play time

USAGE SUMMARY

'playtime' is an acceptable part of written English.
You can use it when referring to a period of time devoted to recreational activities or when referring to a children's game. For example, "It's playtime! Let's go outside and shoot some hoops."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First is free play time.

The Guardian - Books

Make sure that play time is active".

The New York Times

Market hours are play time for me.

The New York Times

It's play time, and they both zip around their moms.

The New York Times

The dogs go to supervised play time throughout the day.

The New York Times

He makes the big play time after time again".

The New York Times - Sports

(Image: Still from Jacques Tati's "Play Time," by Stephen Coles).

The New Yorker

Like the original, overall play time is not incredibly long.

TechCrunch

Play time!

Huffington Post

It was play time.

Huffington Post

Play Time Photo by: Bethany.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about children, ensure that "play time" is balanced with other activities like learning or rest to highlight a healthy routine.

Common error

Avoid suggesting that all "play time" needs to be unstructured. While free play is valuable, guided play with specific learning objectives can also be beneficial for development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play time" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a specific period or allocation of time dedicated to playing. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from children's activities to game durations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

32%

Huffington Post

20%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

The Guardian - Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "play time" is a common noun phrase that refers to a period designated for recreational activities or enjoyment. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki-based sources. It carries a neutral to informal register, suitable for general discussions about leisure and recreation. While often associated with children, "play time" applies to all ages and can be emphasized its importance for a healthy routine. When writing, consider balancing mentions of "play time" with discussions of other beneficial activities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fun and games

Idiomatic expression referring to playful activities and amusement.

break for fun

Highlights the purpose of the break being enjoyment and amusement.

time for amusement

Emphasizes the intention and purpose of the time being for amusement.

recreational period

Emphasizes the structured aspect of time dedicated to recreation.

recess period

Specifically refers to a break during school or work for relaxation.

leisure activity

Focuses on the activity itself being done during free time.

downtime

Focuses on the relaxing and inactive aspect of the time.

period of recreation

Formal alternative that highlights the recreational aspect.

time off for recreation

More formal way to express time allocated for recreational pursuits.

free moment

Indicates a short period of time available for leisure.

FAQs

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

You can use "play time" to refer to a period dedicated to recreational activities, as in, "The children enjoy their /s/free+play at the park" or "It's important to schedule /s/recreational+period for relaxation".

What are some synonyms for "play time"?

Alternatives include /s/recreational+period, /s/leisure+activity, or /s/time+for+amusement, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "play time" or "recess"?

"Play time" is a general term for leisure, while "recess" specifically refers to a break during school or work. Choose the term that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "play time" and "game time"?

"Play time" encompasses a broader range of recreational activities, whereas "game time" typically refers to a specific period designated for playing a structured game or sport.