state of play

USAGE SUMMARY

"state of play" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to refer to the current situation or progress of a particular situation, typically a process or event. For example: "Let us review the state of play before we move on to the next task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

midfield state of play Who's out?

Independent

What's the current state of play?

The New Yorker

Here's the state of play.

The Guardian - Business

State of play: In development.

The Guardian - Film

Cal McCaffrey, State of Play.

The Guardian

What's the state of play now?

The Guardian

The current state of play is vague.

The New York Times

That's the confused state of play.

The New York Times

STATE OF PLAY Opens on Friday nationwide.

The New York Times

Frustration with the current state of play is real.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We summarize the existing state-of-play before discussing research opportunities.

Computers & Security

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "state of play" to provide a concise overview of a complex situation, especially when you need to update stakeholders quickly.

Common error

Avoid using "state of play" interchangeably with phrases like "status quo" if you intend to convey an active, evolving situation rather than a static condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of play" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes the existing condition or situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "state of play" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that effectively communicates the current status or situation of a particular process or event. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate in many contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic writing. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and is used to inform or update the audience. While it is generally neutral in tone, alternative phrases may be more suitable for informal or highly formal settings. Be mindful of potential confusion with similar phrases like "status quo", which describes a static condition rather than an evolving one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current situation

Focuses on the present circumstances, omitting the implication of ongoing progress.

current status

Emphasizes the present standing or rank, rather than the overall context.

prevailing conditions

Highlights the existing circumstances, often emphasizing external factors.

existing circumstances

Similar to "prevailing conditions", but may encompass a broader range of factors.

the lay of the land

An idiomatic expression that suggests understanding the essential facts before acting.

the situation on the ground

Emphasizes the practical realities of a situation, often in a specific location.

how things stand

Informal way to ask or explain current situation.

the present position

Focuses on the current location in a process or situation.

the score

Refers specifically to progress toward a goal or outcome, often in competitive contexts.

the way things are

Highlights the acceptance of a situation, usually implying a lack of immediate change.

FAQs

How can I use "state of play" in a sentence?

Use "state of play" to describe the current status or situation of an event, project, or negotiation. For example, "Let's review the "current situation" before making any decisions."

What's a more formal alternative to "state of play"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "current status" or "prevailing conditions". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but may be more appropriate for professional or academic contexts.

Is "state of play" appropriate for informal contexts?

While "state of play" is suitable for neutral and professional settings, consider more casual alternatives like "how things stand" or "the lay of the land" in informal conversations.

How does "state of play" differ from "status quo"?

"State of play" refers to the dynamic and evolving conditions of a situation, while "status quo" describes the existing or unchanged state of affairs. Use "state of play" when describing something in progress and "status quo" when describing something static.