playground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "playground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a designated area for children to play, often equipped with recreational structures. Example: "The children spent the afternoon at the playground, enjoying the swings and slides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Children, who feel the lack of space most, use the skywalks as a playground, ignoring the dangers posed by low railings.

The Guardian

While North West's younger sibling is unlikely to ever be Queen of Jamaica, or of Australia, or even of the Solomon Islands, the child will grow up in a $20m home in California – a house that has two pools and an adventure playground.

The Guardian - Music

You drop off your kids in the playground in the morning and, all too late, hear a faint cry and whoosh, as a stray diabolo hits you in the face.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shirlow points out that both Sinn Féin and the less stridently nationalist SDLP recently voted to retain a policy of naming a children's playground after the IRA hunger striker Raymond McCreesh in Newry.

The Guardian

I lived on the first floor of the school, and the children loved to wave at me from the playground when I sat upstairs in the evenings, processing the day's experiences and planning the next day's sessions.

The Guardian

There is now nothing left above ground to mark the crossing; urban explorers hoping for a subterranean playground will also be disappointed.

The Guardian

The first playground was opened in Bethlehem in January 2003.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In 2005, the charity built a playground in the West Bank city of Nablus.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was utterly horrified – partly because I knew I'd be beaten up in the playground.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pupils at schools near the red light zone are not allowed even to enter their playground without a member of staff.

The Guardian

It is loving them so much that you feel constant fear: fear that they are going to run out into the road or fall out of a window, fear that you're not a good enough mother, fear that Philip Larkin was right … It is worry when they're ill, sorrow when they're unhappy, and protective fury when another bigger kid knocks them over in the playground.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "playground", be specific about its features, such as the type of equipment available (swings, slides, climbing frames) or the age group it caters to.

Common error

Avoid using "playground" interchangeably with broader terms like "park" or "recreational area" if the context specifically refers to a designated play area with equipment for children. Be precise in your terminology to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "playground" is as a noun. It typically refers to a designated area equipped for children to play. Ludwig's examples confirm this, showcasing its use in various contexts related to children's activities and recreational spaces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "playground" functions as a noun denoting a designated play area for children. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts. Its register is generally neutral, though often associated with informal settings. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its prevalence in news and media, reflecting its widespread recognition and usage. When writing about "playground" make sure you are referring to a specific play area equipped for children. Use more generic alternative terms, such as recreational area, only when you are talking about a generic location with no specific facilities for children's play.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

play area

Refers to a general space designated for recreational activities, often used interchangeably with "playground".

play space

Similar to "play area", emphasizes the space where play takes place.

children's play area

Specifically emphasizes that the area is designed for children's recreation.

play park

Similar to "playground", often used to describe a park that includes play equipment.

schoolyard

Specifically refers to the play area within a school's premises.

recreational area

A broader term that encompasses various spaces intended for leisure and recreation, including but not limited to playgrounds.

adventure playground

A type of playground that offers more challenging and stimulating play opportunities.

recreation ground

A larger area designed for various recreational activities, which may include a playground.

fun zone

A more general term that can apply to any area designed for entertainment and fun, not exclusively for children.

kiddie park

Informal term for a small amusement park or area specifically designed for young children.

FAQs

How can I use "playground" in a sentence?

You can use "playground" to refer to a designated area for children to play. For example, "The children are playing in the "playground" after school."

What can I say instead of "playground"?

You can use alternatives like "play area", "recreational area", or "schoolyard" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "playground" to describe an area for adults?

While "playground" typically refers to a space for children, it can be used metaphorically to describe a place where adults engage in playful or experimental activities. However, this usage is less common.

What's the difference between a "playground" and a "park"?

A "playground" is specifically designed with play equipment for children, whereas a "park" is a broader term for a green space that may or may not include a "playground".