play an instrument

Meaning

To make music using a musical instrument such as a piano, guitar, or violin. This expression is neutral and is used to talk about musical skills, hobbies, or professional talent.

Examples

• Did you ever learn to play an instrument when you were a child?

  Did you ever learn to play an instrument when you were a child?

• I wish I could play an instrument, but I don't have any musical talent.

  I wish I could play an instrument, but I don't have any musical talent.

• Learning to play an instrument takes a lot of time and practice.

  Learning to play an instrument takes a lot of time and practice.

• He can play an instrument, but he prefers singing.

  He can play an instrument, but he prefers singing.

• My sister wants to play an instrument, so she is taking guitar lessons.

  My sister wants to play an instrument, so she is taking guitar lessons.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I can play a music.

  ✓ I can play an instrument.

  'Music' is an uncountable noun, so you cannot say 'a music'. To refer to the physical object that makes music, use 'an instrument'.

• ✗ He plays very well the piano.

  ✓ He plays the piano very well.

  In English, do not place adverbs like 'very well' directly between the verb ('plays') and its object ('the piano').

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you want to ___, you have to practice every day.

  💡 Make music with a guitar, piano, or violin.

  Show answer

  play an instrument

• She wants to learn how to ___ like the violin or the flute.

  💡 Create music using a physical device.

  Show answer

  play an instrument