"playing pranks" vs "playing pranks on"

Question

"playing pranks" vs "playing pranks on"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Playing pranks on' is used when mentioning the target or recipient of the pranks, while 'playing pranks' is used more generally without specifying the target. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

This phrase is used in a general sense to describe the activity of playing pranks without mentioning the specific person or group on whom the pranks are being played.

Examples:

The children were caught playing pranks in the neighborhood.
He has a reputation for playing pranks on April Fools' Day.
She enjoys playing pranks on her siblings.
Playing pranks can be fun but also risky.
The group of friends spent the evening playing pranks on each other.

Alternatives:

pulling pranks
engaging in pranks
doing pranks
performing pranks
executing pranks

This phrase is used when you want to mention the person or group on whom the pranks are being played. It provides clarity about the target of the pranks.

Examples:

He enjoys playing pranks on his sister.
They were caught playing pranks on their classmates.
She was known for playing pranks on her friends.
The students were warned about playing pranks on the teachers.
The group was notorious for playing pranks on unsuspecting strangers.

Alternatives:

pulling pranks on
engaging in pranks on
doing pranks on
performing pranks on
executing pranks on

Answer 1

playing pranks

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to the act of playing pranks without specifying the target.

Answer 2

playing pranks on

This phrase is correct and commonly used when specifying the target or recipient of the pranks.

"playing pranks" vs "playing pranks on"

playing pranks

playing pranks on

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