toy with

USAGE SUMMARY

"toy with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe when someone does something playfully, without taking it seriously. For example: "He toyed with the idea of getting a pet, but eventually decided against it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Don't toy with me".

The New Yorker

I toy with the idea.

The New Yorker

Archives|Why Toy With the Ozone Shield?

The New York Times

Why Toy With the Ozone Shield?

The New York Times

Haydn loved to toy with expectation.

The New York Times

Four artists toy with the grid.

The New York Times - Arts

"Why would you toy with Jeremy Paxman?

The Guardian

Does his mind ever toy with frivolity?

The Guardian - Money

Least likely to: Toy with our emotions.

The Guardian - Music

The rattleback is a toy with some curious properties.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

At times, Federer, 30, seemed to toy with Sela, 26.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "toy with" to describe situations where someone is handling something without serious intent or commitment. For example, "He toyed with the idea of starting his own business but never took the plunge."

Common error

While "toy with" is suitable for casual considerations, it's best to avoid it when expressing serious intentions. Instead of saying "We are toying with the project", opt for phrases that convey commitment and determination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "toy with" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It indicates an action of dealing with something in a playful or not entirely serious manner. Ludwig provides various examples illustrating this usage, demonstrating its role in expressing non-committal engagement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "toy with" is a common verb phrase used to describe handling something in a playful or not entirely serious way. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and choose more formal language when necessary. Related phrases like "play around with" or "dabble in" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember to avoid using "toy with" when expressing firm commitments, and be mindful of the potential negative connotations when discussing emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

play around with

Emphasizes the casual and unserious nature of the engagement.

dabble in

Suggests a brief and experimental involvement.

flirt with

Highlights a playful and potentially tempting consideration.

entertain the idea of

Focuses on the mental consideration without necessarily taking action.

play with the idea of

Similar to 'entertain the idea', but emphasizes a more whimsical approach.

consider lightly

Underscores the lack of deep or serious thought.

fiddle with

Implies handling something in a restless or nervous way.

trifle with

Suggests a lack of respect or seriousness in dealing with something.

experiment with

Focuses on testing or trying out new things in a playful manner.

mess around with

Indicates casual and often unproductive activity.

FAQs

How can I use "toy with" in a sentence?

You can use "toy with" to describe handling something in a non-serious or playful way. For example: "She likes to toy with her food instead of eating it".

What does "toy with someone's emotions" mean?

To "toy with someone's emotions" means to manipulate or play with their feelings in an insincere or uncaring manner. It often implies causing emotional distress or confusion without genuine affection or regard.

Are there synonyms for "toy with" that I can use?

Yes, you can use synonyms like "play around with", "dabble in", or "flirt with" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "toy with" and "consider"?

"Consider" implies a thoughtful evaluation, while "toy with" suggests a less serious or playful engagement. If you "consider" something, you're likely giving it real thought, but if you "toy with" it, you may not be taking it seriously.