play football
/pleɪ ˈfʊtbɔːl/
Meaning
To participate in a game of football (soccer in British English, or American football in the US). It is a common, neutral phrase used when talking about sports, hobbies, or weekend activities.
Examples
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We usually play football in the park on Saturday mornings.
We usually play football in the park on Saturday mornings.
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My brother wants to play football for his school team next year.
My brother wants to play football for his school team next year.
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Do you want to play football with us after school today?
Do you want to play football with us after school today?
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They used to play football every day when they were kids.
They used to play football every day when they were kids.
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It's too rainy to play football outside, so we stayed home.
It's too rainy to play football outside, so we stayed home.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I like to play the football.
✓ I like to play football.
We do not use the definite article 'the' before the names of sports.
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✗ We made a football game yesterday.
✓ We played football yesterday.
Use the verb 'play' instead of 'make' or 'do' for team sports involving a ball.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Every Sunday, my friends and I meet up to ___ in the local park.
💡 Participate in a sport with a round ball.
Show answer
play football
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Did you ___ when you were in high school?
💡 Use the verb for sports and the sport name.
Show answer
play football