Remember those fun days when we would ‘play’ hide-and-seek, tag, or simply ‘play’ with our toys? Those were the times when ‘play’ had a very basic and fun meaning to it. But as we ‘play’ with language, especially English, we find that ‘play’ isn’t just about games or toys. It can do so much more! In English, we ‘play’ music, ‘play’ roles, and even ‘play’ tricks! English Collocations with Play helps learners broaden their understanding of how versatile words can be. The word ‘play’ in various contexts can bring more fluidity and naturalness to your conversations. Now, isn’t that an exciting ‘game’ to ‘play’?
Let’s delve into a list of 33 popular and commonly used English collocations with Play:
1. Play a role: To have an effect or influence on something.
Example: Diet and exercise play a role in maintaining good health.
2. Play a game: To participate in a game.
Example: Let’s play a game of chess.
3. Play a trick: To deceive someone as a joke.
Example: He played a trick on his friend for April Fools’ Day.
4. Play an instrument: To produce music with an instrument.
Example: She can play the piano beautifully.
5. Play music: To perform or listen to music.
Example: Can you play music while we work?
6. Play a sport: To participate in a sport.
Example: He plays football on the weekends.
7. Play a part: To perform a character in a play or movie.
Example: She is going to play a part in the new drama series.
8. Play a joke: To make a joke at someone’s expense.
Example: They played a joke on their teacher.
9. Play a record: To listen to music from a record.
Example: Could you play that record again?
10. Play fair: To act honestly and follow the rules.
Example: It’s important to play fair in all games.
11. Play safe: To avoid unnecessary risks.
Example: When it comes to investments, it’s better to play safe.
12. Play a song: To perform or listen to a song.
Example: Please play a song on the guitar.
13. Play a match: To participate in a competitive game.
Example: The team will play a match this weekend.
14. Play by the rules: To act according to the guidelines or laws.
Example: In this company, we play by the rules.
15. Play with fire: To do something dangerous or risky.
Example: He is playing with fire by not wearing a helmet.
16. Play a character: To portray a role in a drama or movie.
Example: The actor played the character of the villain.
17. Play a scene: To act out a part of a play or movie.
Example: They played the scene perfectly.
18. Play with emotion: To act or speak with a strong feeling.
Example: The musician played the violin with great emotion.
19. Play for time: To delay something.
Example: He is playing for time to avoid answering the question.
20. Play it cool: To act calm and composed.
Example: When she saw her ex at the party, she played it cool.
21. Play the field: To date or be involved with multiple people.
Example: He’s not looking for a serious relationship; he’s just playing the field.
22. Play ball: To cooperate or work together.
Example: If you want this deal to work, you’ll have to play ball.
23. Play hard to get: To pretend not to be interested in order to make someone more attracted to you.
Example: She’s playing hard to get, but I think she likes him.
24. Play along: To pretend to agree or participate in something.
Example: I didn’t believe his story, but I played along.
25. Play dead: To pretend to be dead.
Example: If you encounter a bear, you should play dead.
26. Play favorites: To treat someone with special favor or preference.
Example: The teacher was accused of playing favorites.
27. Play second fiddle: To be less important or in a supporting role.
Example: I don’t want to play second fiddle to her anymore.
28. Play dumb: To pretend not to understand or know something.
Example: When asked about the broken vase, he played dumb.
29. Play for keeps: To play a game in a serious and competitive manner.
Example: This is not a rehearsal, we’re playing for keeps.
30. Play the victim: To portray oneself as the victim to gain sympathy or advantage.
Example: He always plays the victim to avoid taking responsibility.
31. Play hooky: To stay away from school or work without permission.
Example: The students played hooky to go to the concert.
32. Play catch-up: To try to reach the same level or status after falling behind.
Example: After a week of vacation, I had to play catch-up at work.
33. Play one’s cards right: To act cleverly and tactfully in order to achieve one’s goals.
Example: If she plays her cards right, she might get the promotion.
Mastering “English Collocations with Play” is like learning the many ‘moves’ in a game. Each ‘move’ gives you more ‘playing’ power in the game of English communication. It’s not just about ‘playing’ with words, it’s about making them dance to your tune. Happy learning!
