"play in the water" vs "play with the water"

Question

"play in the water" vs "play with the water"

Both 'play in the water' and 'play with the water' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Play in the water' is used when someone is physically in the water, like swimming or splashing around. 'Play with the water' is used when someone is interacting with the water in some way, like pouring it or using it for a game.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

This phrase is used to describe activities that occur while someone is physically in the water, like swimming, diving, or playing in a pool or at the beach.

Examples:

The children love to play in the water at the beach.
Let's go play in the water at the pool.
She enjoys playing in the water during the hot summer days.

Alternatives:

swim in the water
splash in the water
dive in the water
wade in the water
float in the water

This phrase is used to describe activities that involve interacting with the water, such as playing with water toys, pouring water, or using water for a game or activity.

Examples:

The kids like to play with the water in the bathtub.
She enjoys playing with the water hose in the garden.
They are playing with the water balloons in the backyard.

Alternatives:

interact with the water
engage with the water
have fun with the water
mess around with the water
experiment with the water

Answer 1

play in the water

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to activities that take place while physically in the water, such as swimming or splashing around.

Answer 2

play with the water

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to interacting with the water in some way, like pouring it or using it for a game.

"play in the water" vs "play with the water"

play in the water

play with the water

Related Comparisons