make plays

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make plays" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to sports, theater, or strategic situations where someone is taking action or creating opportunities. Example: "The quarterback needs to make plays to lead the team to victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Make plays.

The New York Times

They make plays.

The New York Times - Sports

"Make players make plays".

The Guardian - Sport

"They make plays, and they make plays, and they make plays".

The New York Times - Sports

"You make plays that mean something".

The New York Times - Sports

He's always trying to make plays.

The New York Times - Sports

"We didn't make plays when we needed to make plays.

The New York Times - Sports

We just didn't make plays".

The New York Times - Sports

The quarterback can make plays".

The New York Times

"I've had some opportunities to make plays.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have guys who can make plays.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make plays" when you want to emphasize the ability to create positive outcomes through skillful action in a dynamic or competitive environment. For instance, in sports, business, or even personal relationships, where adaptability and strategic thinking are key.

Common error

Avoid using "make plays" in situations where simple execution or routine tasks are involved. The phrase is most effective when it implies ingenuity, adaptability, and a degree of risk-taking to achieve a desired outcome. Instead, opt for more direct verbs like "perform", "execute" or "complete".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make plays" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of creating opportunities or executing strategic moves. Ludwig AI shows its consistent usage across various contexts, especially in sports and competitive scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make plays" is a common and correct verb phrase primarily used in sports and strategic contexts to describe proactive actions aimed at creating opportunities or achieving favorable outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and understood, particularly in news media. When writing, it's best to use "make plays" when emphasizing adaptability, ingenuity, and strategic thinking. Avoid overusing it in routine or non-strategic scenarios. Related alternatives include ""seize opportunities"" and ""create chances"". Understanding these nuances can help you effectively convey your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create chances

Focuses on generating favorable situations for success.

seize opportunities

Highlights the act of recognizing and capitalizing on chances.

capitalize on situations

Highlights the ability to leverage circumstances for maximum benefit.

execute strategies

Focuses on the successful implementation of predefined plans.

produce results

Emphasizes the action of yielding a tangible outcome.

take initiative

Emphasizes proactive behavior and independent action.

deliver results

Highlights achieving specific outcomes or goals.

engineer opportunities

Stresses the calculated and strategic development of chances.

generate momentum

Focuses on building up a positive trend or advantage.

orchestrate actions

Emphasizes skillful arrangement and direction of activities.

FAQs

How is "make plays" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "make plays" is used to describe creating opportunities or taking decisive actions, particularly in sports or strategic situations. For example, "The quarterback needs to "make plays" to win the game."

What are some synonyms for "make plays"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "seize opportunities", "take initiative", or "create chances" to convey a similar meaning.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "make plays"?

"Make plays" is suitable in contexts where individuals or teams need to be proactive and resourceful in achieving goals, especially in competitive scenarios like sports, business, or strategic planning.

What is the difference between "make plays" and "follow the plan"?

"Make plays" implies improvisation and adapting to changing circumstances to create opportunities, while "follow the plan" suggests adherence to a predetermined strategy without deviation. The former is about responsiveness, the latter about consistency.