give a play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give a play" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning without context.
It could be used in contexts related to theater or performance, but it is more likely to be understood as "give a performance" or "perform a play." Example: "The director asked the actors to give a play that would captivate the audience."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I remain committed, however, to my belief that big ideas give a play an extra purchase on one's attention.

The Guardian

But it is the playwright's words, and the concepts they embody and emotions they evoke by holding a mirror up to nature that give a play its authority.

The New York Times

"Since Lincoln Center Theater has the ability to give a play a long run, if it is warranted, there seemed no good reason to take these rights".

The New York Times

Moralists and pragmatists might argue, from their different perspectives, that it is silly to give a play a name that has to have one, two or three letters removed for advertising or publishing purposes.

The Guardian

Give a "play by play" of what you're doing (making a cup of tea, changing a diaper, checking the mailbox. Indulge in baby talk; it's specifically designed to stimulate a baby. Read a book together. Sing to the baby. Sing nursery rhymes, TV jingles, your favorite songs. Play with the baby.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He taught history by shouting it at us – I can still give a play-by-play account of everything that happened at the Battle of Messines thanks to his fact-focused approach.

The Guardian - Opinion

With their sleek brown hair, a similar sardonic sense of humor, penchant for leggings and shared dialect littered with "like," the Betches, who can just as easily quote Eleanor Roosevelt as they can give a play-by-play of what the actress Amanda Bynes has been up to, seem more like blood relations than friends.

The New York Times

I'm not going to give a play-by-play of what happened, it's best seen in person, but hopefully these photos will be enticing enough.

Vice

He then proceeded to give a play-by-play of the trip, including the following: "Anthropologie, you may have changed your name but I know a Salvation Army when I see one" and "Tried to accidentally knock a table off its axis.

Huffington Post

You're not required to give a play-by-play of your sprint or spelling bee.

WikiHow

Even ace-fifth of hearts and out opposite would have given a play for game.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to theatrical productions, consider using stronger alternatives like "perform a play" or "stage a play" for increased clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "give a play" when a more specific term like "perform", "stage", or "present" would better convey the intended meaning, especially in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give a play" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "give" acts as a verb of performing or presenting, and "a play" serves as the direct object. This is highlighted in Ludwig examples where the phrase is used in contexts related to theatrical performances and accounts of events. The Ludwig AI also indicates a level of uncommonness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically sound, the phrase "give a play" is not a common expression in contemporary English. Ludwig examples show it can refer to performing a theatrical work or providing a running commentary, but its usage is infrequent. Ludwig AI also indicates the uncommonness of this phrase. For clarity and impact, it's often better to opt for alternatives like "perform a play", "stage a play", or "present a play", especially in formal contexts. Be mindful of the intended meaning to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perform a play

Replaces "give" with the more standard verb "perform", resulting in a more conventional and widely accepted phrasing.

stage a play

Emphasizes the act of producing or presenting a play on stage.

present a play

Highlights the act of offering or showing a play to an audience.

put on a play

Indicates the action of organizing and presenting a play.

offer a play

Focuses on providing a play as entertainment or artistic expression.

provide a play

Similar to offer, emphasizing the act of making a play available.

give a performance of a play

Clarifies that "give" refers to a performance, adding specificity.

narrate a play

Focuses on providing commentary or narration during a play.

offer a play-by-play account

Specifies the type of commentary, indicating a detailed, real-time description.

provide a running commentary

Similar to a play-by-play account, but applicable to various events, not just plays.

FAQs

What is a more common way to say "give a play"?

More common alternatives include "perform a play", "stage a play", or "present a play", which are generally better understood.

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

While less common, you can use "give a play" to mean to perform or present a play, but be aware that it might not be immediately clear to all audiences. For example: "The director asked the company to give a memorable play."

Which is more appropriate, "give a play" or "perform a play"?

"Perform a play" is typically more appropriate as it's a more standard and widely recognized expression. "Give a play" can sound awkward or less professional.

What does it mean to "give a play-by-play"?

To "give a play-by-play" means to provide a detailed, real-time account of events as they unfold, often used in sports or other dynamic situations. It is different from "give a play" which usually refers to staging or performing a theatrical piece.