violence at play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "violence at play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where violence is a factor or influence in a particular context or scenario. Example: "In the heated debate, it became clear that there was violence at play, affecting the opinions and actions of the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"He was merely making sport," DeWitt writes, "and yet there was an undercurrent of true violence at play as well.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The country needs Mr. Obama to put his support behind a two-pronged approach that is directly relevant to the dynamics of gun violence we all saw at play in Tucson.

The New York Times

The former first lady also zeroed in on some of Trump's most controversial proposals: encouraging violence at campaign rallies; "playing coy" with white supremacists; calling for 12 million immigrants to be rounded up and deported; demanding that the US turn away refugees because of their religion; and proposing a ban on all Muslims entering the country.

The Guardian

VICE News speaks with an active-duty CPD officer, Superintendent Eddie Johnson, and a mother on Chicago's South Side who lost both her son and husband to gun violence, to better understand the dynamics at play amid the bloodshed.

Vice

Ria Harley's Untouchable, about surviving childhood violence, plays at Live Art Bistro, Leeds.

The Guardian

The point is that movies are built on the nexus of sex and violence, and that's really what's at play in the story.

The New Yorker

Violence against women is one of the factors at play when female sex workers are killed.

The Guardian

Sure they might be common factors at play in this type of violence but they are rarely, of their own, the cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

While it's hard to see how that doesn't qualify under Twitter's "Violence and Threats" provision, there is a larger point at play here.

Huffington Post

Over a surreal afternoon, we discussed the consequences of real violence while playing at it on the computer.

The Guardian - Tech

However, the continued substantial fall in serious violence in the UK suggests to me that there are other social and cultural factors at play.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "violence at play", ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and impact of the violence being referenced. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the type of violence and its effects.

Common error

Avoid using "violence at play" in situations where the violence is not a direct or influential factor. Be specific about the elements contributing to the situation to avoid misrepresenting the role of violence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "violence at play" functions as a noun phrase, indicating the presence or influence of violence in a given context. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and usable. The examples show its use in describing underlying tensions or factors contributing to events.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "violence at play" is a grammatically sound expression used to denote the presence or influence of violence in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its frequency is rare, it appears in reputable sources such as the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times. The phrase is generally neutral in register and serves to highlight the impact of violence on events. Alternative phrases like "violence involved" or "violence in action" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context to ensure accurate representation of the role of violence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violence involved

Replaces "at play" with a more direct indication of violence being a factor.

violence in action

Emphasizes the active or ongoing nature of the violence.

violence influencing

Highlights the effect or impact that violence has on a situation.

violence as a factor

Identifies violence as one of several contributing elements.

violence present

Simply states the existence of violence in a given scenario.

underlying violence

Suggests a hidden or not immediately obvious aspect of violence.

violence unfolding

Describes violence as a process or sequence of events.

immanent violence

Implies that violence is inherent or intrinsic to the situation.

violence surfacing

Indicates violence is becoming apparent or emerging.

potential for violence

Focuses on the possibility of violence occurring.

FAQs

How can I use "violence at play" in a sentence?

You can use "violence at play" to describe a situation where violence is a contributing factor or influence. For example: "In the heated debate, it became clear that there was violence at play, affecting the opinions and actions of the participants."

What are some alternatives to "violence at play"?

Alternatives include "violence involved", "violence in action", or "violence influencing" depending on the context.

Is "violence at play" formal or informal?

"Violence at play" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's important to consider the audience and the tone of your writing. In more formal settings, consider using more direct alternatives.

What does "violence at play" imply?

"Violence at play" implies that violence is an active or influential factor in a particular situation, affecting outcomes or behaviors. It suggests a more subtle or underlying influence rather than overt violence.