

Belichick's assistant coaches go through every single recent play by their opponents to help prepare for each game.

Forbes

Photograph: Gary Calton 12.23pm BST Harriet Gibsone is continuing her mission to ask every single band playing at Glastonbury some questions.

The Guardian - Music

Every single one played to their limit - we used the substitutes wisely and had a plan.

BBC

Vincent is an avid soccer player and enjoys watching every single game played by Liverpool FC in England.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "every single play" to emphasize the importance of attention and effort in each individual instance, particularly in sports or performance contexts.

Common error

While "every single play" is valid, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "each play" or "all plays" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every single play" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun (play) to indicate that each and every instance is being considered. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to emphasize the importance of individual plays within a larger context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "every single play" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the significance of each individual action, particularly in sports and performance contexts. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread use. As demonstrated by the examples, it’s most frequently found in "News & Media". While effective, writers should avoid overusing it to maintain clarity and engagement. Alternatives include "each play" or "all plays". This expression serves to highlight the importance of attention to detail and the potential impact of every moment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

each and every play

Replaces "every" with "each and every" for added emphasis.

each individual play

Substitutes "single" with "individual" to highlight the distinctness of each play.

every last play

Uses "last" instead of "single" for a slightly more emphatic tone.

every play without exception

Adds "without exception" to explicitly state that all plays are included.

all plays

Simplifies the phrase by removing "every single", focusing on the entirety of plays.

each and every moment of play

Expands the phrase to emphasize the continuous nature of the game.

every phase of play

Focuses on distinct phases within the game rather than individual plays.

each and every strategic move

Highlights the strategic aspect of plays, framing them as deliberate moves.

every action on the field

Broadens the scope to include all actions, not just structured plays.

every tactical maneuver

Similar to 'strategic move', emphasizing the tactical aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "every single play" in a sentence?

You can use "every single play" to emphasize the importance or impact of each individual play within a game or performance. For example, "The coach reviewed every single play from the game to identify areas for improvement."

What are some alternatives to "every single play"?

Alternatives include "each and every play", "each individual play", or simply "all plays" depending on the context and desired level of emphasis.

Is there a difference between "every play" and "every single play"?

"Every play" is a general statement about all plays. "Every single play" adds emphasis, highlighting that each individual play is being considered.

In what contexts is "every single play" most appropriate?

"Every single play" is most appropriate when you want to stress the importance of each individual action or instance, particularly in situations involving sports, theater, or strategic activities.