Play the basketball vs Play basketball

The correct phrase is "play basketball." The phrase "play the basketball" is incorrect as we do not use an article before sports like basketball. The proper construction is to name the sport without using a preceding article.

Explained by Gregg
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 19, 2024 • 16216 views

Play the basketball

This phrase is incorrect. We do not use an article before sports like basketball.

Incorrect usage. Do not use an article before sports like basketball.

Show examples from the web [+]

I understand Lucas has asked Keith to play in the basketball game.
No matter what happens in this business of basketball, If we didn't get paid a dime, you still would play the game of basketball somewhere.
You play basketball for the Los Angeles Lakers.
All of whom l think can play basketball at the college level.
Lux won't even play basketball on the Wii.
So you say this kid Jimmy wouldn't play basketball after the coach died?
He can't even play basketball.
I still can't believe you play basketball.
I do, but I play basketball here.
I've done anything but play basketball my entire life.
I've done nothing but play basketball my entire life.
They went to go play basketball.
It's always been because you play basketball.
I have a shot to play basketball there.
I was thinking that this year I might want to play basketball.
Of course not, because you and Adam Grieves play basketball every Wednesday.
So, you really do want to play basketball.
And Barack Obama plays basketball with Eric Holder.
He plays basketball down near the boat basin.
His parents say that he went downtown to Riverside Park summer nights to play basketball.

Play basketball

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use this phrase to talk about participating in the sport of basketball.

Examples:

I love to play basketball with my friends.
She wants to play basketball professionally.
Do you play basketball at school?
Let's go outside and play basketball.
Playing basketball is a great way to stay active.

Show examples from the web [+]

Play basketball with your buddies all day and let Mia buy your shirts?
I've done anything but play basketball my entire life.
I'm not going to college to play basketball anyway.
As many of you know, I called this press conference today to announce where I plan to play basketball in college.
Now, that is how you play basketball.
Lux won't even play basketball on the Wii.
I've done nothing but play basketball my entire life.
They went to go play basketball.
I have a shot to play basketball there.
I was thinking that this year I might want to play basketball.
His parents say that he went downtown to Riverside Park summer nights to play basketball.
All right, Felix, we can play basketball.
He went to play basketball and he never came home.
That means I can play basketball with Alex.
Let's go play basketball, guys.
He couldn't play basketball, man.
Some days, it's a good day to play basketball.
I've seen Troy play basketball.
I mean, let's play basketball.
I want to play basketball too.

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Play the basketball vs Play basketball

Play the basketball

Play basketball

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