If you’re an English as an Additional Language (EAL) student navigating the world of sports-related vocabulary, you may have stumbled upon the dilemma of whether to use “go,” “do,” or “play” with different sports. Fear not! This guide will break down common sports collocations, making your language journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Sports Collocations – Go, Do, or Play?
Here’s a complete guide to using sports collocations with go, do, and play!
Go for Sports That Involve Travel
When it comes to sports that typically involve movement from one place to another, we use the verb “go.” Here are some common examples:
- Go jogging: “I try to go jogging in the park every morning to stay fit.”
- Go skiing: “During the winter vacation, we plan to go skiing in the mountains.”
- Go hiking: “Our school organizes trips to go hiking in the nearby hills.”
Remember, “go” is often associated with sports that involve personal physical activity and movement.
Do for Individual Exercise and Fitness Activities
The verb “do” is frequently used with sports and physical activities that are more individualistic and focus on personal fitness. Check out these examples:
- Do yoga: “Every evening, she likes to do yoga to relax her mind and body.”
- Do gymnastics: “My sister has been doing gymnastics since she was six years old.”
- Do Pilates: “For better flexibility, I decided to start doing Pilates twice a week.”
Use “do” when the emphasis is on personal engagement and the activity’s contribution to individual well-being.
Play for Team and Competitive Sports
When you’re talking about sports that involve teams or competitive elements, the verb “play” is your go-to choice. Here are some popular examples:
- Play soccer (football): “On weekends, we usually gather at the park to play soccer with friends.”
- Play basketball: “She loves to play basketball and dreams of joining a professional team one day.”
- Play chess: “Even though it’s a mind sport, we still say, ‘Let’s play chess.'”
“Play” is often associated with team sports or activities that have a competitive aspect.
Combining Sports Collocations for Greater Clarity
Sometimes, sports may involve a combination of verbs, depending on the context. Let’s look at a few examples:
- Go play tennis: “We decided to go play tennis at the community court this afternoon.”
- Do sports: “It’s essential to do sports regularly for a healthy lifestyle.”
- Play a sport: “He has been playing a sport since childhood but hasn’t settled on a favorite.”
Feel free to mix and match these collocations to accurately express your thoughts on various sports and activities.
Sports Collocations – Go, Do, Play
Here’s a chart with collocations related to “go,” “do,” and “play” for various sports:
| Go | Do | Play |
|---|---|---|
| Go jogging | Do yoga | Play soccer (football) |
| Go skiing | Do gymnastics | Play basketball |
| Go hiking | Do Pilates | Play tennis |
| Go swimming | Do martial arts | Play volleyball |
| Go cycling | Do aerobics | Play golf |
| Go fishing | Do weightlifting | Play cricket |
| Go skiing | Do calisthenics | Play baseball |
| Go horseback riding | Do stretching | Play badminton |
| Go kayaking | Do Tai Chi | Play table tennis |
| Go rock climbing | Do Zumba | Play hockey |
Conclusion
Navigating the world of sports-related vocabulary in English can be a bit challenging, but understanding the nuances of “go,” “do,” and “play” can significantly improve your communication skills. Whether you’re jogging in the park, doing yoga at home, or playing soccer with friends, choosing the right verb will help you convey your message with clarity. So, go ahead, do your best, and play with the language!
