to be played

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be played" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that will happen in the future or to something that is part of a predetermined plan. For example: "The song 'Happy Birthday' is to be played at the celebration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The games still have to be played.

The New York Times - Sports

Baseball's meant to be played outside".

The New York Times - Sports

Nevertheless, the game continued to be played.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's how it's supposed to be played".

The New York Times - Sports

Blindfold chess continues to be played today.

The New York Times

Two minutes added time to be played.

The Guardian - Sport

Eight minutes added time to be played.

The Guardian - Sport

Plays are meant to be played at.

The Guardian - Books

Thirty-two deals remain to be played.

The New York Times

Was it actually meant to be played?

The New York Times - Arts

But there's still melodies to be played.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the intended use of an object, "to be played with" clearly conveys its purpose and function.

Common error

Avoid using "to be played" when a simple passive construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The song is to be played by the band", consider "The song will be played by the band".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be played" primarily functions as part of a verb phrase in passive constructions, indicating a future action or event that is scheduled or planned. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showing usage in contexts like sports events and musical performances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be played" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a future event that has been scheduled or planned. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in contexts ranging from sports and music to theater, often in passive voice constructions. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media sources, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication styles. While alternatives like "to be performed" or "to be executed" exist, "to be played" specifically implies a predetermined action or event. Remember to avoid confusing it with simple passive constructions to maintain clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be performed

Emphasizes the action of carrying out a task or presenting something, similar to playing a game or instrument.

to be executed

Suggests a more formal or structured approach, highlighting the completion of a plan or procedure.

to be enacted

Implies a process of putting something into action, often in a theatrical or legislative context.

to be staged

Focuses on the preparation and presentation of an event or performance, highlighting the artificiality or constructed nature of the situation.

to be presented

Emphasizes the act of showing or offering something, often in a formal or public setting.

to be conducted

Highlights the management and execution of an activity, often implying a level of expertise or authority.

to be rendered

Suggests the transformation or conversion of something into a different form or state, often with a specific purpose or outcome.

to be undertaken

Emphasizes the commitment and responsibility involved in starting and completing a task.

to be addressed

Focuses on dealing with or resolving an issue or problem, highlighting the need for action and attention.

to be tackled

Emphasizes a proactive and determined approach to overcoming a challenge or obstacle.

FAQs

How can I use "to be played" in a sentence?

Use "to be played" to indicate a scheduled event or a planned action, as in "The match is "to be played" tomorrow" or "A key role is "to be played" by community leaders".

What's a good alternative to "to be played" in a formal context?

In formal settings, consider alternatives like "to be performed" or "to be executed" for a more professional tone.

How does the meaning of "to be played" change with different contexts?

The meaning remains consistent but the specific implication varies. In sports, it refers to a scheduled game; in music, a piece that will be performed; and in theatre, a role that "to be played" by an actor.

Is "to be played" interchangeable with "will be played"?

While both express future action, "to be played" often implies a plan or schedule, while "will be played" is a general future tense. For example, "The concert is "to be played" next week" suggests a prior arrangement, while "The concert will be played next week" simply states a future event.