English Reference

Phrasal verb

play along

Definition

phrasal verb. to pretend to agree with someone or follow a plan, even if you do not really want to. You often do this to keep a secret or avoid an argument.

phrasal verb. to cooperate or feign cooperation with a person or scheme, typically to maintain a deception or avoid conflict. The verb is intransitive but frequently takes a prepositional phrase starting with 'with'.

Examples

“I didn't believe his story, but I decided to play along.”

“When the kids pretended the cardboard box was a spaceship, their father played along and asked for a ticket to Mars.”

“The undercover agent had to play along with the gang's illicit activities for months to gain their leader's absolute trust.”

Examples

simple

“I didn't believe his story, but I decided to play along.”

contextual

“When the kids pretended the cardboard box was a spaceship, their father played along and asked for a ticket to Mars.”

complex

“The undercover agent had to play along with the gang's illicit activities for months to gain their leader's absolute trust.”

Usage

usually followed by 'with' if you mention the person or the idea you are supporting.

Teaching tip

use role-play activities where one student has a secret and the other must 'play along' to help them keep it.

Pitfall

She played along the lie.

She played along with the lie.

the phrase requires the preposition 'with' before a noun object.

Phrasal verb

Particles

along

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

play + along (+ with + object)

Synonyms

cooperatehumourgo along withpretend

Antonyms

resistopposerefuse

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference