to play around

USAGE SUMMARY

"to play around" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can mean to behave in a playful or silly manner, or to experiment or explore without a serious purpose. Example: "I was so happy to finally have some free time, so I decided to play around with my new camera and take some photos."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So I wanted to play around".

The Guardian - Arts

She had to play around with it".

The New York Times

"Why don't we leave Tavi to play around?" he said.

The New Yorker

He still has time to play around with his approach.

The New York Times - Arts

They also encourage innovators to play around with their mistakes.

The New York Times

I like to play around with new kinds of fillings.

The New York Times - Food

"We're not going to play around with them anymore.

The New York Times

"So we don't want to play around with this.

The Guardian

Bricks are heavy things to play around with.

The Guardian

Nobody pays a half-million dollars "just to play around," she says.

The New York Times

So here is the county-level data for you to play around with.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to play around", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys your intended meaning. It can imply either harmless experimentation or a lack of seriousness, so choose your words carefully to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "to play around" when describing situations that demand seriousness or responsibility. Using it inappropriately can undermine your credibility and suggest a lack of concern for important matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to play around" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe engaging in an activity in a non-serious or experimental manner. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies a casual approach. Its specific meaning is context-dependent, ranging from lighthearted fun to a lack of seriousness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

33%

Forbes

3%

Less common in

Huffington Post

3%

TechCrunch

2%

The Guardian - Opinion

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to play around" is a common verb phrase used to describe both experimentation and a lack of seriousness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news and media, as well as in Wiki content. When deciding whether to use "to play around", remember to consider your context to ensure it conveys the intended tone. Be mindful to not use this phrase when a serious approach is required. Consider more formal alternatives like "to experiment with" or "to explore" in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to experiment with

Focuses on trying different things to see what happens, emphasizing a trial-and-error approach.

to tinker with

Implies making small adjustments or repairs, often in a playful or experimental manner.

to fool around with

Highlights a lack of seriousness or purpose, suggesting a casual or unserious approach.

to mess around with

Similar to 'fool around with', but can also imply causing trouble or interfering.

to dabble in

Suggests trying something briefly or superficially, without deep commitment.

to toy with

Implies handling or considering something without serious intent, often in a manipulative way.

to not take seriously

Emphasizes the avoidance of seriousness, indicating a lighthearted or dismissive attitude.

to avoid commitment

Highlights the intention to stay uncommitted, emphasizing a lack of serious involvement.

to circumvent responsibility

Focuses on evading duties or obligations, implying a deliberate attempt to avoid serious tasks.

to trifle with

Suggests treating something without the respect or seriousness it deserves, often involving emotions or relationships.

FAQs

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

You can use "to play around" to describe experimenting with something, like "I wanted to play around with new recipes". It can also mean not being serious, as in "We're not going to play around with them anymore".

What's the difference between "to experiment with" and "to play around"?

"To experiment with" emphasizes a more structured approach to trying new things, while "to play around" suggests a more casual and less goal-oriented approach. See also "to experiment with".

Is "to play around" appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "to play around" might be perceived as informal in certain professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "to experiment" or "to explore", depending on the intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "to play around" when I want to sound more professional?

Alternatives to "to play around" in a professional setting include "to experiment with", "to explore", or "to investigate". These options convey a sense of purpose and diligence.