Playing games, sports and instruments

The idea

Use play for games and sports, and play the before an instrument. With he or she, use plays.

Examples

• We play chess after lunch.
• She plays tennis on Sundays.
• My father plays the guitar.
• The children play in the garden.
• Do you play basketball at school?
• They play cards on the train.

Watch out

Do not add the before a sport: say play football.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct word. My brother ___ football. (play / plays)

   Show answer or example answer

   plays

   plays matches the singular subject, my brother.

2. Choose the correct word. I play ___ piano. (the / a)

   Show answer or example answer

   the

   the comes before the instrument.

3. Choose the correct word. Do they ___ chess? (play / plays)

   Show answer or example answer

   play

   play follows do in the question.

Use it today

Describe a game and an instrument you play or want to play.