toys with

USAGE SUMMARY

"toys with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone is playing or experimenting with something, or when one is manipulating someone else. For example, "The magician delighted the audience as he toyed with their expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hisham toys with Marxism.

The Guardian - Books

He toys with me ruthlessly.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes he simply toys with tacklers.

The New York Times - Sports

Share your toys with the new kids".

The Guardian - Sport

Every spring, he toys with a changeup.

The New York Times - Sports

Proteus toys with these familiar elements.

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Stoppard toys with levels of reality, delusion and deception.

The New York Times

Initially the action toys with gender roles and stereotypes.

Independent

Mattel says the toys with the stickers are safe.

The New York Times

"I should have bought toys with better posture".

The New Yorker

The dance toys with ideas about representation and authenticity.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "toys with" to convey a sense of light, experimental engagement with an idea or object, or to imply a manipulative handling of someone's emotions or a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "toys with" when a more serious term like "manipulates" or "experiments" is more appropriate. "Toys with" suggests a lighter, less consequential engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "toys with" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action performed by a subject. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests playing or experimenting with something, or manipulating someone. This aligns with examples showing subjects "toying" with ideas, objects, or even other people's emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

18%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "toys with" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe actions ranging from lighthearted experimentation to calculated manipulation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it can be used neutrally to describe playing or experimenting, it often carries a connotation of manipulation or a lack of seriousness. When writing, it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and whether a more precise term like "manipulates" or "experiments" would be more appropriate. Related phrases include "plays around with", "experiments with", and "dabbles in", each with subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plays around with

Indicates a less serious and more casual engagement compared to "toys with".

experiments with

Implies a more deliberate and methodological approach, unlike the lighter connotation of "toys with".

plays with the idea of

Specifically refers to considering an idea, while "toys with" can apply to various objects or concepts.

dabbles in

Suggests a brief or superficial involvement, differing from the potentially prolonged engagement of "toys with".

messes around with

Suggests a more chaotic and unplanned engagement compared to the potentially focused action of "toys with".

fiddles with

Conveys a sense of restless or nervous handling, which isn't always present in "toys with".

trifles with

Carries a stronger connotation of disrespect or lack of seriousness than "toys with".

plays games with

Specifically indicates deceit or trickery where "toys with" can be more general.

manipulates

Implies a more calculated and possibly deceptive handling compared to "toys with".

tampers with

Conveys a sense of unauthorized alteration, while "toys with" does not necessarily imply any changes.

FAQs

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

You can use "toys with" to describe someone who is experimenting lightly with something, like "He "toys with" different musical styles in his compositions", or to describe someone who is manipulating someone else, such as "The villain "toys with" the hero's emotions".

What's the difference between "toys with" and "plays with"?

"Plays with" typically refers to recreational activity, whereas ""toys with"" can imply a more experimental or even manipulative interaction.

What can I say instead of "toys with" when referring to manipulation?

Alternatives for manipulative ""toys with"" include "manipulates", "exploits", or "trifles with", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to say someone "toys with" something?

Not necessarily. While it can imply manipulation, ""toys with"" can also describe harmless experimentation or creative exploration.