excellent play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excellent play" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a performance, game, or artistic work that is of high quality or skillful. Example: "The actors delivered an excellent play that captivated the audience from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was an emphatic, excellent play.

The New York Times - Sports

By many accounts, Copenhagen is an excellent play.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It might just be a really excellent play.

The New York Times

Treadwell's genial demeanor and excellent play will be sorely missed.

The New York Times

54 min: Excellent play from Manchester United here.

The Guardian - Sport

An excellent play, beautiful dialogue but no music.

The Guardian

Smith's excellent play could not have come at a better time for the Knicks.

The New York Times

Despite his excellent play, the Nets are 7-6 since the All-Star Game.

The New York Times

Sprewell does not believe his ill behavior put a damper on his excellent play.

The New York Times - Sports

And, in the interest of balance, the next five puzzles are examples of excellent play.

The New York Times

The United States Open players have been facing some excellent play against them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific instance of skillful action, use "excellent play" to highlight both the quality and the impact of the action.

Common error

While "excellent play" is generally acceptable, consider stronger, more formal alternatives like "outstanding performance" or "superb execution" in highly professional or academic settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "excellent play" is that of a noun phrase, where "excellent" modifies the noun "play". Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excellent play" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a skillful action or performance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide usage, with examples spanning across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, consider substituting it with more formal alternatives like "outstanding performance" or "superb execution" in professional settings. Understanding its nuances helps in effective communication and expressing admiration appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outstanding performance

Replaces "play" with "performance", emphasizing the execution of an action or skill.

superb execution

Focuses on the quality of carrying out a task or maneuver.

remarkable feat

Highlights the impressive nature of the action or accomplishment.

exceptional display

Emphasizes the visible manifestation of skill or talent.

brilliant maneuver

Specifically refers to a skillful or clever action.

skillful gameplay

Emphasizes the dexterity and expertise involved in the activity.

adept handling

Highlights the proficiency in managing a situation or object.

masterful stroke

Implies a high level of control and artistry in the action.

top-notch effort

Focuses on the quality and dedication put into the action.

impressive showing

Highlights the positive impact and visibility of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "excellent play" in a sentence?

You can use "excellent play" to describe a specific instance of skillful action, such as "The team demonstrated "excellent play" throughout the game" or "Her "excellent play" led to the team's victory".

What are some alternatives to "excellent play"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "outstanding performance", "superb execution", or "remarkable feat".

Is "excellent play" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, consider using more formal alternatives like "outstanding performance" or "exceptional display" in highly professional or academic contexts.

What distinguishes "excellent play" from "good play"?

"Excellent play" suggests a higher level of skill and impact than "good play". "Excellent" emphasizes exceptional quality, while "good" simply indicates a satisfactory level of performance.