play is high

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "play is high" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express that the stakes or intensity of a game or activity are elevated, but it lacks clarity without additional context. Example: "In this tournament, the play is high, and every move counts towards the final outcome."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Exposure to international play is high, beginning at the youth level.

The New York Times - Sports

The quality of play is high, there is labor peace and professional football remains an enjoyable sport to watch.

The New York Times - Sports

The quality of game play is high and is designed to push the boundaries between traditional PC gaming and online gaming.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The play is high-speed, with guys from local high schools and even college teams like Seton Hall and Rutgers.

The New York Times

"The level of play is higher than I have ever seen.

The New York Times

Just look at a few minutes of a game played forty or thirty years ago compared to more recent years (though avonbarksdale is right — the average level of play is higher today).

The New Yorker

The quality of play is higher -- winners have included Jack and Gary Nicklaus -- and the competitors, bonding over birdies and giddy from the royal treatment at the host Atlantis resort and casino, are as relaxed as they get all year.

The New York Times - Travel

"The first reason is that the average level of play is higher now than ever and so for a young guy to get ranked 150 or 200 is harder than before.

The New York Times - Sports

The level of play was high throughout the four-hour match, with both players hitting more winners than unforced errors and the match a statistical dead heat in nearly every category.

The New York Times

He believes that he's been cheated of recognition as a guitarist, so his playing is high in the mix, with a raw, up-close sound.

The Guardian - Music

The rugby played is high quality, as last season's final between Connacht and Leinster showed, and we always look at ways of getting bigger and better".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "the stakes are high" or "the intensity is high" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid using "play is high" as a catch-all phrase. Be specific about what makes the play 'high': is it the skill level, the risk involved, or the emotional intensity? Greater clarity enhances understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play is high" functions primarily as a descriptive statement, attempting to convey a sense of elevated intensity, risk, or skill level within a particular activity or situation. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this phrase can be vague without additional context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "play is high" attempts to describe a situation with significant intensity, stakes, or skill, but lacks clarity. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is not considered grammatically correct and can be vague, benefiting from context or clearer alternatives like "the stakes are high" or "the intensity is high". It's most commonly found in news and media but is less frequent in formal academic writing. To ensure effective communication, consider specifying what aspect of the play is 'high'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a high-stakes game

Directly states the game involves significant risk and reward.

the stakes are high

Focuses on the potential gains or losses involved, rather than the quality of play.

the intensity is high

Emphasizes the level of engagement and effort involved.

the level of competition is high

Highlights the difficulty due to strong opponents.

the quality of play is excellent

Shifts focus to the skill and execution demonstrated.

the standard of play is high

Highlights the competence and skill level of the participants.

there's a lot at stake

Similar to 'the stakes are high', stressing potential consequences.

the pressure is on

Emphasizes the psychological stress and expectations.

the risk is high

Emphasizes the potential for negative outcomes.

the game is intense

Describes the game as exciting and gripping.

FAQs

What does "play is high" mean?

The phrase "play is high" generally suggests that the intensity, stakes, or skill level in a game or activity is elevated. However, without context, it can be vague. Consider alternatives like "the stakes are high" or "the intensity is high" for better clarity.

What can I say instead of "play is high"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the stakes are high", "the intensity is high", or "the level of competition is high".

Is "play is high" grammatically correct?

While the phrase "play is high" appears in some contexts, it's not a standard or universally accepted grammatical construction. It's often better to use more precise alternatives to avoid ambiguity.

How can I make the meaning of "play is high" clearer?

To clarify the meaning, specify what aspect of the play is high. For example, instead of "play is high", say "the intensity of the play is high", "the stakes in the play are high", or "the skill level in the play is high".