10 Common English Phrasal Verbs with ‘Play’
Phrasal verbs are a huge part of everyday English and mastering them can really boost your fluency. So today we’re going to explore 10 common phrasal verbs with ‘play’ that will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English.
Whether you're playing along with a joke, playing up an achievement, or playing down a mistake, these handy little phrases add richness and depth to your communication. I’ve included clear definitions and real-life examples to help you understand how to use them in your English conversations.
1. Play along
Meaning: To pretend to agree with someone or something, often to avoid conflict or to see what happens.
Example:
I knew he was lying, but I decided to play along to see what he would say next.
She didn’t want to sing, but she played along so she wouldn’t disappoint her friends.
2. Play around
Meaning: To behave in a silly or careless way; to have fun instead of being serious.
Example:
Stop playing around and finish your homework!
They were just playing around in the park when it started to rain.
3. Play at
Meaning: To do something in a way that is not serious or with little effort.
Example:
He’s just playing at being a chef – he has no real training.
If you’re not serious about learning the piano, why are you even playing at it?
4. Play down
Meaning: To make something seem less important or serious than it really is.
Example:
She tried to play down her achievements, but we all knew she had worked really hard.
The company played down the effects of the financial loss.
5. Play off
Meaning: To compete against someone to decide who wins; to make two people or groups compete against each other for your advantage.
Example:
The two teams will play off for the championship next week.
He played his colleagues off against each other to get the promotion.
6. Play on
Meaning: To continue playing; to use someone’s emotions or fears to get what you want.
Example:
Even though he was injured, he decided to play on.
The advertisement plays on people’s insecurities to sell their products.
7. Play up
Meaning: To emphasise something more than necessary; to cause trouble or not work properly.
Example:
He always plays up his role in the project, but he didn’t do much.
My knee is playing up again, so I can’t run today.
8. Play out
Meaning: To develop or happen over time.
Example:
Let’s see how the situation plays out before making any decisions.
The drama played out on live television.
9. Play with
Meaning: To consider an idea or possibility; to touch or move something around in a casual way.
Example:
I’ve been playing with the idea of starting my own business.
She played with her hair while talking to him.
10. Play away
Meaning: To play an away game; to have an affair (informal usage).
Example:
Our team is playing away next Saturday against their biggest rivals.
There were rumours that he was playing away while on a business trip.