Play the computer games vs Play computer games

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Play computer games" is the more common and natural way to express the action of playing games on a computer. On the other hand, "play the computer games" could refer to playing specific computer games that are being referred to in the conversation.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1930 views

This phrase is correct when referring to specific computer games that are being mentioned or are known in the context.

"Play the computer games"

Use this phrase when you want to emphasize playing particular computer games that are specified or known. It is less common than "play computer games."

Examples:

Let's play the computer games we bought last week.
I enjoy playing the computer games from my childhood.
She spends hours playing the computer games on her laptop.
We can play the computer games together this weekend.
He is addicted to playing the computer games on his phone.

Show examples from the web [+]

You can also watch movies and play with the computer game system.
You play computer games, right?
Can l play computer games now?
I bet Olivia doesn't play computer games.
Thongchai tells Pod that... ...Baby Mam comes to play computer games at the mall every day
You want him to sit and play computer games all day?
She needs to get out and play computer games every day
So she took spassky's playbook And preprogrammed the computer To play the game automatically.
You can play computer games, you can sleep, you can read on the way.
In a time when children prefer to play computer games, there is a growing need to promote active, healthy lifestyles for children and young people.
You know, I'm sure you could play this little computer game.
First of all, you know, for a long time computer games meant things like "Doom," where you're going around shooting things, very violent games, very fast, aimed at teenage boys. Right? That's who plays computer games.
I found an emulator online that lets you play classic text-based computer games from the 1980s.
Go back to your little geek cave, play your sad computer game until 5:00 in the morning, curl up on your used twin bed, pretend your blanket's a girl, make out with your pillow,
Tonight's lead story: the computer game phenomenon... distributedby allegedRussian Mafia leader Konstantine Konali...
The computer games industry in my own region represents a third of the computer games world market.
But still, you know, text-based computer games don't exactly play with the chicks.
It's the only computer game I've ever been able to play.
So, he or she sits down, animates it, and tries to anticipate what's going to happen, and then these particular animations are just played back at appropriate times in the computer game.
I was just coming out of a failed virtual reality business and supporting myself by being on the speaking circuit and writing books - after twenty years or so in the computer game industry having ideas that people didn't think they could sell.

Alternatives:

play computer games
enjoy computer games
try out computer games
engage in computer games
have fun with computer games

This phrase is the more common and natural way to express the action of playing games on a computer.

"Play computer games"

Use this phrase when talking about the general activity of playing games on a computer without specifying particular games.

Examples:

I love to play computer games in my free time.
Do you play computer games on your PC?
She spends a lot of time playing computer games.
Playing computer games helps me relax.
He is really good at playing computer games.

Show examples from the web [+]

Can l play computer games now?
In a time when children prefer to play computer games, there is a growing need to promote active, healthy lifestyles for children and young people.
You play computer games, right?
I bet Olivia doesn't play computer games.
Thongchai tells Pod that... ...Baby Mam comes to play computer games at the mall every day
She needs to get out and play computer games every day
You can play computer games, you can sleep, you can read on the way.
You want him to sit and play computer games all day?

Alternatives:

enjoy computer games
try out computer games
engage in computer games
have fun with computer games
participate in computer games

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Play the computer games vs Play computer games