is playing with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is playing with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone engaging in a playful or experimental activity with an object or concept. Example: "The child is playing with her new toy, exploring all its features and functions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shaked is playing with fire.

The New York Times

Soros is playing with fire.

The Guardian - Business

"It is playing with fire.

The Guardian

But Boehner is playing with fire.

University of California, Berkeley

He is playing with Tim Clark of South Africa.

The New York Times

"The union is playing with fire".

The New York Times

It is playing with kids' minds.

The Guardian

Cindy is playing with her doll.

The New Yorker

"Making glass is playing with the light.

The New York Times - Arts

"Wilmots is playing with fire," Degryse said.

The Guardian - Sport

Theresa May is playing with fire.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is playing with" to describe a person's actions, ensure the context clarifies whether it's a literal activity (like a child playing with toys) or a figurative one (like someone "is playing with" a dangerous idea).

Common error

Avoid using "is playing with" in formal contexts where a more serious or direct term is needed. For instance, instead of saying a company "is playing with" new strategies, opt for "is implementing" or "is testing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is playing with" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action being performed. It's used to describe someone actively engaging with something, whether literally or figuratively, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is playing with" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe an action or interaction, ranging from literal play to figurative manipulation. As Ludwig AI clarifies, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, especially in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of choosing more precise language in formal settings. The phrase is best used to convey a sense of engagement, exploration, or potential risk, and avoiding overuse can maintain clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is toying with

Implies a casual or non-serious engagement, often with a hint of manipulation or indecision.

is experimenting with

Indicates a deliberate and often scientific or artistic exploration.

is fiddling with

Suggests restless or nervous handling of something, often aimlessly.

is engaging with

Indicates active participation or interaction, often in a more formal context.

is interacting with

Similar to engaging, but emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the action.

is manipulating

Emphasizes control and often implies a negative or deceptive intent.

is trifling with

Highlights a lack of seriousness or respect in the engagement.

is handling

Focuses on the act of managing or dealing with something, often with care.

is dallying with

Suggests a playful and often time-wasting involvement.

is juggling

Implies managing multiple things simultaneously, often with skill or difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "is playing with" to describe a child enjoying a toy, as in, "The child "is playing with" her doll". It can also describe someone metaphorically toying with an idea or concept, such as "The politician "is playing with" the idea of tax reform".

What are some alternatives to "is playing with"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "is toying with", "is experimenting with", or "is engaging with".

When is it appropriate to use "is playing with" metaphorically?

It's appropriate when describing someone's engagement with an idea, concept, or risk, often implying a lack of seriousness or a potentially dangerous approach. For example, "He "is playing with" fire" indicates he's taking unnecessary risks.

What's the difference between "is playing with" and "is working with"?

"Is playing with" suggests a casual, exploratory, or potentially unserious engagement, while "is working with" implies a more deliberate, focused, and productive effort. The former might involve experimentation, while the latter suggests a structured approach toward a specific goal.