the state of play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the state of play" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the current situation - in politics, sports, business, etc. For example, "After the Prime Minister's announcement, let's take a look at the state of play in the UK".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Here's the state of play.

The Guardian - Business

What's the state of play now?

The Guardian

The accompanying chart illustrates the state of play.

The New York Times

So what's the state of play on dealing with Iran?

The New York Times

2) What's the state of play going in?

The New Yorker

And it's changed the state of play somewhat".

The New York Times

The state of play for best picture nominations?

The New York Times

So "twat" remains the state of play between us.

The Guardian - Books

The Democrats don't even know the state of play.

The New York Times

Such is the state of play of our political theater.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Our colleague John Broder wrote a comprehensive piece about the state-of-play in today's paper.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the state of play", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Specify what area or situation you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "the state of play" when referring to static or unchanging situations. It is best suited for dynamic scenarios involving progress or competition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the state of play" functions as a noun phrase, summarizing the current conditions or circumstances of a situation. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability, supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the state of play" is a widely used and accepted phrase to describe the current situation or progress in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and the numerous examples highlight its prevalence in news, business, and even scientific domains. When using this phrase, remember to provide clear context and consider alternative phrases like "the current situation" or ""the lie of the land"" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. "The state of play" serves as a useful tool for summarizing complex situations before delving into details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the current situation

Focuses on the present circumstances without necessarily implying a dynamic process.

the present condition

Emphasizes the existing status or shape of affairs.

the existing circumstances

Highlights the specific factors and events that are currently in effect.

the lie of the land

More idiomatic, suggesting an understanding of the prevailing conditions, often in a business or political context.

the situation on the ground

Often used in military or disaster-relief contexts, referring to real-world conditions.

where things stand

A more conversational way to ask about the current status.

the order of the day

Implies what is currently prioritized or typical.

the way things are

A general description of the current reality, often implying acceptance or resignation.

the score

A simple way to summarize the current results or standing.

the dynamics at play

Highlights the forces and interactions shaping the current situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "the state of play" to describe the current situation or progress in a particular context. For example, "After the new regulations, let's assess "the current situation"".

What does "the state of play" mean?

"The state of play" refers to the current situation, condition, or progress of something, often in a competitive or dynamic context. It's used to summarize "where things stand" at a particular moment.

Are there alternatives to "the state of play"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the current situation", "the present condition", or "the lie of the land".

Is "the state of play" formal or informal?

"The state of play" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in news, business, and sports reporting. It strikes a balance between being informative and relatively concise compared to other phrases.