on the play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the play" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of sports, particularly in games like football or basketball, to refer to a specific action or decision made during the game. Example: "The referee made a controversial call on the play that changed the outcome of the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the play calling?

The New York Times

(Granderson scored on the play).

The New York Times

Kimura broke his nose on the play.

The New York Times

Cooke offered his take on the play.

The New York Times - Sports

There was no penalty on the play.

The New York Times - Sports

Boss sustained a concussion on the play.

The New York Times - Sports

No penalty was assessed on the play.

The New York Times - Sports

Pass interference was called on the play.

The New York Times - Sports

Wait: two flags on the play.

The New York Times

Jaromir Jagr also assisted on the play.

The New York Times - Sports

Manuel did not slide on the play.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the play", ensure the context clearly identifies which specific play you are referring to. Ambiguity can confuse your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "on the play" without clearly establishing the specific play you're referencing. If the play isn't immediately obvious, provide additional details to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the play" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating when something occurred. Ludwig examples show its use across sports and general contexts. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Academia

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the play" is a very common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s most frequently used in News & Media to describe events during a specific action, particularly in sports. While generally neutral to informal, you should ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "during the action" or "in that instance", depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to clearly define the specific play being referenced to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the action

Focuses on the timing of an event within a broader action, suitable for various contexts.

in that instance

Highlights a specific moment or occurrence, emphasizing its isolation and particularity.

at that moment

Pinpoints a precise point in time when something happened, adding a sense of immediacy.

as it unfolded

Describes events as they progressively happen, emphasizing the dynamic and evolving nature of the situation.

in the sequence

Refers to events within a set order or arrangement, suitable for scenarios with structured steps.

during that sequence

Highlights the timing of an event within the set order or arrangement, suitable for scenarios with structured steps.

in the course of events

Describes an event happening as a natural part of an ongoing process or series of actions.

in the process

Focuses on an event that occurs while something is being done or made, emphasizing the activity itself.

amidst the action

Emphasizes that an event happens surrounded by activity, conveying a sense of chaos or excitement.

as the situation developed

Describes how an event unfolded over time, often suggesting a complex or evolving scenario.

FAQs

How is "on the play" typically used in sports commentary?

In sports commentary, "on the play" is commonly used to describe specific actions, penalties, or outcomes that occur during a particular play. For example, "Pass interference was called "on the play"."

What's a more formal way to say "on the play"?

While "on the play" is acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives include "during the action" or "in that instance", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. These alternatives are suitable for more formal writing or speech.

Is it correct to use "during the play" instead of "on the play"?

Yes, "during the play" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "on the play". They both convey the same meaning, referring to something that happens while a play is in progress.

Can "on the play" be used in contexts other than sports?

While most commonly used in sports, "on the play" can be used more broadly to describe events occurring during a specific action or sequence. For example, "Several errors occurred "on the play", leading to a significant setback."