When Do We Use ‘Play’ with Sports?

We use the verb play for sports that involve a ball. We also use play for team sports and competitive games.

Think about sports where you ‘play a game’.

• Uso play for football.
• Uso play for basketball.
• Uso play for tennis.
• Uso play for volleyball.
• Uso play for golf.

When Do We Use 'Go' with Activities?

We use the verb go for activities that end with -ing. These are often individual activities or activities that involve moving from one place to another.

Think about activities where you 'go somewhere to do something'.

• Uso go for swimming.
• Uso go for sailing.
• Uso go for horse riding.
• Uso go for windsurfing.

Exemplos

• I play football every Saturday.
• She wants to play tennis.
• They play basketball at school.
• We go swimming in the summer.
• He likes to go sailing.
• Do you go horse riding?

Prática

Erros comuns entre falantes de espanhol

Many Spanish speakers sometimes use do ou make for activities where English uses go ou play.

For example, you might say hacer natación in Spanish. But in English, we say go swimming.

It is also common to forget the -ing ending after go.

Incorreto: I go swim.
Correto: I go swimming.

Remember, for sports with a ball, always use play.

Incorreto: I go football.
Correto: I play football.

Perguntas frequentes

Why do we say 'play football'?

Utilizamos play for football because it is a sport with a ball and it is a team game.

Why do we say 'go swimming'?

Utilizamos go for swimming because it is an activity that ends in -ing.

Is there a simple rule to remember?

Yes! Use play for sports with a ball or team games. Use go for activities that end with -ing.