is still in play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is still in play" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is still being considered or has not been decided yet. Example: "The fate of the proposed project is still in play as the board has not yet made a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The game is still in play.

Independent

The three-peat is still in play.

The Guardian - Sport

The championship is still in play, although Langeveld has accumulated enough points to claim the title.

The New York Times

Friday's concert confirmed that conservatism, for better or worse, is still in play.

The New York Times - Arts

"Everything the league liked or likes about the St Louis market is still in play".

The Guardian - Sport

Even though he retired three years ago, his legacy is still in play.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Drinking caffeine later than 8 hours before you go to bed means that the energizing effects are still in-play on your hormones.

WikiHow

We're still in play".

The New York Times

He's still in play.

The New York Times - Books

Both outcomes are still in play.

The Guardian

John Lackey, he's still in play tomorrow.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is still in play" to clearly convey that a situation, idea, or option is not yet finalized and remains under consideration. This phrase avoids definitive statements and keeps possibilities open.

Common error

Avoid using "is still in play" when referring to situations that have already concluded. This phrase implies ongoing possibility, so ensure the context aligns with an unresolved or continuing scenario.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is still in play" functions as a predicate adjective indicating that a situation, option, or possibility remains active or under consideration. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, from political negotiations to sports, emphasizing ongoing potential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is still in play" is a versatile expression used to indicate that a situation, option, or possibility remains active or under consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. Its frequency is considered very common, particularly in news and media, business, and general discussions. When writing, remember that while "is still in play" conveys possibility, avoid using it for situations that have already concluded. Alternatives like "remains an option" or "has not been ruled out" can offer subtle variations in meaning. The phrase functions as a predicate adjective and serves to communicate uncertainty and maintain flexibility in discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has not been ruled out

Implies that something has not been officially rejected or dismissed.

remains under consideration

Suggests active evaluation and possibility of acceptance.

remains an option

Highlights that a particular choice is still available.

is still on the table

Indicates that a proposal or idea is still being discussed.

remains a possibility

Focuses on the potential outcome still being viable.

has yet to be decided

Focuses on the lack of a final decision and the potential for change.

is still viable

Indicates that something is still practical or feasible.

is still in contention

Highlights the competitive aspect and ongoing involvement.

is not off the cards

An informal way of saying something is still possible.

is still a contender

Emphasizes ongoing competition or active participation.

FAQs

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

You can use "is still in play" to indicate that something is still being considered or is still a possibility. For example, "The merger "has not been ruled out"; it "is still in play".

What can I say instead of "is still in play"?

Alternatives include "remains an option", "has not been decided", or "remains under consideration", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "are still in play" instead of "is still in play"?

Yes, "are still in play" is correct when referring to multiple items or possibilities. For example, "Both options "remain viable"; they are still in play".

What's the difference between "is still in play" and "is no longer in play"?

"Is still in play" means something is still possible or being considered, while "is no longer in play" means it has been ruled out or is no longer a possibility. For instance, "The initial proposal is no longer in play, but alternative solutions "remain on the table"".