get a play

USAGE SUMMARY

"get a play" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to obtaining a script for a theatrical performance or film, or when you are referring to participating in a play or game. For example, "Let's go get a play for us to perform in the school play competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"So you never get a play right straightaway.

The New York Times

Every time I get a play on, I feel lucky.

The Guardian

"It's really frustrating to get a play problem wrong.

The New York Times - Arts

"I didn't get a play called for me," Anderson said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We get a play here or there, but there is no rhythm.

The New York Times - Sports

Get a life, he's saying; or, from our perspective, get a play.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

If they get their heads together they should get a play-off of not automatic qualification.

The Guardian - Sport

I decided to take a different flight so I could get a play-by-play while I was at Newark.

The New York Times

To add to a complicated scenario, Britain could fail to beat China and still get a play-off spot should Norway falter twice, although a win for Murdoch's men would guarantee a play-off spot at least.

The Guardian - Sport

"We were never going to qualify automatically, but I think everybody had hope and vision that we would come second and get a play-off, and it's a bit of a lottery then, but that's not going to be the case".

Independent

I also didn't get a playing partner — a tough start to my urban tennis career.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing theatrical productions, use "get a play" to indicate securing the rights or opportunity to produce or perform it. For example: "It's difficult to "get a play" produced these days without a strong marketing strategy."

Common error

Avoid using "get a play" when you mean simply to "play" a game or engage in casual recreation. The phrase typically refers to a theatrical production or a specific instance of strategic action in sports. For instance, don't say "Let's "get a play" in the park"; instead, say "Let's play in the park."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "get a play" is as a verbal phrase, where "get" acts as a linking verb connecting to the noun phrase "a play". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase refers to either obtaining a theatrical work or executing a strategic move.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Sports

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get a play" is a versatile phrase primarily used to describe the act of securing a theatrical work for production or successfully executing a strategic action, particularly in sports. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. While it's commonly found in news and media, its register remains fairly neutral, making it suitable for varied conversations. Remember to differentiate its intended meaning from simply engaging in recreational play. The phrase's meaning is derived from its context, whether it is about acquiring performance rights or implementing a sports strategy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Obtain a play

Focuses on the act of acquiring a play script or rights.

Secure a play

Implies effort and success in acquiring a play.

Put on a play

A more informal way of saying "stage a play".

Stage a play

Highlights the production aspect of putting on a performance.

Produce a play

Emphasizes the managerial and financial aspects of getting a play performed.

Get a performance

Focuses on the execution of a stage production.

Get a theatrical production

A more formal way to refer to staging a play.

Get a show

Broader term that includes plays, musicals, and other performances.

Participate in a play

Focuses on acting or other involvement in the play.

Be cast in a play

Specifically refers to being chosen as an actor in a production.

FAQs

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

You can use "get a play" to describe the act of securing the rights to perform a theatrical work, or to refer to successfully executing a strategic move in sports. For example: "The director managed to "get a play" by a renowned playwright for the upcoming season."

What are some alternatives to "get a play" when discussing theatrical productions?

Alternatives include "obtain a play", "stage a play", or "produce a play", depending on the specific context.

Is "get a play" formal or informal?

"Get a play" is generally considered neutral to informal. For more formal contexts, you might prefer alternatives such as "secure a play" or "obtain a play".

What does it mean to "get a play" in the context of sports?

In sports, to "get a play" often refers to successfully executing a specific strategic action during a game. This usage is common in sports commentary and analysis.