give full play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give full play" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which someone is making the most of their talents or abilities. For example, you could say, "The orchestra gave full play to the music, creating a wonderful atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

It was a delight to see Brian give full play to an enthusiasm.

The Guardian

He said it should "give full play to market forces in allocating resources" and encourage the development of the private sector.

The Economist

"They give full play to the enchanted mentality, which holds the world to be inhabited with ghosts and spirits," explains Paul Gifford, a professor of African Christianity at the University of London.

The Economist

The constitution, in an intriguing phrase, promises to give "full play to the initiative and enthusiasm" of the country's local authorities, but its fiscal arrangements give them little to play with.

The Economist

In China the Adam Smith-toting prime minister, Wen Jiabao, argues that his country "would rather speed up reforms" to combat the crisis and should "give full play to market forces in allocating resources".

The Economist

Mostly conservative works by Piston, Copland, Eldin Burton, Beryl Rubinstein, Lowell Liebermann and Jennifer Higdon give full play to Mr. Khaner's lyrical gifts if not always to his extraordinary virtuosity.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Gainsbourg's own unreadable vocal hauteur is given full play.

The Guardian - Film

Davis takes his time; the pauses, hesitations, rumblings, murmurs, and dreamy passages are given full play.

The New Yorker

Morris's "Dido" gives full play to the Queen's nobility and to the poignance of her vacillating lover, Aeneas.

The New Yorker

It also gives full play to the whirl of conspiracy theories that surrounded Alexander's life and death.

The Guardian

The preferences of the individual worker cannot be given full play, or each person would become president of the corporation at a sumptuous salary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Think about what specific aspect you want to emphasize when using "give full play". For example, are you talking about maximizing potential, leveraging resources, or unleashing capabilities?

Common error

Avoid overusing "give full play" in contexts where a simpler verb like 'use' or 'develop' would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give full play" functions as a verb phrase. It typically introduces an action that allows something to be fully utilized or expressed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "give full play" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the idea of maximizing or fully utilizing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and its presence in various professional contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in scientific and news-related sources, highlighting its versatility. When writing, remember to consider the context and avoid overuse. Alternative phrases such as "fully utilize" or "maximize potential" can provide variety to your writing. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "give full play" to enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fully utilize

Emphasizes complete and effective use.

maximize potential

Focuses on achieving the highest possible level of performance or outcome.

fully exploit

Suggests using something to its greatest advantage, sometimes with a connotation of opportunism.

leverage completely

Highlights using something strategically to gain maximum benefit.

capitalize fully on

Stresses taking the best possible advantage of an opportunity or resource.

harness completely

Implies controlling and directing resources for maximum effectiveness.

unleash completely

Suggests releasing something's full power or potential.

tap completely into

Focuses on accessing and utilizing a resource or potential.

optimally employ

Emphasizes using something in the most effective and efficient way.

realize the full capabilities of

Highlights bringing the complete capabilities of something into actuality.

FAQs

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

You can use "give full play" to describe making the most of something. For instance, "The new policy aims to "give full play" to market forces in allocating resources".

What are some alternatives to "give full play"?

Alternatives include "fully utilize", "maximize potential", or "leverage completely" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "give full play" or "gives full play"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "give full play" with plural subjects (e.g., 'They give full play') and "gives full play" with singular subjects (e.g., 'He gives full play').

What does "give full play" mean?

"Give full play" means to provide complete opportunity or scope for something to develop or be expressed. It suggests maximizing the utilization or potential of something.