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the play vs a play

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "The play" is used when referring to a specific play that has already been mentioned or is known to the listener. "A play" is used when referring to any play in general or when introducing a new play.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 884 views

the play

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a specific play that has already been mentioned or is known to the listener.

Use "the play" when you are talking about a specific play that has already been mentioned or is known to the listener. It indicates a particular play that is being discussed.

Examples:

I really enjoyed the play we saw last night.
The play that won the award was outstanding.

Show examples from the web [+]

She's helping with the party for the play.
This is not just about the play.
That fight... During the play.
We booked seats for the play.
I read the play Stewie wrote.
Helen, the play is not working.
Now the play will not be ready to present to the financier tomorrow.
Dad said you're quitting the play.
And I may have just blown it with the play.
He loves the play, Arnold.
She came over to help him with the play.
Just wait here quietly and watch the play.
This camp, the play, everything.
I just came to class, and the play was starting.
They've come to see the play.
I have to work on costumes for the play.
But the play tonight shall restore the rest.
With this cold, I'm afraid I'll disturb the play.
I know the play has artistic value.
Honey, it was definitely at the play.

Alternatives:

the performance
the show
the production
the theatrical piece
the drama

a play

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to any play in general or when introducing a new play.

Use "a play" when you are talking about any play in general or when introducing a new play. It indicates a play without specifying a particular one.

Examples:

I want to see a play this weekend.
She wrote a play that was performed at the theater.

Show examples from the web [+]

So that means it's a play.
If my kid died I wouldn't watch a play.
This is a play we're both in.
We must never forget this is only a play.
Tom saw a play in the new theater.
We did White Chocolate, a play about racism.
I'm writing a play about something that happened to us.
It'll be good being in a play with you again.
It was just like a play by Feydeau.
I'm trying to convince him to produce a play.
It's a play about land girls.
I must to work, I have a play to complete.
It's for a play on Broadway.
That's a funny name for a play.
Tomorrow there is a play in the school.
She got cast in a play as an annoying Jewish girl.
In this course, all students must put on a play.
I saw him in a play with David Garrick.
I rather do a play next.
They're writing a play together.

Alternatives:

a theatrical performance
a theatrical work
a drama
a stage production
a theatrical presentation

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