great play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great play" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a theatrical performance, sports event, or any situation where a significant or impressive action takes place. Example: "The actors delivered a great play that left the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Great play.

The New York Times

It was a great play".

The New York Times

This is a great play.

The New York Times

Great play all round.

The Guardian - Sport

Great player, great play.

The New York Times - Sports

The great play.

The New York Times

It's a great play.

The New Yorker

Great play from Algeria.

The Guardian - Sport

THE ACTOR: It's a great play.

The New Yorker

"I think it was a great play.

The New York Times - Sports

THE DIRECTOR: It's a great play.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific instance, follow "great play" with details that provide context or explain the significance of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "great play" as a generic compliment without specifying what made the play "great". Provide specific details to enhance the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great play" functions primarily as a noun phrase where "great" modifies the noun "play", indicating the high quality or impressiveness of an action. Ludwig provides examples in sports, theatre, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great play" is a common and versatile expression used to commend an impressive action or performance, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its grammatical function is that of an adjective modifying a noun, generally implying admiration or approval. According to Ludwig's AI, its usage is considered grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. While usable in formal settings, more sophisticated alternatives might be preferable. To maximize impact, specify the action and context. Overall, "great play" is a succinct and effective way to acknowledge excellence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional play

Direct synonym, replacing "great" with another word indicating high quality.

impressive performance

Highlights the skill and effect of the execution.

brilliant move

Suggests intelligence and strategic thinking behind the action.

excellent maneuver

Focuses on the skill and precision of the action taken.

superb execution

Highlights the flawless way in which something was carried out.

remarkable act

Emphasizes the unusual or outstanding nature of the action.

masterful stroke

Implies a high level of skill and control.

clever tactic

Focuses on the ingenuity and planning involved.

outstanding feat

Stresses the achievement aspect, often implying difficulty.

inspired action

Suggests creativity and originality in the execution.

FAQs

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

You can use "great play" to describe a specific action in sports, theatre, or any event where someone performs exceptionally well. For example, "The shortstop made a "great play" to save the game".

What are some alternatives to "great play"?

Alternatives include "impressive performance", "excellent maneuver", or "remarkable act", depending on the specific context.

Is "great play" formal or informal?

"Great play" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

Which is more appropriate: "great play" or "good play"?

"Great play" emphasizes the exceptional quality of the action, while "good play" simply acknowledges it was well-executed. The choice depends on the degree of impressiveness you wish to convey. In most contexts, "great play" is favored to express the high quality of performance.