played on that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "played on that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone taking advantage of a situation or using a particular aspect to their benefit. Example: "She played on that weakness in his argument to win the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I don't know who got played on that one," Mr. Lynch said from his pulpit at the New Prospect Baptist Church in Over-the-Rhine last Sunday.

The New York Times - Arts

No one ever played on that board.

The New York Times

The problem, though, is that so few of them are given roles anywhere as meaty as the ones they played on that show.

The New York Times - Magazine

Every one of us can still sing that old 'Silent Night' that played on that music box for so many years.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, those games have taken place away from Windsor Park and this one against Mixu Paatelainen's team will be the first to be played on that day in Belfast.

The Guardian - Sport

He played on that losing side.

The New York Times - Sports

What is played on that stage, the building suggests, matters.

The New York Times - Arts

"Tom played on that area of people's psyches".

The New York Times

"We absolutely played on that vanity of guys," Plank says.

The New Yorker

Clemons played on that first album, "Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J".

The New Yorker

But Bernie Parmalee, who had 10 rushes for 26 yards, played on that drive.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "played on that" with "took advantage of" to avoid any perception of manipulating a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "played on that" when a neutral or positive connotation is desired. Opt for alternatives like "capitalized on that" or "leveraged that" to avoid negative implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "played on that" functions as a prepositional phrase often used as a verb modifier. It describes how someone utilized a specific situation or characteristic to achieve a goal. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "played on that" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of strategically exploiting a situation or characteristic. According to Ludwig, its use is correct, with most examples appearing in news and media. While seemingly versatile, it is critical to be mindful of its inherent negative connotation. Alternatives such as "capitalized on that" or "leveraged that" can offer a more neutral tone, depending on the context. Avoid this expression when trying to communicate a more positive sentiment. Instead, synonyms with positive meaning are encouraged.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capitalized on that

Replaces "played on" with "capitalized on", emphasizing the act of taking advantage of something for gain.

took advantage of that

A more direct and neutral alternative to "played on".

exploited that

Suggests a more negative connotation of taking unfair advantage.

leveraged that

Implies using something as a lever to achieve a desired outcome.

seized on that

Emphasizes the quickness and opportunism in taking advantage.

profited from that

Focuses on gaining a benefit, often financial, from the situation.

cashed in on that

Highlights the act of converting something into tangible gain.

made use of that

A more general term for utilizing something.

drew on that

Implies using something as a resource or source of inspiration.

built upon that

Suggests using something as a foundation for further development.

FAQs

What does "played on that" mean?

The phrase "played on that" means to exploit or take advantage of a situation, feeling, or characteristic for one's own benefit. It often implies a degree of manipulation or strategic use.

How can I use "played on that" in a sentence?

You can use "played on that" to describe how someone used a specific aspect or situation to their advantage. For example, "The politician "played on that" fear to gain votes."

What are some alternatives to "played on that"?

Some alternatives to "played on that" include "capitalized on that", "took advantage of that", "exploited that", or "leveraged that". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired connotation.

Is "played on that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "played on that" is grammatically correct. It is a common and acceptable phrase in English, although its use may sometimes carry a negative connotation depending on the context.