foul play

USAGE SUMMARY

'foul play' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom used when there is suspicion or accusation of criminal or otherwise immoral activity. Example: "The police suspected foul play when they found the body of the victim in the alleyway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Motto: "Reporting Foul Play").

The New Yorker

It was culpable foul play.

The New York Times - Sports

Foul play is not suspected.

The New York Times - Sports

They don't suspect foul play.

The New York Times - Books

No foul play is suspected.

Independent

The protesters suspect foul play.

The Economist

Foul play was not suspected.

The New York Times

Ruby suspects foul play.

The Guardian

Opposition cries foul play.

The Guardian

Foul play cannot be ruled out.

Independent

We do not suspect foul play.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on potential crimes or accidents, use "foul play" to suggest the possibility of malicious intent or criminal activity. For example: "Police are investigating the incident, suspecting "foul play"".

Common error

While "foul play" is a commonly used idiom, avoid using it in contexts where simple mistakes or misunderstandings occur. The phrase implies a level of malice or criminal intent that may be inappropriate for minor infractions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foul play" functions primarily as a noun, often serving as the object of verbs related to suspicion, investigation, or denial. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous examples where "foul play" is used to describe potential criminal or unethical behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Foul play" is a noun phrase used to suggest criminal or unethical behavior, often involving violence or malicious intent. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to express suspicion or accusation, frequently appearing in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's important to avoid overuse in casual situations and to reserve it for circumstances where there is a genuine reason to suspect wrongdoing. Alternatives such as "suspicious circumstances" or "wrongdoing" may be more appropriate in less severe cases. The phrase is predominantly found in News & Media. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrongdoing

A broader term encompassing any immoral or illegal behavior, less specific than "foul play".

criminal activity

Focuses specifically on illegal actions, lacking the nuance of suspicion or unfairness.

malicious acts

Emphasizes the intent to harm, while "foul play" can include unintentional rule violations.

illegal practice

Emphasizes the illegality of the action, without necessarily implying violence or malice.

underhanded tactics

Focuses on the secretive and dishonest nature of the actions.

suspicious circumstances

Highlights the uncertainty and potential for wrongdoing, rather than a definite act.

dirty tricks

Implies deception and underhanded methods, often in a competitive context.

fraudulent behavior

Highlights deceit and misrepresentation for personal gain.

unfair dealings

Focuses on the injustice or inequity of a situation, lacking the implication of criminality.

fishy business

An informal term indicating something is suspicious or not quite right.

FAQs

How is "foul play" typically used in a sentence?

"Foul play" is usually the object of verbs like 'suspect', 'rule out', or 'investigate', indicating suspicion or dismissal of criminal activity. For example: 'Police suspect "foul play" in the disappearance'.

What's a less dramatic way to describe a situation where something seems wrong but isn't necessarily criminal?

Consider using phrases like "suspicious circumstances" or "something fishy", which imply doubt without directly accusing someone of a crime.

When should I use "foul play" instead of "accident"?

Use "foul play" when there are indications that an incident might not be accidental, such as evidence of tampering, violence, or suspicious behavior. Otherwise, "accident" is more appropriate.

Are there specific contexts where "foul play" is more commonly used?

"Foul play" is frequently used in crime reporting, sports (though often in a metaphorical sense), and political commentary to suggest underhanded or illegal actions. In sports you might say "unfair advantage".