play rough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "play rough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe engaging in a rough or aggressive manner, often in the context of sports or play. Example: "During the game, the kids were allowed to play rough, as long as they followed the basic safety rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Science writers play rough.

The New York Times - Magazine

They play rough".

The New Yorker

Getting fucked!"; "You wanna play rough?

The New Yorker

We fight elections where people play rough.

The New York Times

Want to play rough, do ye?

The Guardian - Sport

"They play rough in Mississippi," she said.

The New York Times

"We play rough in the bed," he assured the crowd.

The New York Times - Arts

These are foods that like to play rough and dirty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Still, Molloy is willing to play rough when necessary.

The New York Times - Magazine

When he chooses, the ever-smiling Mr Berlusconi can play rough.

The Economist

And Russia is willing to play rough to ensure that does not happen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing business negotiations or political strategies, consider more formal alternatives like "be aggressive" or "employ forceful tactics" for a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "play rough" in situations where extreme violence or malicious intent is involved. Opt for stronger terms like "be ruthless" or "show no mercy" to accurately convey the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play rough" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It is often used to describe engaging in physical activity with a degree of force or intensity, or engaging in competitive behavior without restraint. Ludwig AI confirms this through the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "play rough" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes engaging in physical activity with intensity or participating in competitive scenarios without holding back. It's grammatically correct and Ludwig AI provides many examples of its usage in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral to informal, its appropriateness depends on the setting, with more formal alternatives preferred in professional or academic environments. When using it, make sure that you are conveying the right meaning of engaging assertively, but not maliciously, and consider alternatives like "be aggressive" or "compete fiercely" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be aggressive

Focuses more directly on the intent to assert dominance or force.

compete fiercely

Highlights the competitive aspect with a strong emphasis on intensity.

act tough

Emphasizes projecting an image of resilience and strength.

be ruthless

Suggests a willingness to inflict harm or disregard others' feelings.

show no mercy

Implies a complete lack of compassion or leniency.

get physical

Directly refers to engaging in physical contact, potentially aggressively.

use strong-arm tactics

Suggests employing forceful or coercive methods to achieve a goal.

be cutthroat

Highlights a ruthless and fiercely competitive approach, especially in business.

engage in hard-hitting

Describes something intense and forceful with the intent of being impactful.

be unrelenting

Focuses on the persistence and determination to pursue something without giving up.

FAQs

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

You can use "play rough" to describe physical interactions, like: "The toddlers at Sunnyside "play rough" with Andy's toys." It can also describe a style of competition: "Russia is willing to "play rough" to ensure that does not happen."

What does it mean to "play rough"?

To "play rough" means to engage in activities with physical intensity and without being too delicate, often implying a higher risk of minor injuries or disagreements. It can also mean to act aggressively in a competitive context.

What can I say instead of "play rough"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be aggressive", "compete fiercely", or "act tough".

Is it appropriate to use "play rough" in a formal setting?

While "play rough" is widely understood, it might be too informal for certain professional or academic settings. In these contexts, consider using more formal alternatives such as "employ forceful tactics" or "be assertive".