then play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a sequence of actions, suggesting that after a certain event or condition is met, the next step is to play. Example: "Once you finish your homework, then play your favorite video game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Then play me something".

The Guardian - Books

Gervin would then play New Orleans.

The New York Times - Sports

Unlimited free practice then play for real.

The Guardian - Sport

"Other politicians smile and then play games.

The New York Times

Winners then play in the annual R.B.I.

The New York Times

"I'd learn the chords and then play them backward.

The New York Times - Magazine

We're going to take batting practice, then play a ballgame.

The New York Times - Sports

But he said, "Well, then, play that role".

The New York Times

The Spartans then play Wright State at home on Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

The winner will then play an afternoon semifinal.

The New York Times - Sports

If people are requesting a song then play the song!

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then play" to clearly indicate a sequential action, ensuring the timing of events is unambiguous in your writing. This is especially useful in instructions or narratives where the order of events matters.

Common error

Avoid using "then play" when the order of events is not clear or when the 'then' refers to a condition that is not explicitly stated. Make sure the preceding action or condition is clearly defined to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then play" functions as an adverbial phrase followed by a verb, indicating a sequential action. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it's used to denote what action should follow after a certain condition or action has been met. Examples from Ludwig show it in instructions and narratives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

33%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "then play" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a sequence of actions, widely used across various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility. Its primary function is to instruct or direct, ensuring clarity in the order of operations. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, its simplicity and directness make it a useful tool for unambiguous communication. Remember to use "then play" when the sequence of events is clear and the preceding action is well-defined to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and then play

Adds emphasis to the sequence of events.

next, play

A simple and direct way to indicate the order of actions.

play after that

Inverts the structure while maintaining the same meaning.

afterward play

Specifies playing occurs directly after a previous action.

later, play

Indicates playing happens at a later time.

subsequently play

Indicates that playing follows as a result of a prior event.

play subsequently

Reorders the phrase while retaining similar meaning.

following that, play

Similar to 'thereafter', but slightly less formal.

thereafter play

A more formal way of saying 'after that', followed by playing.

once that's done, play

Adds a condition to the sequence, specifying completion before playing.

FAQs

How can I use "then play" in a sentence?

"Then play" is used to indicate a sequence of actions. For example, "Finish your homework, "then play" video games" means playing video games should happen after finishing homework.

What are some alternatives to "then play"?

Alternatives include phrases like "next play", "afterward play", or "subsequently play", which all suggest a sequence of actions.

Is it grammatically correct to use "then play"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The word "then" serves as an adverb indicating time, and "play" acts as a verb. This construction is common in instructions and narratives.

What's the difference between "then play" and "after play"?

"Then play" implies a direct sequence, while "after play" suggests that playing occurs sometime after a specific event. The former is more immediate, while the latter can be more general.