Dictionary-enhanced word family
Word Forms of “Play”
To do something fun or entertaining, like a game or sport.
Word Family of Play
Some English words keep the same spelling as a noun and a verb. Context tells you which form is being used.
How to Use Each Word Form in a Sentence
- Children play in the park after school. A1
- We like to play football on weekends. A1
- She played with her dog in the garden. A2
Origin and Word Formation of Play
Old English 'plegian', meaning to move rapidly or exercise.
Common Word Form Mistakes with Play
Wrong: They are play in the park.
Correct: They are playing in the park.
With 'are', use gerund 'playing', not base form 'play'.
Frequently Asked Questions About Word Forms of Play
What are the word forms of “play”?
The confirmed forms are shown in the word family cards above. Missing parts of speech are hidden instead of filled with placeholder text.
What part of speech is “play”?
“play” is primarily a verb. Some forms above show how the same root works as other parts of speech.
Can “play” be both a noun and a verb?
Yes. Some words keep the same spelling across parts of speech; the surrounding sentence shows the function.
Where does “play” come from?
Old English 'plegian', meaning to move rapidly or exercise.