played the ball vs played with the ball

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Played the ball' is commonly used in sports to refer to passing or kicking the ball, while 'played with the ball' is more general and can refer to any kind of interaction or activity involving the ball.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 891 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in sports contexts to refer to passing or kicking the ball.

"played the ball"

This phrase is commonly used in sports such as soccer, basketball, or volleyball to describe actions involving the ball, such as passing, kicking, or hitting.

Examples:

He played the ball to his teammate.
She played the ball into the penalty area.
The player played the ball with precision.

Show examples from the web [+]

You have played the ball into the political court and it is therefore a question of whether trade or health takes priority.
Ever since I was a young boy, I've played the silver ball.
Just between you and me, when the D.A. needed help with his nanny's papers, the guy played ball.
So far, he hasn't played ball with the feds.
You played ball at the rec center, 129th and Lex last night?
I barely saw him when I played ball.
Seemed strange, but I played ball.
Nate tells me you played ball with him at Colorado State.
You never played ball with promoters...
Until recently, he played ball with a shaved head, but he quit and suddenly began playing the guitar.
I know you played ball for East Beaumont.
You played ball; this is a partnership now.
I played ball in college with a guy from Indiana.
You never played ball, right?
Eric tells me you played ball together in college.
I played ball with him for years.
My brothers and I played ball games here when we were kids.
I was number four in high school when I played ball.
I always kind of wished that I'd played ball back when they used to take trains.
They call me Mr. Touchdown. I played ball for Notre Dame.

Alternatives:

passed the ball
kicked the ball
hit the ball

This phrase is correct and more general, used to describe any kind of interaction or activity involving the ball.

"played with the ball"

This phrase can be used in a variety of contexts, not limited to sports, to describe playing games, practicing skills, or simply having fun with a ball.

Examples:

The children played with the ball in the backyard.
She likes to play with the ball during recess.
He spent hours playing with the ball, perfecting his technique.

Show examples from the web [+]

So far, he hasn't played ball with the feds.
You have played the ball into the political court and it is therefore a question of whether trade or health takes priority.
I barely saw him when I played ball.
Seemed strange, but I played ball.
Nate tells me you played ball with him at Colorado State.
You never played ball with promoters...
Until recently, he played ball with a shaved head, but he quit and suddenly began playing the guitar.
I know you played ball for East Beaumont.
You played ball; this is a partnership now.
I played ball in college with a guy from Indiana.
You never played ball, right?
Eric tells me you played ball together in college.
I played ball with him for years.
My brothers and I played ball games here when we were kids.
I was number four in high school when I played ball.
I always kind of wished that I'd played ball back when they used to take trains.
They call me Mr. Touchdown. I played ball for Notre Dame.
If you'd played ball a few years ago, you'd be head of the department now.
Seems longer than that since you and Duane played ball.
You played ball or you got canceled, and those were the rules set forth by Amanda and Percy.

Alternatives:

interacted with the ball
engaged with the ball
had fun with the ball

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played the ball vs played with the ball

"played the ball"

"played with the ball"

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