is playing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is playing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an ongoing action or activity that is happening at the present moment. Example: "She is playing the piano beautifully during the concert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Whoever's nearby is playing".

The New York Times - Arts

Who is playing?

BBC

Canisius is playing well.

The New York Times

Tiger is playing great.

The New York Times

"Wozniacki is playing well, too.

The New York Times - Sports

"He is playing lights out".

The New York Times - Sports

"Jordan is playing phenomenal golf.

Independent

He is playing against perfection.

The New Yorker

Everyone is playing well now".

Independent

He is playing for time".

Independent

Inside, funeral music is playing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is playing" to describe an action that is currently happening. For example: "The band is playing live music tonight".

Common error

Avoid using "is playing" to describe actions that have already finished. Instead, use the past tense: "The band played a great set last night."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is playing" functions as the present continuous tense of the verb "play". It indicates an action that is happening at the moment of speaking, as confirmed by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is playing" is a versatile and common expression used to denote actions happening right now. Grammatically, it's the present continuous tense of the verb "play". According to Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, primarily within News & Media. When writing, remember to use "is playing" for ongoing actions, avoiding it for completed events, which require the past tense. Alternatives like "is participating" or "is competing" can add nuance depending on the context. Mastering this simple phrase enhances clarity and accuracy in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is participating

Replaces "playing" with "participating", emphasizing involvement rather than just the action itself.

is competing

Focuses specifically on competitive scenarios, highlighting the act of striving against others.

is performing

Highlights a display of skill or talent, often in artistic or musical contexts.

is currently in action

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the activity with a more descriptive approach.

is taking part in

Similar to "is participating", but slightly more formal in tone.

is engaged in

Suggests a focused and deliberate involvement in the specified activity.

is actively involved

Highlights active participation and commitment.

is now in progress

Shifts the focus to the event itself rather than the individual's action.

is underway

A concise way of saying something is happening or in progress.

is functioning

Suggests operating correctly or as designed, applicable in contexts beyond recreational activities.

FAQs

How can I use "is playing" in a sentence?

Use "is playing" to describe an ongoing activity. For instance, "He is playing the guitar" indicates he's playing it now. It can also refer to participation in games or sports, like "She is playing tennis this afternoon."

What phrases are similar to "is playing"?

Alternatives include "is participating", "is competing", or "is performing" depending on the context.

When is it incorrect to use "is playing"?

Avoid using "is playing" for completed actions. Use the past tense "played" instead. For example, say "He played the game yesterday" instead of "He is playing the game yesterday" if the game is over.

What's the difference between "is playing" and "plays"?

"Is playing" indicates an action happening now (present continuous), while "plays" indicates a habitual action or a general truth (simple present). Example: "He is playing the piano now" versus "He plays the piano every day".