the play is set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the play is set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the time and place in which a play takes place, often in discussions about theater or literature. Example: "In this production, the play is set in 19th century England, highlighting the social issues of that era."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(The play is set in 1934).

The New York Times

(The play is set in the recent past).

The New York Times

The play is set in both 1958 and 2008.

The New York Times

The play is set in England in the 1950s.

The New York Times

Don't ask where the play is set either.

The New York Times

(The beginning of the play is set in 2039).

The New Yorker

The play is set in Epirus after the Trojan War.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The play is set in the terminal of Karachi airport.

The New York Times

The play is set in a pear orchard.

The Guardian

It's never fully clear exactly when the play is set.

The New York Times

The play is set in a rural Irish pub.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the setting, be specific with both time and place to provide a clear picture for your audience. For example, instead of saying "the play is set in Europe", specify "the play is set in Paris, 1920".

Common error

Don't assume the audience knows the historical context. Provide enough detail to avoid confusion and enrich their understanding of the play's themes and characters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the play is set" functions as a descriptive element, establishing the temporal and spatial context of a theatrical work. It provides essential information for understanding the narrative and thematic elements of the play.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the play is set" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to specify the time and location of a play's events. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic discussions. While alternatives like "the play takes place" exist, the original phrase remains a straightforward and effective way to provide essential contextual information for understanding a play. When using this phrase, remember to be specific with time and place to enhance the audience's understanding of the play's themes and characters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the play takes place

Replaces "is set" with "takes place", focusing on the action's location.

the play unfolds

Emphasizes the unfolding of the story within a particular setting.

the play occurs

Similar to "takes place", indicating where the events of the play happen.

the setting of the play is

Rephrases to explicitly state the setting.

the backdrop of the play is

Highlights the setting as a background or context.

the play is situated

A more formal way of saying the play is set in a particular location or time.

the play is staged

Focuses on the act of performing the play in a certain context.

the scene is set

Focuses on the scene and its context.

the world of the play is

Emphasizes the complete environment or context of the play.

the events transpire

Highlights the events of the play and where they occur.

FAQs

How do I use "the play is set" in a sentence?

Use "the play is set" to describe the time and location in which a play's events occur. For example, "The play is set in 19th-century Vienna during the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire".

What are some alternatives to "the play is set"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the play takes place", "the play occurs", or "the setting of the play is".

Is it correct to say "the play sets" instead of "the play is set"?

No, "the play sets" is grammatically incorrect in this context. The correct phrasing is "the play is set", using the passive voice to indicate the setting's establishment.

What's the difference between saying "the play is set in" versus "the play is about"?

"The play is set in" refers to the time and place of the story, while "the play is about" describes the play's central theme or subject matter.