I like to play football. or I like to play the football. ?

I like to play football. vs I like to play the football.

The correct phrase is "I like to play football." The addition of "the" before "football" is unnecessary and incorrect in this context.

Last updated: March 22, 2024

I like to play football.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is the correct way to express enjoyment of playing the sport of football.

Examples:

I like to play football with my friends on weekends.
He likes to play football in the park.
She likes to play football after school.
They like to play football during their lunch break.
We like to play football at the beach.

I like to play the football.

This phrase is incorrect in English. The article "the" should not be used before "football" in this context.

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I like to play football. vs I like to play the football.