playing computer games vs playing a computer game

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Playing computer games' is used when referring to playing multiple games on a computer, while 'playing a computer game' is used when talking about playing a specific game on a computer.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 1251 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to playing multiple games on a computer.

"playing computer games"

This phrase is used when talking about engaging in the activity of playing various games on a computer.

Examples:

I enjoy playing computer games in my free time.
Playing computer games can be a fun way to relax.
She spends hours playing computer games every day.
Many people spend a lot of time playing computer games.
Playing computer games is a popular pastime for many teenagers.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jul 27, 2015 ... playing computer games In the 'olden days', computer and video games were very simple. They didn't need a lot of thinking skills and the ...
Jul 21, 2015 ... Playing computer games can help make the world a safer place. Yes, really. Maybe not blockbusters like Grand Theft Auto, but a new type of ...
Jun 23, 2015 ... One in four kids thinks playing computer games is 'exercise'. Youngsters risk becoming “hostages to handheld devices”, Youth Sport Trust ...
Nov 21, 2013 ... Scientists have discovered that playing computer games can bring players' emotional responses and brain activity into unison. By measuring ...

Alternatives:

playing games on the computer
engaging in computer gaming
enjoying computer gaming
playing video games on the computer
participating in computer game activities

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to playing a specific game on a computer.

"playing a computer game"

This phrase is used when talking about engaging in the activity of playing a particular game on a computer.

Examples:

I'm currently playing a computer game that is very challenging.
She spends hours playing a computer game she recently bought.
Playing a computer game can be a great way to unwind after a long day.
He enjoys playing a computer game that involves solving puzzles.
I usually play a computer game before going to bed.

Show examples from the web [+]

Epidemiological studies have shown that playing a computer game at night delays bedtime and shortens sleeping hours, but the effects on sleep architecture ...
Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Feb;93(2):308-13. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.110.004580. Epub 2010 Dec 8. Playing a computer game during lunch affects fullness, memory for ...
Mar 30, 2007 ... Unless of course you put up the “I am not available right now because I am playing a computer game that takes up the whole screen.” That's ...
Can playing a computer game be justified as an effective use of time? Frequently asked in. In comparison to spending time on reading, using Quora, or another ...

Alternatives:

playing a game on the computer
engaging in a computer game
enjoying a computer game
playing a video game on the computer
participating in a computer game activity

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playing computer games vs playing a computer game

"playing computer games"

"playing a computer game"

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