play by

USAGE SUMMARY

"play by" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe following a set of rules or guidelines, particularly in games or competitions. Example: "In order to win the game, you must play by the rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"They almost play by memory.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a punk play by him".

The New York Times - Sports

Now it would play by different rules.

The New Yorker

All countries play by the rules.

The Economist

They do not play by the rules".

The New York Times

"I play by myself," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Here is the game play-by-play.

The New York Times

A play-by-play, with photos.

The New York Times

Ignore the Play-By-Play.

Forbes

It even has "play-by-play" reports.

Forbes

Here's the play-by-play.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "play by", ensure the context clearly defines the rules or guidelines being followed. For example, specify "play by the rules of the game" or "play by ethical guidelines".

Common error

Avoid using "play by" when you mean to "play it by ear". "Play by" implies following established rules, while "play it by ear" means improvising or acting without a predetermined plan.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play by" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating adherence to a specific set of rules, guidelines, or principles. Ludwig AI confirms this use across numerous examples, showing its role in dictating behavior within defined frameworks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "play by" signifies adherence to rules or guidelines and is widely recognized as grammatically correct, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's commonly employed across different registers, primarily in neutral contexts, spanning from news and media to academic writing. When using "play by", ensure clear context to prevent confusion with idioms like "play it by ear". Remember to use it when emphasizing compliance or adherence to established norms, rather than when describing improvisation. Alternative phrases such as "adhere to" or "follow the rules" may also be suitable based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow the rules

This is a direct and straightforward alternative, highlighting the act of adhering to established regulations.

adhere to

This alternative emphasizes strict compliance with rules or guidelines, differing slightly from "play by" which can imply a more active participation within those rules.

abide by

Similar to 'adhere to', this phrase focuses on following or complying with a rule or decision.

comply with

Focuses on fulfilling requirements or orders.

observe the regulations

This phrase stresses a more formal compliance with established rules.

act in accordance with

This suggests that actions are aligned with a set of principles or standards.

stick to the script

Emphasizes adherence to a pre-defined plan or set of instructions, often used in a more informal context.

tow the line

This indicates adherence to a specific policy or ideology, often under pressure or expectation.

dance to the tune of

Implies following someone else's directions or commands, differing from "play by" in that it suggests a lack of autonomy.

live by

Signifies that someone conducts their life according to a certain principle or set of values, rather than just rules.

FAQs

How can I use "play by" in a sentence?

You can use "play by" to indicate adherence to rules or principles, as in "We must "play by the rules" to ensure fairness" or "The company decided to "play by ethical guidelines"".

What's a good alternative to "play by"?

Alternatives include "adhere to", "abide by", or "follow the rules", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "played by the rules"?

Yes, "played by the rules" is a correct past tense form indicating that someone has followed the established rules in the past. You can also use ""play by the rules"" in the present tense to describe a current or habitual action.

What's the difference between "play by the rules" and "play it by ear"?

"Play by the rules" means to follow established guidelines or regulations. In contrast, "play it by ear" means to improvise or make decisions as things progress, without a predetermined plan.