order of play

USAGE SUMMARY

"order of play" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can used to describe the sequence in which activities or events are to occur. For example, "The order of play for this evening's entertainment is as follows: a band performance, followed by a dance lesson, followed by karaoke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Notice that you could regard that as changing the order of play.

Yale University

Order of play for the principal courts at the Australian Open on Saturday 21 January.

The Guardian - Sport

Sunday's order of play on day seven at the Australian Open (prefix denotes seeding).

The Guardian - Sport

Here's the order of play (all times local, -5 hours from BST).

Independent

Whisky, haggis and poetry recitals are the traditional order of play for a Burns Night supper.

Independent

A preview of Monday's eight singles matches, by court and order of play.

The New York Times

Finally, the rest of the schedule — the order of play on all the outlying courts — was released.

The New York Times - Sports

Matchups depend on the luck of the draw; the day's order of play is not determined until the night before.

The New Yorker

All athletes involved are still included in the order of play with their quarter-finals scheduled for the evening session.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The single-minded Parkhead manager's esteem for a generally reviled system is a departure from the convention established by the Glasgow giants, by which each considers the other to be favoured by the fixtures and order-of-play compilers.

The Guardian - Sport

A casual reading of the Match of the Day order-of-play might suggest that matches are chosen on importance, goal count and drama, with dwindling returns of each as the show goes on, but that's easy for me to say as a fan of one of the Big Six teams who almost always head up the show.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about events with a predetermined sequence, use "order of play" to clearly indicate the intended arrangement. For example, when discussing a tournament, specify the "order of play" to clarify which matches occur when.

Common error

Avoid using "order of play" when referring to general plans that lack a specific, sequenced arrangement. If there isn't a defined order, use terms like "schedule" or "agenda" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "order of play" functions as a noun phrase that designates the sequence or schedule in which events, matches, or activities are arranged to occur. Examples found by Ludwig demonstrate its use in academic discussions and media reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "order of play" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the sequence of events, particularly in sports and games. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It functions as a noun phrase, offering a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Common alternatives include "sequence of events" and "running order", each with nuanced differences. When using "order of play", ensure that the events being described have a specific arrangement to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

playing schedule

Directly relates to scheduling and games. Highlights the timetable.

sequence of events

This alternative replaces "play" with a more general term for happenings, applicable beyond games or sports.

running order

This term is commonly used in entertainment and broadcasting to describe the sequence of acts or segments.

list of participants

Focuses on the individuals or teams involved and their arrangement, suitable when the emphasis is on who is participating.

schedule of events

This is a broader term that encompasses various types of events, not just those involving competition.

lineup

Similar to 'list of participants' but often used in the context of sports teams or performances.

program of events

This alternative is used when referring to an agenda or structured schedule of activities.

arrangement

A more abstract term for the way things are organized, useful in many contexts.

order of procedure

Implies a more formal or structured sequence, often used in meetings or legal settings.

batting order

In baseball context, specifically refers to the sequence in which players bat.

FAQs

How is "order of play" typically used in sports?

In sports, "order of play" refers to the schedule of matches or events, indicating when each game or activity will take place. It helps participants and spectators know the timing of events. For example, you might see a tennis tournament's "playing schedule" displayed as the "order of play".

What's a good alternative to "order of play" in a non-sporting context?

If you're not talking about sports, alternatives like "sequence of events" or "running order" can work well. These phrases are broader and apply to various scenarios, not just games.

Is it correct to use "order of play" when the sequence isn't strictly enforced?

While "order of play" implies a planned sequence, it can still be used even if minor adjustments occur. However, if the sequence is entirely fluid and unpredictable, a term like "general plan" might be more accurate.

What determines the "order of play" in a tournament?

The "order of play" in a tournament is typically determined by tournament organizers, often considering factors like player rankings, match importance, and television schedules. They aim to create an engaging and fair "schedule of events" for both participants and viewers.