playing in vs playing on

Both "playing in" and "playing on" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Playing in" would be used when referring to being inside a particular area where a game or sport is taking place. "Playing on" would be used when referring to a surface or field where a game or sport is being played.

Explained by Camille
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: February 27, 2025 • 5740 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"playing in"

Use 'playing in' when referring to participating in a game or sport inside a specific area, such as playing in a stadium, gym, or arena.

Examples:

The team is playing in the stadium tonight.
She enjoys playing in the gym with her friends.
They are playing in the arena for the championship.
He is playing in the tennis court this afternoon.
The kids are playing in the backyard.

Show examples from the web [+]

It's a bit like being on trial, playing in Iceland.
Annie heard him playing in a bar.
He said that he was playing in a factory.
All the kids were playing in the water.
You know, there are kids playing in that park.
It's dogs and people playing in a park.
They're children playing in a field.
No, I meant playing in a band.
This agreement does not apply to players playing in any other football competition, outside England.
Chuck was playing in segregated cities.
Price of playing in the wrong backyard.
Not unless the Bears were playing in Baltimore.
Well, she is playing in New Orleans.
We're going to be playing in Sector 1215.
His soccer team is playing in the national playoff tomorrow at his stadium.
We found her playing in the yard.
You will be playing in the Sacko Bowl next week.
"No Diggity" starts playing in the background.
Rio Bravo is playing in town.
Everybody had gigs and they were playing in different clubs.

Alternatives:

participating in
competing in
engaging in

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"playing on"

Use 'playing on' when referring to participating in a game or sport on a surface or field, such as playing on a soccer field, basketball court, or tennis court.

Examples:

The children are playing on the playground.
He loves playing on the soccer field.
She is playing on the basketball court with her team.
They are playing on the tennis court this weekend.
The athletes are playing on the field for the championship.

Show examples from the web [+]

That's why I like playing on this one.
It's playing on basic fears.
Presumptuous child playing on my ship.
Malcolm X was playing on cable.
Johann Sebastian ended up playing on just about anything.
We are playing on their only real weakness.
Her playing on the dock, you watching.
This weird video started playing on the campus channel.
You're playing on my turf.
Hopefully, by playing on his anger...
No fun playing on your own.
That thing is playing on very basic fears.
Guess what is now playing on McGee TV.
In Malayer they showed him playing on TV.
That could have been the song playing on the box.
Children in Soweto playing on a trampoline.
My favourite moment was playing on garbage cans.
We were playing on the ice and the younger one fell.
CNBC was playing on the TV.
That's playing on his battlefield.

Alternatives:

competing on
engaging on
participating on

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

playing in vs playing on

"playing in"

"playing on"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text