with and without 'WITH'

Only #1 is correct. The verb play can't be used with an object in this sense.

You can play a game or a piano or a person, but not a ball. Of course, there's play ball, but that has different meanings.

I see. Thank you for the prompt reply!

Two things:
You will probably want to say ... "in the grass" rather than "on the grass"
Saying "in the grass" isn't wrong, but it implies that the grass is very tall. It is similar to saying "in the water." I hope that makes sense.

Regarding #2, you can say:
A child is playing ball on the grass.
However, the meaning will be slightly different. It is implying that the c

Thank you!

Let me recap (just to be sure I have got that right..)

(1) to play with a ball IN the grass does not sound "natural" in most contexts and so should be replaced with to play with a ball ON the grass

(2) it is perfectly okay to say to play with a ball IN the water/IN the pool though

Aspara GusYou can play a game or a piano or a person, but not a ball.

(1) to play a game - it is clear enough
(2) to play a musical instrument - it is quite clear too
(3) to play a person -

Could you please explain (3) in more detail?

From source#1:

• "the kids were playing cowboys and Indians"
• "She's playing Helen

MUSCOVITEplaying WITH a ball in the grass

playing ... in the grass -- The grass is taller than the child so that the child can appear to be hidden in the grass (hidden among the many stalks of grass) at times during the play. The grass need not grow very tall at all to "see an insect in the grass", but the grass would have to be very tall indeed to "se

MUSCOVITECould you please explain (3) in more detail?

It was a bad example, sorry. A person isn't the usual object of the verb.

To play someone means to manipulate. It can also mean "to use as if in playing a game, as for one's own advantage".

MUSCOVITEif children play at doctors, soldiers etc, they pretend to be doctors, soldi

Understood. Thanks again!

1. "A child is playing with a ball in the grass." is correct.

2. "A child is playing a ball in the grass." would only be correct if this child is being seriously trained to be a golfer. Here he'd be playing a ball that went into the rough.

1. "To play with a ball in the grass" would be used if it is long, un-cut, wild grass, like in a meadow or field, for instance. "To play with a ball on the grass" would be used if the grass is a well-kept lawn.

2. "To play with a ball in the water" and "to play with a ball in the pool" are okay.