Grammar fix

play down

minimise the importance or seriousness of something

To deliberately make something seem less important, serious, or bad than it really is, often to avoid attention or concern.

phrasal verbC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

The company tried to play down the impact of the data breach to avoid panic among customers.communication
In my opinion, some governments tend to play down environmental issues because they fear it might affect the economy or public confidence.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: play down + noun/gerund

WrongHe played down of the risks.

RightHe played down the risks. / He played the risks down.

'Play down' takes the object directly — no 'of'.

Patternplay down + noun/gerund

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The spokesperson sought to minimise the significance of the incident.

Natural The spokesperson played down the incident.

'Play down' is the natural verb for downplaying; 'minimise the significance' is formal/written.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

play down + seriousness
the risksthe threathis roleexpectations

Don't confuse it

'Play down' is different from simply 'ignoring' something; it means you acknowledge it but try to make it seem less important. It is also less formal than 'downplay', which is often used in written or formal contexts.

Try it in Daily Speak →