play defense vs play defence

Both 'play defense' and 'play defence' are correct, but the usage depends on the English variant being used. 'Play defense' is the American English spelling, while 'play defence' is the British English spelling. It's important to use the appropriate spelling based on the English variant you are using.

Last updated: March 28, 2024 • 1022 views

This phrase is correct in American English.

"play defense"

This phrase is commonly used in American English to refer to engaging in defensive play in sports or other contexts.

Show examples from the web [+]

These newbies don't know how to play defense.
And if Kansas wasn't such a hard team, we would've never learned to play defense the way we did that game.
That does not mean, however, that we will sit back and play defense.
That does not mean, however, that we will sit back and play defense.
Well, let me tell you, if your husband understood how to play defense, had a better jump shot, and was about six foot nine, he'd be killin' 'em in the NBA right now.
Have you been telling the football team to play defense und be aggressive - be, be, be aggressive?
Get the team to play defense.
You got to play defense in this league.
You play defense, you have to tackle.
You need to know how to play defense.
Saracen and smash don't play defense.
If I get up there and play defense, hold my gloves in front of my face, it confirms their narrative.
I'm not going to play defense when I have what Klaus wants.
You learn about people when you make them play defense...
You and I will go in deep, and Ray will play defense to guard against the quarterback's sneak.
You're dating women, and when a woman is mad, You need to know how to play defense.
JUST GO STEP BY STEP AND PLAY DEFENSE.
You need a team who can strategize for your future and play defense too. It's heads-up ball playing with us.
If YOU defend one killer kick, then I'll play defense for three
They never pass the ball, they don't want to play defense, they take five steps on every layup to the hoop, and then they want to turn around and blame everything on the white man.

Alternatives:

defend
play defensively
act defensively
take a defensive stance
guard

This phrase is correct in British English.

"play defence"

This phrase is commonly used in British English to refer to engaging in defensive play in sports or other contexts.

Show examples from the web [+]

Another area where the Commission has an important role to play relates to defence equipment policy.
Like, "we need play Better defence."
As MEPs, I believe we have a role to play in the defence and promotion of human rights, which are violated on a daily basis in Nigeria.
The European Defence Agency plays an important role in promoting defence cooperation, particularly under current constrained defence budgets.
The ball comes back into play, and the defence is in trouble.
The defence will play on her girl-next-door appearance and hope the jury will cry with her.
We believe that the EU has a role to play in the defence of fundamental rights; however, it is the Member States who carry the first responsibility, in line with their traditions of democracy and the rule of law.
NATO has its own Parliamentary Assembly, what role can the European Parliament and national parliaments play in security and defence policy?
In consideration of the geostrategic importance of Turkey and the role it continues to play in the defence of Europe, it seems to us, finally, that it would be appropriate also to table a discussion of questions of security and foreign policy.
They play a major role in the Finnish defence strategy.
As well as those mentioned above it also plays a role in guidance systems for planes, ships, satellites and in the defence industry.
Nonetheless, they have been important in developing the conversion of defence industries, which is a key factor we have to play.
It plays an essential role in the European defence structure, and this is a key element for stability in the continent of Europe.
The strength and security of Europe has depended for some time on the allies willing to play an active role in our defence.
Our country seeks - as far as we are able - to play an active role in the continued development of European security and defence policy.
Galileo is also intended to play a crucial role in future European security and defence policy, which is to be oriented towards armed intervention.
Mr President, a European Union which cannot play a clearly defined role in terms of security and defence creates uncertainty on the world stage.
We all know that NATO will still need to play a major role in the collective defence of Europe for a long time to come.
Daneshjoo also plays a role in "Passive Defence" activities on behalf of President Ahmadenijad, in addition to his ministerial role.
Therefore, the press plays a fundamentally vital role and I also believe that the most genuine and authentic culture of journalism must be extremely sensitive to the defence of human rights and the defence of all freedoms.

Alternatives:

defend
play defensively
act defensively
take a defensive stance
guard

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play defense vs play defence

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