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’.

• Use play for football.
• Use play for basketball.
• Use play for tennis.
• Use play for volleyball.
• Use 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'.

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

Examples

• 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?

Practice

Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

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

Incorrect: I go swim.
Correct: I go swimming.

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

Incorrect: I go football.
Correct: I play football.

Frequently asked questions

Why do we say 'play football'?

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

Why do we say 'go swimming'?

We use 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.