Grammar fix
play up
(of a device or connection) work badly
If your wifi, phone or computer is playing up, it keeps going wrong or not working properly.
phrasal verbB1core
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
(of a device or connection) work badly
If your wifi, phone or computer is playing up, it keeps going wrong or not working properly.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- The wifi's been playing up all morning, so I can't get on any of my emails.technology
- Sorry I missed your call — my phone was playing up again.technology
Fix the pattern
Pattern: the wifi / my phone is playing up
Don't say 'the wifi is playing out' — it's 'playing up'.
Patternthe wifi / my phone is playing up