What does the phrasal verb “play along” mean?

What are the definitions of “play along”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Pretend to agree or accept something in order to keep someone happy or to get more information.

  I disagreed with the idea but I had to PLAY ALONG because everyone else liked it.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “play along”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb play along is to pretend to agree or accept something, usually to keep someone happy or to get more information. It is often used when someone does not agree with a situation or idea but chooses to act as if they do.

What are the different verb forms of “play along”?

Root Verb	play along
Third Person Singular Present	plays along
Present Participle	playing along
Simple Past	played along
Past Participle	played along

Example

I don't like the plan, but I'll play along for now.

Example

She plays along with her friends' jokes even when she doesn't find them funny.

Example

He is playing along with the surprise party plan to keep his friend happy.

Example

They played along with the boss's idea, even though they didn't agree with it.

Example

I played along with the game, even though I knew it was rigged.

What kind of phrasal verb is “play along”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“play along” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

She played along to avoid conflict.

Example

He played along to gather more information.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“play along” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She played along to avoid conflict.

Example

He played along to gather more information.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “play along”?

Play along with someone/something

To cooperate or pretend to agree with someone or something.

Example

I didn't like the idea, but I played along with the group to avoid conflict.

Play along with a game

To participate in a game or activity, often despite not fully understanding or agreeing with it.

Example

I didn't know all the rules, but I played along with the game to have fun with my friends.

Play along with a lie

To pretend to believe a lie or deception, often to avoid confrontation or to gather more information.

Example

I knew he was lying, but I played along with his story to see what else he would say.

Good things to know

Does “play along” have an informal or formal tone?

Play along is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “play along”?

Synonyms

• pretend
• feign
• act
• simulate
• cooperate
• humor
• indulge
• go along

Antonyms

• disagree
• oppose
• confront
• reveal
• expose
• object
• refuse
• resist