play in
B1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
To play a sport or music in a place, or to be part of a game/group.
Literal meaning: To play while being inside or within something.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To compete as a player in a sporting event or competition.
"She played in all three rounds of the championship."
Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral
To perform music as part of a group or in a specific venue.
"He played in a jazz quartet for ten years before going solo."
Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 neutral
(Sport) To play the ball or make a shot into a particular area of the field or court.
"The midfielder played it in low across the penalty area."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Used in sports ('play in the final'), music ('play in a band'), and general contexts. Very natural in everyday speech.
Commonly used with
band final tournament orchestra league garden
Forms
Base
play in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
plays in
he/she/it
Past simple
played in
yesterday
Past participle
played in
have + pp
-ing form
playing in
continuous
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