playing with the ball

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "playing with the ball" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of engaging in a playful activity involving a ball, often in a recreational or informal context. Example: "The children were playing with the ball in the park, laughing and having a great time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"I love playing with the ball at my feet, short, sharp touches, and good movement.

Independent

Playing with the ball can be attacking, but so can playing without.

The Guardian - Sport

It was completely me playing with the ball and serving and returning and playing just too fast and too aggressive".

The New York Times

He's teasing, playing with the ball at high speed while the goalie has to make up his mind whether to come all the way or stay closer to his net.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm outside, running at a good pace, as far as jogging, cutting, agility and playing with the ball," he said in an interview posted Wednesday on the club's Web site.

The New York Times

When I started playing football it was all about fun and games and just the sheer joy of playing with the ball at my feet; from the moment I joined the professional team the responsibility settled in.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"I think Argentina just played with the ball and did whatever they wanted with it".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm the father, but I'm excited to see how Leo plays with the ball".

The New York Times - Sports

They both play with the ball and are two high-volume scorers.

The New York Times

You have to be bold enough to try to play with the ball.

Independent

Especially for its younger players, learning to play with the ball is more important than winning.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific sport or activity, use more precise terms like "dribbling", "passing", or "kicking" to provide clarity and context, instead of the generic phrase "playing with the ball".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "playing with the ball" in formal or professional writing where more precise and descriptive language is expected. Opt for terms that accurately reflect the specific action or skill being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "playing with the ball" primarily functions as a verbal phrase describing an action. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, it serves to depict a recreational or active engagement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "playing with the ball" is a versatile phrase used to describe engaging in activities involving a ball. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, although more specific alternatives might be preferable in formal settings or when describing particular sports techniques. The phrase is commonly found in news and media, as well as in more informal wikis, suggesting a broad appeal. Remember that while generally accepted, being precise about the action related to the ball can significantly enhance clarity and context in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

handling the ball

Focuses on the act of physically manipulating the ball, emphasizing control and dexterity.

dribbling the ball

Specifically refers to moving the ball along the ground with repeated touches, common in sports like basketball or soccer.

controlling the ball

Highlights the ability to maintain possession and direct the ball's movement.

passing the ball

Emphasizes the action of transferring the ball to another player, common in team sports.

juggling the ball

Refers to keeping the ball in the air using various body parts, often for display or practice.

kicking the ball

Focuses on using the foot to propel the ball, typically in sports like soccer or football.

bouncing the ball

Involves repeatedly striking the ball against a surface, such as in basketball.

tossing the ball

Describes a light, upward throw of the ball, often for recreational purposes.

playing with a sphere

Replaces "ball" with a more general term, suitable when the exact type of ball is unimportant.

interacting with the ball

Provides a broader description of engaging with the ball, encompassing various actions.

FAQs

How can I use "playing with the ball" in a sentence?

You can use "playing with the ball" to describe a general activity involving a ball, such as: "The children were "playing with the ball" in the park." For specific actions, consider alternatives like "dribbling" or "passing".

What are some alternatives to "playing with the ball"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "handling the ball", "dribbling the ball", or "kicking the ball" to be more specific.

Is it correct to say "playing with the ball" in a formal setting?

While grammatically correct, ""playing with the ball"" is often too general for formal contexts. It's better to use more precise language that describes the specific action being performed with the ball.

What's the difference between "playing with the ball" and "practicing ball control"?

"Playing with the ball" generally refers to recreational or casual activity. "Practicing ball control" implies a focused effort to improve a specific skill related to handling the ball.