play on our

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "play on our" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to engaging in a game or activity that involves collaboration or interaction among a group. Example: "Let's play on our strengths and work together to achieve our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If there's press at a rally, they're usually all over the little ones and play on our collective emotions in the process.

Huffington Post

Or should we feel manipulated by one more product attempting to play on our emotions?

The New Yorker

They play on our divisions.

The Guardian

A: Let's go play on our bikes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The strength of Isis is to play on our fears.

The Guardian

Not smart play on our part at all".

The New York Times - Sports

Let's go outside and play on our bikes".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

By their silence, the terrorists play on our nerves.

The Guardian

This is a defensive play on our part".

The New York Times

"We're not going to play on that level; we're going to play on our level.

The New York Times - Sports

Should we now get used to commercial tricks that play on our humanity?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "play on our" with synonyms like "capitalize on our" or "leverage our" to add variety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "play on our" in contexts where a neutral or positive tone is desired, as it often carries a negative connotation of exploitation. In such cases, consider using phrases like "draw on our" or "utilize our".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play on our" functions as a verb phrase, often used transitively to indicate that someone or something is exploiting or taking advantage of a shared characteristic, emotion, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used. Examples show it frequently describes how entities like politicians, advertisers, or terrorists leverage shared feelings for their own purposes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "play on our" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of exploiting shared emotions, fears, or characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in News & Media contexts, carrying a generally neutral register, although the implication is often negative. When employing this phrase, writers should be mindful of its potential to convey criticism or caution, alerting audiences to manipulative tactics. While alternatives like "capitalize on our" or "leverage our" exist, understanding the nuanced connotations of each is crucial for precise communication. Avoiding the phrase in situations requiring a positive tone is also recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exploit our

Focuses on leveraging something, often with a negative connotation.

capitalize on our

Highlights taking advantage of a situation or resource.

leverage our

Emphasizes using something to gain an advantage.

take advantage of our

Similar to 'exploit', but can be neutral or negative depending on context.

build upon our

Suggests developing something further based on an existing foundation.

draw on our

Implies utilizing a resource or quality that we possess.

use our

A more general term for employing something.

benefit from our

Focuses on gaining a positive outcome from something.

make use of our

Similar to "use our", but slightly more formal.

profit from our

Suggests gaining financial or material advantage.

FAQs

How is "play on our" used in a sentence?

The phrase "play on our" is used to describe taking advantage of someone's emotions, weaknesses, or existing conditions. For example, "Advertisers often "play on our" desires to sell products."

What can I say instead of "play on our"?

You can use alternatives like "capitalize on our", "exploit our", or "leverage our" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to say someone is "playing on our" emotions?

Yes, the phrase typically has a negative connotation, implying manipulation or unfair advantage. However, the severity can vary based on context.

What's the difference between ""play on our"" and "draw on our"?

"Play on our" usually implies exploiting something, often negative emotions or weaknesses. "Draw on our" suggests utilizing existing resources or strengths in a more neutral or positive way.