make a play for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a play for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate an attempt to gain something, such as a position, opportunity, or affection. Example: "He decided to make a play for the promotion at work, believing he was the most qualified candidate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He can face the goalkeeper and make a play for himself.

The New York Times - Sports

"I wanted to make a play for my team and stay aggressive".

The New York Times - Sports

The new "King" will make a play for a box office coronation in July 2019.

The New York Times

Appeal to the base on the left or make a play for moderates?

The Washington Post

Convinced it was out, Hewitt did not make a play for it.

The New York Times - Sports

None of this is to suggest you should not make a play for the local market.

The New York Times

"It was my opportunity to make a play for my team," Ramar Smith said.

The New York Times - Sports

But the A.C.C. could also make a play for what is still one of college football's most storied programs.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think a lot of people are going to make a play for a channel," Ms. Norman said.

The New York Times

She is going to make a play for disenfranchised Republicans who are not buying in to Donald Trump.

The Washington Post

We're not going to make a play for any more," Dorsey said in a conference call with reporters.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a play for" when you want to convey a deliberate and strategic attempt to gain something, whether it's an object, a position, or someone's favor.

Common error

While versatile, "make a play for" can sound overly strategic in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "try to get" or "aim for" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a play for" functions as an idiomatic expression. It serves as a verb phrase indicating an attempt to obtain something, be it tangible or intangible, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a play for" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that describes an attempt to obtain something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, business, and sports contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's best to avoid overusing it in very informal settings. Consider alternatives like "attempt to secure" or "try to win over" for nuanced meanings or in more formal situations. Remember that, while the phrase is widely understood, its strategic connotation might not always be appropriate for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to secure

Focuses on the effort to firmly obtain something.

try to win over

Emphasizes influencing someone to gain their support or affection.

seek to acquire

Highlights the intention to gain possession of something, often in a business context.

aim to capture

Suggests a strategic effort to take control or obtain something.

endeavor to gain

Implies a serious and sustained effort to achieve something.

strive for possession

Underscores the effort to obtain ownership or control.

take a run at

Suggests an attempt, usually energetic, to achieve a goal.

make an effort toward

Highlights the dedication to expend the energy for an aim.

launch a bid for

Indicates a formal attempt to obtain something, such as a contract or position.

pursue the acquisition of

Emphasizes the continued effort to obtain something.

FAQs

How can I use "make a play for" in a sentence?

You can use "make a play for" to describe an attempt to gain something. For example, "The company decided to "make a play for" the new market share" or "He is going to "make a play for" her attention".

What's a more formal way to say "make a play for"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "attempt to secure", "seek to acquire", or "pursue the acquisition of" to convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

Is it correct to use "making a play for" instead of "make a play for"?

Yes, "making a play for" is a grammatically correct variation. It's often used in continuous tenses to describe an ongoing effort. For example, "They are currently "making a play for" the championship title".

What's the difference between "make a bid for" and "make a play for"?

"Make a bid for" often refers to a formal offer or proposal, particularly in business or auctions. "Make a play for" is broader and can refer to any strategic attempt to gain something, not necessarily involving a formal bid.