Children at play

Walking the dog today, I passed a sign on a stand in the middle of a cul-de-sac that said "Caution: Children At Play", and I thought.. what a dumb sign. "At Play" turns the word Play into a place in this context when it is actually an action word. If you were at the Dentist, or at the Mall, or at McDonalds, then yes, you could say "At...", but not for this. The sign is wrong.
It could say "Caution: Children Playing", but if there are no children when you go past, that also doesn't make sense. How about "Caution: Children In Area", or maybe "Caution: Children May Be Playing" or just something simple like "Caution: Children, SLOW DOWN"

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HootyTheNightOwl

It's correct though - if children are at play, then they have gone to that specific location to play.

If you are working, you could be anywhere on Earth doing your work - if you are at work, then you are working in a pre-agreed designated location be it the office, at home or on a site.

JamesBugman · 56-60, T

@HootyTheNightOwl At Work works because work is your place of business, but At Play does not because Play is not a place it is an action. You cannot infer that Play means the cul-de-sac because that is not what a cul-de-sac is called. It is a road. Children playing on the road makes sense, but At Play is just wrong.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

A good point but really, when you design a warning-sign brevity is key even if the language suffers.

JamesBugman · 56-60, T

@ArishMell That is true but there are better ways to word it. "Children Playing" is one word shorter and correct.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@JamesBugman Yes - I'd go with that! In fact I have seen that sign in places, though usually with "Caution!" above it.

meJess · F

And on the road was a stage with children in the audience………

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