good play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a well-executed action or performance, often in the context of sports, games, or any situation requiring skill. Example: "That was a good play by the quarterback, leading the team to victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Feels good, play music.

The New York Times

Good play, Jonah.

The New Yorker

Good play all round.

The Guardian - Sport

That's good play, no?

The Guardian - Sport

"Not a good play".

The New York Times - Sports

"Hamlet's a good play.

The Guardian

I guess Gallinari made a good play".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a good play," Uribe said.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I expect good play".

The New York Times - Sports

It's an extraordinarily good play.

The Guardian - Books

It is a bloody good play".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good play" to acknowledge specific instances of skill or strategy in games, sports, or even business scenarios, emphasizing positive outcomes and commendable actions.

Common error

Avoid overusing "good play" in contexts where more descriptive or specific terms would better convey the nature of the action or performance. For example, instead of saying "it was a good play" in a business negotiation, describe it as "a strategic decision" or "an effective compromise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good play" functions primarily as an interjection of praise or acknowledgment for a well-executed action or strategy. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used. It often serves to positively reinforce behavior, especially in competitive settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

35%

General Conversation

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "good play" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge and praise skillful actions across various domains. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and very common. While applicable in both formal and informal contexts, more descriptive alternatives can enhance clarity in specific situations. Predominantly found in news, media, and sports, "good play" serves to express approval and recognition of positive outcomes resulting from strategic or skillful maneuvers. Its widespread use and acceptance make it a reliable and effective phrase for conveying positive reinforcement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brilliant play

Implies exceptional skill and ingenuity.

well-executed action

Highlights the precision and quality of the performance.

impressive move

Emphasizes the admirable quality and impact of the action.

skillful action

Focuses on the ability and expertise demonstrated in the action.

excellent maneuver

Replaces 'play' with a more technical term, emphasizing strategic execution.

commendable performance

Highlights the praiseworthy nature of the execution.

clever tactic

Focuses on the intelligence and strategic thinking behind the play.

smart decision

Highlights the judicious and well-reasoned choice made in the play.

effective strategy

Emphasizes the success and impact of the chosen approach.

astute move

Highlights the keen awareness and sharp intelligence behind the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "good play" to describe a skillful action or strategic maneuver. For example: "That was a "good play" by the quarterback, leading the team to victory."

What can I say instead of "good play"?

Alternatives include "excellent maneuver", "skillful action", or "impressive move", depending on the specific context.

Is "good play" formal or informal?

"Good play" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from more precise language.

When is it appropriate to use "good play"?

It's appropriate to use "good play" when you want to acknowledge a skillful or strategic action that leads to a positive result, particularly in sports, games, or competitive situations.