is played with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is played with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action involving a game or toy that is manipulated or interacted with. Example: "The guitar is played with great skill by the musician during the concert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The game is played with gusto.

The New York Times - Arts

Although padel is played with modified, underinflated tennis balls, platform is played with solid rubber balls.

The New York Times - Sports

Richie is played with studious sincerity by Andrew Pandaleon.

The New York Times

Golf is played with a host of wildlife partners.

The New York Times

It is played with several rows of counters.

The New Yorker

Young Gareth is played with pimply eagerness by Gruffud Glyn,.

Independent

Mini-baccarat is played with eight decks of cards.

The New York Times - Magazine

She is played with fearsome strength by Lee Grant.

The New York Times - Arts

"The game is played with aggression," the doctor said.

The New York Times - Sports

She is played with teary braveness by Angelina Jolie.

The Guardian - Film

Lou is played with terrifying precision by Jake Gyllenhaal.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing games or activities, be specific about what items or tools the game is played with, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is played with" when you actually mean to describe who or what is playing. For instance, instead of saying "The character is played with enthusiasm", say "The actor plays the character with enthusiasm".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is played with" functions as a passive construction, indicating the instruments, tools, or objects used in performing an activity or game. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is played with" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe the implements, tools, or objects involved in performing an activity or game. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in English writing. It appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news media and general reference sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the instruments or tools the game "is played with" to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "is used in" or "is conducted with" exist, "is played with" remains a straightforward and easily understandable option for describing the means by which an activity is carried out.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is used in

Focuses on the instrument or tool used rather than the act of playing.

is performed using

Highlights the action of performing something with a specific tool or object.

is conducted with

Implies a more formal or controlled way of execution.

is manipulated by

Indicates that something is handled or controlled by someone.

is operated through

Suggests that something is controlled or works through a tool or mechanism.

is executed by means of

A more formal and technical way of saying something is done with something else.

is utilized alongside

Implies the use of something in conjunction with another.

is enjoyed with

Focuses on the enjoyment or experience of using something.

is realized via

A formal way of saying something is achieved or made possible by something.

is expressed through

Highlights how ideas or feelings are conveyed using something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is played with" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "is conducted with", "is performed using", or "is executed by means of". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance depending on the context.

What are some common subjects that the phrase "is played with" typically describes?

The phrase "is played with" commonly describes games, sports, musical instruments, and other activities where a tool or object is used. For example, "Golf "is played with" a host of wildlife partners".

Is it correct to say "is played by" instead of "is played with"?

The choice between "is played by" and "is played with" depends on the context. "Is played by" refers to who performs the action (e.g., "The song is played by the band"), while "is played with" refers to what tools or instruments are used (e.g., "The game "is played with" dice").

What are some alternative phrases similar to "is played with" that emphasize the manner of play?

To emphasize the manner of play, consider alternatives like "is played with gusto", "is played with aggression", or "is played with enthusiasm", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.