plays with

USAGE SUMMARY

"plays with" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe the act of interacting or engaging with something or someone in a playful or fun manner. Examples: - The children were happily playing with their new toys in the backyard. - The dog loves to play with his favorite ball. - She always enjoys playing with her younger siblings. - The cat likes to play with a ball of yarn. - The performers on stage were playing with the audience, getting them involved in the show.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He plays with angles.

The New York Times - Sports

She plays with Barbies.

The New York Times - Magazine

It plays with scale.

The New York Times

He plays with the character.

The New Yorker

He plays with his brain".

The New York Times - Sports

The lighting plays with reality.

The New York Times

"It plays with your mind.

The New York Times

The book plays with time.

The New Yorker

Plays with a smile.

The Guardian - Sport

He plays with words.

The Guardian - Books

He plays with images.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing creative endeavors, "plays with" can effectively convey experimentation and innovation. For example, "The artist plays with color and texture to create a unique visual experience."

Common error

While "plays with" is acceptable in many situations, overuse in formal or professional writing can make your tone seem flippant or unserious. Choose more precise verbs to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plays with" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of interaction or manipulation, often in a lighthearted or experimental manner. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage. Examples show it describing children playing with toys, artists experimenting with techniques, or authors exploring themes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plays with" is a versatile phrase used to describe interaction, manipulation, or exploration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the audience and context when using this phrase, opting for more formal alternatives in professional or academic settings. To enhance clarity and precision, consider related phrases like "engages with" or "manipulates" depending on your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

toys with

Implies a lighthearted or frivolous manner of dealing with something, similar to "plays with" but often carries a hint of teasing or manipulation.

engages with

Implies active participation and involvement, differing from "plays with" which suggests a more casual approach.

interacts with

Indicates a two-way action or communication, whereas "plays with" can be a one-sided activity.

manipulates

Suggests skillful handling or control, often with a specific purpose in mind, unlike the more playful connotation of "plays with".

handles with

Implies practical direction over something or someone.

experiments with

Suggests a systematic approach to discover something, different from a casual interaction.

fiddles with

Implies restless and nervous movement or handling of something.

dallies with

Suggests dealing or doing in a carefree way, showing an unseriousness attitude.

works with

Suggests a collaborative effort toward a common objective, whereas "plays with" suggests an individual or solo action.

utilizes

Suggests a formal application of something, showing the advantage taken from its properties.

FAQs

How can I use "plays with" in a sentence?

You can use "plays with" to describe someone interacting playfully with an object, concept, or idea. For example: "The child plays with building blocks" or "The author plays with the theme of identity in the novel".

What are some alternatives to "plays with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "engages with", "manipulates", or "interacts with".

Is it appropriate to use "plays with" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "plays with" may sound informal in some contexts. Consider using a more formal alternative, depending on the audience and purpose of your writing.

What's the difference between "plays with" and "toys with"?

"Plays with" generally suggests simple interaction or enjoyment. "Toys with" implies a more deliberate, sometimes manipulative, interaction, as in "He "toys with" her emotions".