played by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "played by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the actor or performer who portrays a character in a film, play, or other performance. Example: "The character of Hamlet was played by a talented young actor in the recent production."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We played by the rules.

The New York Times

(She's played by Joanna Newsom).

The New Yorker

"We played by the Unisphere," he said.

The New York Times

Shylock is played by Al Pacino.

The New York Times

Romney has played by different rules.

The New York Times

The "friend" is played by a dummy.

The New Yorker

The C.I.A. apparently played by different rules.

The New Yorker

That was nicely played by Allfrey.

The New York Times

Only now we played by the rules.

The New York Times

Thomas meets Melanie, played by Delevingne.

Independent

"Egyptians?" asks Bob, played by Rodney Bewes.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "played by" to clearly identify the actor or entity responsible for a particular role, ensuring clear and accurate attribution.

Common error

Avoid using "played by" to describe actions or roles outside of the realm of performance or representation. For example, instead of saying "The role of CEO was played by John Doe", use "John Doe assumed the role of CEO."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "played by" functions as a verb phrase used to attribute a role or performance to a specific actor or individual. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

31%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "played by" is a common and grammatically correct way to attribute a role or performance to an actor or individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, media, encyclopedias, and general writing. When writing, ensure to use "played by" specifically for performance-related roles. Alternatives like "portrayed by", "acted by", and "performed by" can be used to add variety or specify different aspects of the role. Be cautious not to misuse the phrase in non-performance contexts. By following these guidelines, you can ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

portrayed by

Focuses specifically on the act of depicting a character or role.

acted by

Emphasizes the performance aspect of taking on a role.

performed by

Highlights the execution of a task, action, or piece of music.

executed by

Implies a planned and deliberate carrying out of something, often formal or technical.

rendered by

Suggests a transformation or interpretation made by someone.

carried out by

Highlights the action of completing a task or duty.

conducted by

Implies guidance or leadership in performing a task.

handled by

Focuses on the management or dealing with something.

taken on by

Indicates acceptance of a role or responsibility.

assumed by

Suggests taking on a role or responsibility, often without explicit assignment.

FAQs

How do I use "played by" in a sentence?

Use "played by" to indicate the actor or performer who portrays a character. For example, "Hamlet was "played by" a talented young actor".

What can I say instead of "played by"?

You can use alternatives like "portrayed by", "acted by", or "performed by" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "played by" or "performed by"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""played by"" is typically used for characters in plays or films, while "performed by" is used for musical performances or general actions.

What's the difference between "played by" and "assumed by"?

"Played by" is used for performance roles, while "assumed by" indicates taking on a responsibility or position.