play sports
/pleɪ spɔːrts/
Meaning
This expression refers to participating in competitive games or athletic activities, typically those involving rules, teams, or equipment like balls. It is a general term used in casual and semi-formal contexts. It highlights active participation rather than just watching.
Examples
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Did you play sports when you were in high school?
Did you play sports when you were in high school?
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My kids love to play sports, especially soccer and basketball.
My kids love to play sports, especially soccer and basketball.
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I don't play sports much anymore, but I still enjoy watching them on TV.
I don't play sports much anymore, but I still enjoy watching them on TV.
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Playing sports is a great way for children to learn about teamwork.
Playing sports is a great way for children to learn about teamwork.
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She is very athletic and has played sports her entire life.
She is very athletic and has played sports her entire life.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I like to make sports on the weekend.
✓ I like to play sports on the weekend.
In English, we 'play' sports. 'Make' is a literal translation from other languages and is incorrect in this context.
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✗ He does many sports like tennis and football.
✓ He plays many sports like tennis and football.
While you can 'do athletics' or 'do gymnastics', the general term for team games and competitive ball games is 'play sports'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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It is important for young children to ___ to stay healthy and make friends.
💡 A common verb phrase for participating in athletic games.
Show answer
play sports
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Although I am not very athletic, I still like to ___ occasionally.
💡 The general phrase for engaging in competitive games.
Show answer
play sports