play around with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "play around with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe experimenting or having fun with something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I like to play around with different recipes to see what new flavors I can create."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I don't play around with my work".

The New York Times - Sports

She had to play around with it".

The New York Times

I like to play around with typography.

Forbes

"They have money to play around with".

TechCrunch

I play around with them.

Vice

"Don't play around with us," Fox said.

Huffington Post

Just play around with it.

WikiHow

Just play around with them.

WikiHow

Preview, and play around with it.

WikiHow

After installing, play around with the application.

WikiHow

But just play around with it.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "play around with" to suggest experimentation or casual exploration. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "experiment with" or "explore".

Common error

Avoid using "play around with" in formal writing such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more professional alternatives to maintain credibility and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play around with" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to describe the act of experimenting, manipulating, or casually exploring something. Ludwig AI indicates it's a commonly used phrase. It is often employed when describing trying out different options or ideas without a serious or formal commitment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

39%

News & Media

28%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

28%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "play around with" is a commonly used phrasal verb that suggests experimentation, casual exploration, or manipulation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While versatile, it is more appropriate for informal contexts; in professional or academic settings, alternatives like "experiment with" or "explore" may be more suitable. The phrase is most frequently found in Wiki and News & Media sources, reflecting its accessibility and casual tone. Remember to consider your audience and purpose when deciding whether to use "play around with" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experiment with

This alternative emphasizes a more systematic and intentional approach to trying out different options.

tinker with

Suggests making small adjustments or repairs in a playful or experimental way.

mess with

This implies casual or unauthorized alteration, sometimes with negative connotations.

fool around with

This is more informal and suggests playful or unproductive engagement.

fiddle with

This suggests nervous or restless handling or adjustment.

toy with

Implies considering something without serious intent, or manipulating something idly.

dabble in

Suggests trying something casually without deep commitment.

experiment upon

This indicates formal experimenting, often in scientific or academic contexts.

improvise with

This indicates an act of spontaneous invention based on the materials at hand.

manipulate

Suggests skillful handling or control, sometimes with a negative intent.

FAQs

How can I use "play around with" in a sentence?

You can use "play around with" to describe experimenting or having fun with something. For example, "I like to "play around with" different fonts to see which looks best."

What is a more formal alternative to "play around with"?

For more formal settings, consider using phrases like "experiment with", "explore", or "investigate" depending on the context.

Is "play around with" appropriate for professional communication?

While "play around with" is acceptable in informal settings, it's generally better to use more professional alternatives in business or academic writing to maintain a serious tone.

What's the difference between "play around with" and "mess around with"?

"Play around with" usually implies a casual or experimental approach, while "mess around with" can suggest careless or unauthorized handling, potentially with negative consequences.