their playing

USAGE SUMMARY

"their playing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a group of people's actions or activities. For example: "The audience was enraptured by their playing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The kids went back to their playing.

The New Yorker

There's no kitsch in their playing.

The New Yorker

Still, there was nothing subdued about their playing.

The New York Times

What do you think about their playing for Wales?

The Guardian - Sport

They were still at their playing weights 10 years later.

The Washington Post

Which football teams doctored their playing surface to hinder opponents?

The Guardian - Sport

To lose them for reasons other than their playing ability..."...

The New York Times - Sports

Northern teams have wrestled with their playing fields for years.

The New York Times - Sports

There would be no ambivalence about their playing each other.

The New York Times - Sports

The musicians may also have to learn to tailor their playing to their supersensitive new surroundings.

The New York Times - Arts

Most men — Beckham apart — know that their playing value starts to diminish at Nelsen's age, 35.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing musical performances, use "their playing" to highlight the collective skill and artistry of the musicians.

Common error

Avoid using "their playing" when referring to singular actions or possessions; ensure the context involves a group activity or shared attribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their playing" functions as a noun phrase, where "their" is a possessive pronoun modifying the gerund "playing". It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the manner or quality of a group's performance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "their playing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes the act of a group performing. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, though it can be used across different registers. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a group activity and consider alternative phrasings like "their performance" or "the way they play" for nuanced expression. Understanding the context is key to avoiding misapplication of this phrase, contributing to clearer and more effective communication. Remember to use "their playing" when describing a group’s performance style or skill level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their performance

Focuses on the act of execution or presentation rather than general activity.

the way they play

Emphasizes the style or manner in which they engage in the activity.

their rendition

Specifically applies to musical or artistic interpretations.

how they conduct themselves

Broadens the scope to include behavior and demeanor during the activity.

their execution

Highlights the effectiveness and precision of their actions.

their skills on display

Highlights ability and exhibition, more than the playing itself.

the manner of their play

Focuses on the specific behaviors and habits exhibited while playing.

their active participation

Emphasizes involvement and engagement in the activity.

their contribution

Highlights their role or input during a shared activity.

the quality of their game

Refers specifically to a contest or sporting event and its level of excellence.

FAQs

How can I use "their playing" in a sentence?

Use "their playing" to describe the manner or quality of a group's performance, such as "The audience was captivated by their playing".

What's a good alternative to "their playing"?

Depending on the context, you can use "their performance", "the way they play", or "their rendition".

Is it correct to say "there playing" instead of "their playing"?

No, "there playing" is incorrect. "Their" indicates possession, while "there" indicates a place. Use "their playing" to describe a group's performance.

What is the difference between "their playing" and "they're playing"?

"Their playing" refers to the act of a group performing, while "they're playing" is a contraction of "they are playing", indicating an ongoing action. The former is a noun phrase, and the latter is a verb phrase.