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play detective vs play the detective

Both 'play detective' and 'play the detective' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Play detective' is a more common and idiomatic expression used when someone is trying to solve a mystery or investigate something without being an actual detective. On the other hand, 'play the detective' is used when someone is pretending to be a specific detective character from a story or movie.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 855 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"play detective"

This phrase is used when someone is trying to solve a mystery or investigate something without being an actual detective.

Examples:

  • She loves to play detective and solve puzzles in her free time.
  • Let's play detective and figure out who ate the last piece of cake.
  • He decided to play detective and investigate the strange noises coming from the attic.
  • I confess, the temptation to play detective was a little too strong.
  • Now we got two guys in here who like to play detective.
  • You want me to play detective?
  • Want to play detective, Father?
  • If you're going to play detective, I'd prefer you find my car.
  • You sit here and you play detective.
  • Unfortunately, I'm unable to play detective today, but I know somebody perfect.
  • I'll play detective Bart Barley...
  • You're not the only one to play detective.
  • An enthralling board game, in which we are required to play detective.
  • So I hired you to play detective to get rid of him.
  • You mind if I play detective?
  • But then she said, How about I go play detective
  • If you really want to play detective, Doyle,
  • And she used you to play Detective Rollins.
  • How about I play Detective this time, give you and Patrick a hand?

Alternatives:

  • act as a detective
  • pretend to be a detective
  • take on the role of a detective
  • engage in detective work
  • solve mysteries

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"play the detective"

This phrase is used when someone is pretending to be a specific detective character from a story or movie.

Examples:

  • She likes to play the detective from her favorite mystery novel.
  • He enjoys playing the detective in the murder mystery game.
  • Let's play the detective from the Sherlock Holmes series.
  • Don't play the detective on me.
  • There's no evidence of foul play, so the detective just closed the case.
  • There's no evidence of foul play, so the detective just closed the case.
  • He inspired my short play "The Fishy Detective."
  • AND NOW LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THE STATE OF PLAY IN THE DETECTIVE SKETCH.
  • And she used you to play Detective Rollins.
  • I'll play detective Bart Barley...
  • Where everyday play detectives and resolve every crime by dinner time.
  • You're not the only one to play detective.
  • I confess, the temptation to play detective was a little too strong.
  • An enthralling board game, in which we are required to play detective.
  • So I hired you to play detective to get rid of him.
  • Want to play detective, Father?
  • Now we got two guys in here who like to play detective.
  • You sit here and you play detective.
  • Unfortunately, I'm unable to play detective today, but I know somebody perfect.
  • You want me to play detective?
  • If you're going to play detective, I'd prefer you find my car.
  • Do you still see yourself, a child who plays detective.
  • You mind if I play detective?

Alternatives:

  • act as the detective
  • pretend to be the detective
  • take on the role of the detective
  • emulate a detective character
  • role-play as a detective

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