What are the definitions of “play on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Continue playing a sport though there might be a reason to stop.
It looked like a foul, but the referee told them to PLAY ON.
- 2Continue playing music.
The band PLAYED ON for another hour.
- 3Exploit a weakness.
They are just PLAYING ON our fears to get us to do what they want.
- 4Pun.
The advert PLAYS ON the slogan.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “play on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb play on is to continue playing a sport or game, even when there might be a reason to stop. For example, it can mean continuing to play despite a foul or an injury.
What are the different verb forms of “play on”?
| Root Verb | play on |
| Third Person Singular Present | plays on |
| Present Participle | playing on |
| Simple Past | played on |
| Past Participle | played on |
Example
The soccer team decided to play on despite the rain.
Example
She plays on the piano every day after school.
Example
The orchestra is playing on even though the conductor is late.
Example
The band played on until midnight at the party.
Example
The football team played on despite the injury to their star player.
What kind of phrasal verb is “play on”?
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 on” 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
The musicians played on throughout the night.
Example
The basketball team played on despite the slippery court.
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 on” 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
The musicians played on throughout the night.
Example
The basketball team played on despite the slippery court.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “play on”?
Good things to know
Does “play on” have an informal or formal tone?
Play on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as sports commentary, music performances, or discussions about literature and art.
