do/play sports (AmE)

Question

Hi, speaking about American English, is there any difference between:

1. Do you play (any) sports? or I used to play (some) sports...

2. Do you do (any) sports? or I used to do (some) sports...

I am confused because, for example, you can play football but you can't play "cycling" or "swimming". So, sentences no. 2 should be ok, but what about the first ones? Can "play" be used as a general verb, like "do"? Actually, I find more often "play sports" than "do sports", and when I find "play" I'm afraid sports like cycling or swimming are not involved.

Thank you very much.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

This has been discussed in other threads, eg this one:

So, do some searching and then write again if you still have questions.

Best wishes, Clive

Kooyeen · Answer

Thanks a lot Clive.

Anyway, I had already checked that thread before posting, and it confused me even more. I searched the Net for explanations and examples, I also asked some people in the chat room.

Do you play / do any sports? ( this is a general question) do and play are interchangeable, play is more common

But some people say that "play sports" refers to activities that involve competition. So:

Do you play any sports?

Yes, I play soccer/ rugby/ etc.(OK) ---- Yes, I go jogging sometimes (NOT OK) ---- No, but I go jogging sometimes (OK)

So what about swimming, or cycling? ( NOT competing, for example twice a week? ) Should I answer NO?

Actually, I'm still really confused about this matter, but I think I just need some examples in the form of question-answer(s),

Thank you very much

BarbaraPA · Answer

Hi Kooyeen,

I was thinking about this after our chat today, and I forgot to remind you that I speak "American," so there may be some big difference in how other English-speakers would address this.

Some might say that "sport' includes all form of exercise. So now I will sit back and listen to what others have to say.

Clive · Answer

Hi again,

Do you play / do any sports? ( this is a general question) do and play are interchangeable, play is more common I wouldn't say 'play' is more common. I'd say I hear 'do' more.

But some people say that "play sports" refers to activities that involve competition. True So:

Do you play any sports?

Yes, I play soccer/ rugby/ etc.(OK) ---- Yes, I go jogging sometimes (NOT OK But you won't go to jail if you say this. Don't think that we always speak English in a precise way, please. ) ---- No, but I go jogging sometimes (OK)

So what about swimming, or cycling? ( NOT competing, for example twice a week? ) Should I answer NO? I'd probably just answer 'I swim twice a week, and I cycle'.

Actually, I'm still really confused about this matter, but I think I just need some examples in the form of question-answer(s), Usually, the questioner just wants to know if you do or don't sit on the couch all week. They usually don't much care how you answer such a question.

Best wishes, Clive

Yunus · Answer

Probably doing sports and playing kind of sports. I always hear "i do winter sports or i play basketball" i didn't hear "do yo do basketball or do you play sport". they sound a little bit weird.

Kooyeen · Answer

Thank you very much Clive,

CliveBut you won't go to jail if you say this. Don't think that we always speak English in a precise way, please.

I'd probably just answer 'I swim twice a week, and I cycle'.

Usually, the questioner just wants to know if you do or don't sit on the couch all week. They usually don't much care how you answer such a question.

that's what I wanted you to say! [Y] Especially "Don't think that we always speak English in a precise way", but unfortunely that's what confuses learners most.

GrammarGeek, I forgot to tell you I' learning American English! Anyway I knew you are American. So it's all right. And thanks a lot to you too.

Teo · Answer

Play is the usual verb for games-- tennis, football, golf-- so that is the expected verb in your phrase. However, I have certainly heard do used here as well-- usually when the speaker is thinking of non-games like exercise, jogging or swimming, I s

do/play sports (AmE)

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