in its play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in its play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that occurs or is expressed during a performance, game, or activity. Example: "The actor truly captured the essence of the character in its play, showcasing a range of emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

It was addicting and, in its play on the borders between truths and untruths, quite revealing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Because the experience of beauty is an experience of the freedom of the imagination in its play with the understanding, it can be taken as a palpable symbol of the freedom of the will to determine itself by moral laws that is necessary for morality but not itself something that can be directly experienced.

SEP

For a game to work, it needs natural pauses in its play, or else how do you ever take a shot?

Vice

The game is not especially innovative in its core design; it could use some more variation in its play systems; and its finicky controls can frustrate at times.

The New York Times - Arts

In its play style the game has been likened to Frogger, but it actually doesn't have much in common with that title.

The New York Times - Arts

American food in its play clothes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Final Fight had never looked better in its play-at-home guise as it did on Mega-CD.

Vice

– Satan, Chicago He's a rookie with 24 rushes on a team that just got too conservative in its play-calling and lost a game as a result.

The New York Times

Like on the kickoff he returned 27 yards late in the fourth quarter, providing field position that allowed Pittsburgh to be less conservative in its play-calling, to better protect a 24-19 lead.

The New York Times - Sports

For Havel, the insidiousness of ideology resides in its playing with a person's desire to be rooted, to be given answers, to return from existential exile.

The Economist

While the film is sometimes repetitive in its play-dialogue-play pattern, Smith's debut film features beautiful camerawork and a confident handling of the tricky construction, quotidian, overlapping conversations and naturalistic style that already have critics pegging him as the next Robert Altman; a not inaccurate comparison, and one I feel the filmmaker might live up to when he comes of age.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in its play" when referring to a specific characteristic or behavior exhibited during an activity, performance, or game. It effectively highlights an aspect that is inherent or emerges from the activity itself.

Common error

Avoid using "in its play" when you simply mean 'during' an activity. Ensure that the phrase emphasizes a specific quality that arises from the activity, not just the timing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in its play" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a characteristic, style, or quality that is present or exhibited during the activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in its play" is a grammatically correct and frequently employed prepositional phrase used to highlight specific attributes or behaviors exhibited during an activity, performance, or game. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its usage is most common in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is crucial to ensure the intended meaning emphasizes a quality inherent to the activity rather than simply its timing. Alternative phrases like "during its performance" or "in its execution" can be used for variety or when the emphasis shifts. Remembering the context is key to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during its performance

Focuses specifically on the temporal aspect of a performance.

in its execution

Emphasizes the manner in which something is carried out or performed.

during gameplay

Specifically refers to the period when a game is being played.

within its scope

Emphasizes the boundaries or limitations of an action or activity.

in its operation

Refers to how something functions or works.

through its actions

Highlights the impact or consequences of particular actions taken.

in its process

Highlights a sequence of actions or steps taken to achieve a goal.

in its enactment

Implies a more formal or deliberate carrying out of something.

in its delivery

Focuses on the way something is presented or communicated.

in its unfolding

Highlights the gradual revelation or development of something.

FAQs

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

Use "in its play" to describe a quality or characteristic that manifests during an activity or performance. For example, "The team showed great resilience "in its play", overcoming several setbacks."

What are some alternatives to using "in its play"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "during its performance", "in its execution", or "through its actions".

Is it correct to say "in it's play" instead of "in its play"?

No, "in it's play" is incorrect. "It's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has", while "its" is the possessive form, indicating ownership or belonging. The correct phrase is "in its play".

What's the difference between "in its play" and "during its play"?

"In its play" emphasizes qualities manifested within the activity itself, while "during its play" simply denotes the time when an activity happens. For example, "The band's creativity flourished "in its play", showing a broad mastery of jazz improv", while "during its play, many songs were off-key".