time to play

USAGE SUMMARY

"time to play" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as when you are talking about a fun activity or game. For example, "It's time to play tag!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Time to play.

The New York Times - Sports

"His time to play.

The New Yorker

It is time to play catch up.

The New York Times

Now it's time to play baseball".

The New York Times - Sports

It was time to play.

The New York Times - Sports

It's time to play defense.

The New York Times - Sports

Now it's time to play catch-up.

The New York Times - Magazine

Five minutes of added time to play.

The Telegraph

Three minutes of added time to play.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Time to play "Duck Duck Duck"!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I had time to play after school.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "time to play" to signal a transition from work or other obligations to leisure or recreational activities.

Common error

While "time to play" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing. Instead, opt for alternatives like "opportunity for engagement" or "period for recreational activities" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time to play" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression used to signal the beginning of a recreational activity or a period of leisure. As Ludwig AI explains, it's widely used in various contexts to indicate a shift from work or other obligations to enjoyment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

BBC

5%

Forbes

5%

TechCrunch

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time to play" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that signals a transition to leisure or recreational activities. While broadly acceptable, it leans toward informality and may not be suitable for professional or academic contexts where alternatives such as "opportunity for recreation" might be more fitting. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is frequently found in news, media, and wiki sources. It's important to be mindful of the intended audience and the level of formality required when choosing this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

playtime

Implies a period dedicated to free, unstructured play, often associated with children.

game time

Specifically relates to the start of a sports match, competition, or any structured game.

leisure time

Emphasizes the aspect of free, enjoyable activity, moving away from the specific sense of starting an action.

break for recreation

Suggests a pause from work or routine activities dedicated to rejuvenation.

recreation time

Focuses on engaging in activities for enjoyment and relaxation, suggesting a broader range of possibilities.

period for fun

Denotes a defined duration aimed at enjoyment and pleasure.

intermission for play

Indicates a temporary halt in proceedings for the purpose of engaging in fun activities.

opportunity to compete

Highlights the competitive aspect, signaling a chance to engage in a contest.

chance for amusement

Underlines the possibility for lighthearted fun and entertainment.

moment for action

Shifts the focus from play to the necessity of acting decisively.

FAQs

How can I use "time to play" in a sentence?

You can use "time to play" to indicate the start of a recreational activity. For example, "Vacation is over now; the phone is connected. It's "time to play" some games."

What's a more formal way to say "time to play"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "opportunity for recreation" or "scheduled activity period" instead of ""time to play"".

Is "time to play" suitable for professional communication?

While understandable, ""time to play"" is generally too informal for professional communication. Use more appropriate alternatives like "leisure engagement" or "recreational period".

What does "time to play" imply?

"Time to play" generally implies a shift from responsibility to leisure or recreational activities. It suggests an opportunity for enjoyment and relaxation.