is played by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is played by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the actor or performer who portrays a character in a film, play, or other performance. Example: "In the movie, the lead character is played by a well-known actor who has won several awards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shylock is played by Al Pacino.

The New York Times

The "friend" is played by a dummy.

The New Yorker

(Nona's husband is played by Lance Reddick).

The New York Times

He is played by Topol.

The Guardian - Film

The dholak is played by two musicians.

Princeton University

(Young-adult Joe is played by Stacy Martin).

The New Yorker

Jennie is played by Lee Remick.

The New York Times

The character is played by Jessica Chastain.

The Washington Post

Zhukov is played by Jason Isaacs.

The Guardian

He is played by Mr. Sayles.

The New York Times - Arts

Dad is played by Michael Caine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing roles in a production, use "is played by" to clearly and directly indicate the actor portraying a character. This provides clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using the active voice when the passive voice is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The actor plays...", use "The character is played by..." to maintain focus on the character.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is played by" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating who embodies a particular character in a performance. It connects the character to the actor. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is played by" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the actor who embodies a character in a performance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, media, and academic writing. The phrase serves the clear communicative purpose of identifying the actor, and its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings. While alternative phrases like "is portrayed by" or "is enacted by" exist, "is played by" remains a direct and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is portrayed by

Focuses on the act of portraying a character, often emphasizing the artistic interpretation.

is enacted by

Highlights the act of performing or acting out a role.

is performed by

Focuses on the act of performing the character, useful when referencing stage performances or musical acts.

is represented by

Emphasizes the role as a symbol or stand-in for something else.

features as

Highlights a particular role or appearance within a show.

stars as

Emphasizes the leading role played by an actor.

takes the role of

Emphasizes the action of accepting or assuming a role.

assumes the character of

Suggests a deeper transformation into the character.

is embodied by

Highlights the physical and emotional representation of a character.

is interpreted by

Focuses on the specific interpretation that the actor brings to the role.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "is played by"?

Alternatives include "is portrayed by", "is enacted by", or "is represented by", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "is played by" in a sentence?

Use "is played by" to indicate which actor embodies a particular character. For example, "Hamlet is played by a renowned actor" or "The lead role is played by an up-and-coming performer".

Is it better to use "is played by" or "plays" when describing roles?

While "plays" can be used, "is played by" provides a clearer, more formal way to indicate the relationship between the character and the actor, especially in written contexts.

What's the difference between "is played by" and "is performed by"?

"Is played by" typically refers to a character in a film or theatrical production, whereas "is performed by" is more commonly used to describe a musical performance or a role in a broader sense.