in play

USAGE SUMMARY

"in play" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation in which something is active, relevant, or possible. For example, "Recent changes to the law have put my job security in play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Playboy isn't in play.

The New York Times

Imagine Texas in play.

The New York Times

Nevada is in play".

The New York Times

It's very much in play".

The New York Times

Dialogue presented in play form.

The New Yorker

The walls are in play.

The New York Times - Arts

So Burnett remains in play.

The New York Times - Sports

Now things are in play".

The New York Times

Wider interests are in play.

The New York Times

"We've got Congress in play.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The 401(k) roll-in play.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in play" when you want to convey that something is currently active, relevant, or a possibility within a specific context. For instance, "With the new regulations, several business strategies are now in play."

Common error

While versatile, avoid relying on "in play" excessively in formal writing, especially when more precise language would enhance clarity. Instead of "Several factors were in play", consider "Several factors influenced the outcome" for greater formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in play" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a subject. It indicates that something is active, relevant, or possible within a specific context. Ludwig examples show its versatility across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Sports

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in play" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is active, relevant, or possible within a particular context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse domains, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various forms of communication. When using "in play", ensure it accurately reflects the dynamic nature of the situation you're describing. Alternatives such as ""under consideration"" or "on the table" may offer greater precision in specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A live issue

Indicates that a topic or problem is current and important.

Under consideration

Focuses specifically on the aspect of being actively thought about or evaluated.

In the mix

Suggests being one of several possibilities or options.

Under active discussion

Focuses on the aspect of active conversation and debate.

In contention

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of being involved in a contest or struggle.

Still active

Focuses on the continued operation or validity of something.

A going concern

Highlights something that is actively functioning or progressing.

On the table

Highlights the aspect of being presented and available for discussion or action.

Open for discussion

Highlights the willingness to consider and debate a topic or proposal.

Up for grabs

Stresses the availability and lack of current ownership or certainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "in play" to indicate that something is active, relevant, or possible in a given situation. For example, "With the new proposal, several options are now "under consideration"".

What are some alternatives to "in play"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""under consideration"", "in contention", or "on the table".

Which is correct: "the options are in play" or "the option is in play"?

The correct form depends on whether you are referring to multiple options or a single option. Use "the options are in play" when referring to several possibilities, and "the option is in play" when referring to only one.

What's the difference between "in play" and "a live issue"?

"In play" generally indicates something is active or possible, while "a live issue" specifically refers to a topic that is current, important, and actively being discussed or debated.