Grammar fix
play down
minimise the importance or seriousness of something
To deliberately make something seem less important, serious, or bad than it really is, often to avoid attention or concern.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The company tried to play down the impact of the data breach to avoid panic among customers.
In my opinion, some governments tend to play down environmental issues because they fear it might affect the economy or public confidence.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He played down of the risks.
Say: He played down the risks. / He played the risks down.
'Play down' takes the object directly — no 'of'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Play down' is the natural verb for downplaying; 'minimise the significance' is formal/written.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
play down + seriousness
- the risks
- the threat
- his role
- expectations