play to win

USAGE SUMMARY

"play to win" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
One can use it in any context where someone is actively participating in a competition or game with the intention of being victorious. It can also be used figuratively to mean striving for success in any endeavor. Example: "I always approach every game with the mindset to play to win, no matter who the opponent is."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We play to win.

The New York Times

And they play to win.

The New York Times - Tech

"I just play to win.

The New York Times - Sports

They play to win.

The New York Times - Sports

To play to win.

The New York Times - Sports

"You play to win".

The New York Times

"Play to win," he told the child.

The Economist

But you do play to win".

The New York Times - Sports

"My team will always play to win".

The New York Times

We play to win every single day.

The New York Times - Sports

I don't play to win anymore.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "play to win" to convey a proactive and competitive approach, emphasizing the intention to not just participate, but to achieve victory. It's useful in contexts where highlighting a determined mindset is key.

Common error

Avoid using "play to win" in situations where the primary goal isn't about competition or achieving a clear victory. It may sound misplaced if the aim is simply collaboration or personal enjoyment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play to win" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase used as an adverbial of purpose, modifying a verb by explaining the reason or intention behind an action. Ludwig examples confirm its use to indicate a determined effort towards achieving victory.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "play to win" is a common and grammatically correct expression that signifies a strong intention to achieve victory in a competitive situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to express purpose, and it is frequently used in news and media contexts. While it's generally acceptable in neutral registers, overuse in non-competitive scenarios should be avoided. Alternatives such as "strive for victory" or "aim for success" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate that the phrase consistently communicates a proactive and determined approach towards achieving a desired outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive for victory

Emphasizes the effort and ambition towards achieving a win.

aim for success

Focuses on achieving a positive outcome more generally.

compete to triumph

Highlights the competitive aspect and the desire for overall victory.

endeavor to prevail

Suggests a determined effort to overcome challenges and win.

seek to conquer

Implies a more aggressive approach to winning, suggesting domination.

be determined to succeed

Highlights a strong resolve to achieve a favorable outcome.

make every effort to win

Focuses on the dedication and resources put into achieving victory.

give it your all to be victorious

Suggests maximum effort and commitment towards achieving victory.

be in it to win it

An idiomatic phrase expressing wholehearted commitment to winning.

go all out for the win

Implies an unrestrained and vigorous effort to achieve victory.

FAQs

How can I use "play to win" in a sentence?

You can use "play to win" to describe an approach focused on achieving victory, as in "The team always "plays to win", regardless of the opponent".

What does it mean to "play to win"?

To "play to win" means to approach a competition or endeavor with the primary intention of achieving victory, demonstrating a commitment to giving your best effort and employing strategic tactics.

Are there situations where it's inappropriate to say "play to win"?

Yes, it might be inappropriate to say "play to win" in situations where collaboration, learning, or personal enjoyment are more important than competition, or where winning isn't the primary objective.

What are some similar phrases to "play to win"?

Similar phrases include "strive for victory", "aim for success", or "be determined to succeed", each carrying slightly different connotations regarding the intensity and nature of the effort.