What are the definitions of “play at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pretend to be something.
He just PLAYS AT being a lawyer- he never wins a case.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “play at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb play at is to pretend to be something or someone, often without being serious or committed. It is used to describe someone who is not genuinely engaged in an activity or role.
What are the different verb forms of “play at”?
| Root Verb | play at |
| Third Person Singular Present | plays at |
| Present Participle | playing at |
| Simple Past | played at |
| Past Participle | played at |
Example
She likes to play at being a teacher with her dolls.
Example
He plays at being a musician, but he never practices.
Example
They are playing at being detectives, trying to solve the mystery.
Example
When we were kids, we played at being superheroes.
Example
She had played at being a writer, but never finished a story.
What kind of phrasal verb is “play at”?
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 at” 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
He plays at being a lawyer.
Example
She played at being a teacher.
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 at” 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
He plays at being a lawyer.
Example
She played at being a teacher.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “play at”?
Good things to know
Does “play at” have an informal or formal tone?
Play at is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It may not be suitable for formal writing or professional settings, where more precise language might be preferred.
