play a game — take part in a game
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcore
to join in an activity or sport with rules, usually for fun or competition.
Say it like a native
Textbook Shall we participate in a game of cards?
Native Want to play a game of cards?
'Participate in a game' is stiff; natives 'play a game'.
Pattern: play a/the game (with someone)
In use
- After dinner, we usually play a game together as a family.daily life
- In my free time, I often play a game with my friends because it helps me relax and connect with them.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Let's do a game.
✓ Let's play a game.
You PLAY a game, not 'do' one.
Common collocations
play a game— play a game, play games, a game of, play a round of
Don't confuse it
Not used for activities like 'do homework' or 'make a cake.'