making a play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making a play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to taking action, especially in sports, theater, or strategic situations. Example: "The quarterback is making a play to score a touchdown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"He had to know I was just making a play".

The New York Times - Sports

The Knicks are making a play for James.

The New York Times - Sports

Everybody contributes; everyone is capable of making a play".

The New York Times - Sports

EASYJET is making a play for a larger slice of the business-travel market.

The Economist

While some coaches' jobs are in jeopardy, others are making a play for employment.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think about making a play, but I can't execute it".

The New York Times - Sports

Derek Jeter's ankle snapped making a play he has made a zillion times.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I'm anxious to make a play.

The New York Times - Sports

"I made a play, and I fell.

The New York Times

"Somebody had to make a play".

The New York Times - Sports

Someone had to make a play".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "making a play" in a business context, ensure that the intention and strategy behind the action are clearly articulated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "making a play" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to convey strategic action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a play" functions as a verbal phrase describing an action or attempt, often with a strategic or competitive intent. Ludwig provides examples in sports, business, and general contexts, showing its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making a play" is a versatile expression used to describe taking strategic action in pursuit of a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, including sports, business, and general news. While generally neutral in tone, it’s important to consider the context and audience when choosing whether to use this phrase, opting for more formal language in certain academic or professional settings. Related phrases include "taking action" and "making a move", each with slightly different nuances. This phrase is very common and generally acceptable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making a move

Emphasizes the act of maneuvering or shifting position, but may lack the implication of striving for a specific objective.

taking action

Focuses on the initiation of an action, omitting the strategic or competitive aspect.

taking a shot

Suggests attempting something with an uncertain outcome, often used in sports or business contexts.

pursuing an opportunity

Highlights the active seeking of a beneficial situation, removing any sense of competition or immediate action.

launching an initiative

Implies a formal or organized effort, differing from the potentially spontaneous nature of "making a play".

attempting to capitalize

Stresses the aim to profit from a situation, adding a financial or material benefit aspect.

positioning oneself

Highlights strategic placement to achieve a future advantage, rather than taking immediate action.

staking a claim

Conveys asserting a right or ownership, adding a legal or possessive connotation.

venturing forth

Suggests a bold or risky undertaking, emphasizing the uncertainty and potential danger.

setting the stage

Focuses on preparing for future actions, rather than the action itself.

FAQs

What does "making a play" mean?

The phrase "making a play" generally means taking action to achieve a goal, gain an advantage, or influence a situation, often in a strategic or competitive context.

What can I say instead of "making a play"?

You can use alternatives like "taking action", "making a move", or "pursuing an opportunity" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "making a play" formal or informal?

"Making a play" is generally considered neutral in formality. While suitable for news articles and general conversation, more formal language might be appropriate for academic writing or highly professional settings.

How do I use "making a play" in a sentence?

You can use "making a play" to describe strategic actions in various fields. For example: "The company is making a play for a larger market share" or "The quarterback is making a play to win the game".